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6th Grade Social Studies: World Geography and Global Issues SS060501 Unit 5: Human/Environment Interaction Lesson 1

Michigan Citizenship Collaborative Curriculum of 25 Copyright © 2010-2014 Oakland Schools December 19, 2013

Graphic Organizer

Using the

Environment

Human - Environment Interaction

Adapting to the

Environment Modifying

the Environment



Big Idea Card

Big Ideas of Lesson 1, Unit 5

• Human-environment interaction is one of the five themes of geography.

• Under the theme of human-environment interaction, geographers investigate how people use, adapt to, and modify the environment.

• Human-environment interactions take place at all spatial scales from the local to the global.

• Global problems such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, and resource depletion can be investigated through the geographic theme of human-environment interaction.



Word Cards

1 cultural adaptation

patterns of behavior that enable a culture to cope with its surroundings or when an individual modifies his/her customs to fit in to a particular culture Example: Cultural adaptation is reflected in the types of housing people use because of their surroundings or when individuals change their clothing to fit in with a different culture.

(SS060501)

2 cultural landscape the visible features of an area of land as modified by humans showing the imprint of a cultural group Example: Buildings, bridges, cell towers, and other human features make up cultural landscapes.

(SS060501)

3 human-environment interaction

the geographic theme that explores how people use, adapt to, and modify the environment.

Example: Human/environment interaction can be used to explain what caused the drying of the Aral Sea.

(SS060501)



Reviewing Human-Environment Interaction

Using the Environment Modifying the Environment

Our Community

Michigan

The United States

The World



PowerPoint Notes page 1

1. Describe what you see in this photograph (SLIDE 2) 2. Where do you think this place is? (SLIDE 2) 3. What do you think caused the Aral Sea to shrink? (SLIDE 4) 4. On what continent is the Aral Sea? ______________________________ (SLIDE 5) 5. In what country or countries is the Aral Sea? (SLIDE 5) 6. How might the fact that the Aral Sea is shared by two countries make it challenging to solve the

problem of the drying up of the sea? (SLIDE 5) 7. Describe what is happening to the Aral Sea between 2000 and 2009 (SLIDES 6-15) 8. What might have caused the Aral Sea to have more water in 2010? (SLIDE 16) 9. What might have caused the Northern Aral Sea to have more water in 2006? (SLIDES 19 AND 20)



The Shrinking of the Aral Sea In the 1960s, the Soviet Union undertook a major water diversion project on the arid plains of

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The region’s two major rivers, fed by snowmelt and

precipitation in faraway mountains, were used to transform the desert into farms for cotton and other

crops. Before the project, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya rivers flowed down from the mountains, cut

northwest through the Kyzylkum Desert, and finally pooled together in the lowest part of the basin. The

lake they made, the Aral Sea, was once the fourth largest in the world.

Although irrigation made the desert bloom, it devastated the Aral Sea. In 2000, the lake was

already a fraction of what it was in 1960. The Northern Aral Sea

(sometimes called the Small Aral Sea) had separated from the Southern

(Large) Aral Sea. The Southern Aral Sea had split into eastern and

western lobes that remained tenuously connected at both ends.

By 2001, the southern connection had been severed, and the

shallower eastern part retreated rapidly over the next several years.

Especially large retreats in the eastern lobe of the Southern Sea appear

to have occurred between 2005 and 2009, when drought limited and

then cut off the flow of the Amu Darya.

As the lake dried up, fisheries and the communities that depended on them collapsed. The

increasingly salty water became polluted with fertilizer and pesticides. The blowing dust from the exposed

lakebed, contaminated with agricultural chemicals, became a public health hazard. The salty dust blew off

the lakebed and settled onto fields, degrading the soil. Croplands had to be flushed with larger and larger

volumes of river water. The loss of the moderating influence of such a large body of water made winters

colder and summers hotter and drier.

In a last-ditch effort to save some of the lake, Kazakhstan built a

dam between the northern and southern parts of the Aral Sea. Completed

in 2005, the dam was basically a death sentence for the southern Aral Sea,

which was judged to be beyond saving. All of the water flowing into the

desert basin from the Syr Darya now stays in the Northern Aral Sea.

Between 2005 and 2006, the water levels in that part of the lake rebounded

significantly and very small increases are visible throughout the rest of the

time period. The differences in water color are due to changes in sediment.

Adapted from: Shrinking of the Aral Sea. Earth Observatory. NASA. 3 December 2013

<http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WorldOfChange/aral_sea.php>.

Aral Sea in 2012

Aral Sea in 2000

Northern (Small) Aral Sea

Southern (Large) Aral Sea

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WorldOfChange/aral_sea.php



The Aral Sea Identifying Causes and Effects

Drying Up of the Aral Sea

Cause Cause

Effect Effect Effect Effect Effect Effect



The Aral Sea Identifying Causes and Effects – Sample Answers

Drying Up of the Aral Sea

Cause Cause

Effect Effect Effect Effect Effect Effect

Diversion of rivers for

irrigation

Drought

The fishing industry

collapsed.

Communities dependent on

fishing collapsed.

Water pollution

Soil damage

from salty dust

Health problems from dust

on the lakebed

Local climate change



2004

This theme asked that we make a choice as to how we want to treat the Earth’s seas and oceans. Oceans cover 70 percent of the world´s surface and more than 90 percent of the world´s living biomass - from seaweed to blue whales - is found in the oceans. More than 3.5 billion people depend on the seas for their primary source of food. The numbers could double in 20 years. More than 70 percent of the world´s marine fisheries are fished up to or beyond their sustainable limit. Stocks of fish such as tuna, cod, swordfish and marlin have declined by up to 90 percent in the past century.



2005

When roads and buildings replace natural land cover, urban air

temperatures can exceed those of the surrounding countryside by as much

as 41ºF (5ºC). Creation or preservation of green spaces in cities can lessen

this so-called heat-island effect. Green areas in urban settings also

produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and enhance air quality; provide

storm water control; and provide habitat for urban wildlife. Well-managed

urban settlements can support growing urban populations by limiting their

impact on the environment and improving their health.



2006

This theme emphasized the importance of protecting drylands, which

cover more than 40% of the planet’s land area. This ecosystem is home to

one-third of the world’s people.

Desertification is defined by the UN Convention to Combat

Desertification as “land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid

areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and

human activities.” Land degradation in dry lands is defined as the reduction

or loss of the biological or economic productivity of dry lands. It affects one

third of the Earth’s surface and more than 1 billion people.

The consequences of desertification and drought include food

insecurity, famine and poverty. The ensuing social, economic, and political

tensions can create conflicts, cause more impoverishment, and further

increase land degradation. Growing desertification worldwide threatens to

increase by millions the number of poor forced to seek new homes and

livelihoods.



2007

The futures of hundreds of millions of people across the world will be

affected by declines in snow cover, sea ice, glaciers, permafrost, and lake

ice. Effects are likely to include significant changes in the availability of

water supplies for drinking and agriculture. Additionally, rising sea levels

may affect low lying coasts and islands. An estimated 40 percent of the

world's population could be affected by loss of snow and glaciers on the

mountains of Asia. Similar challenges are facing countries, communities,

farmers, and power generators in the Alps to the Andes and the Pyrenees.



2008

Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy

Recognizing that climate change was becoming the defining issue of our

era, this theme asked countries, companies, and communities to focus on

greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World

Environment Day in 2008 highlighted resources and initiatives that

promoted low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy

efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation, and eco-friendly

consumption.



2009

Climate change will affect many aspects of the environment. Globally,

there will be more extreme weather including drought, flooding, disruption

and destruction of plant and animal species, the spread of diseases and

other natural disasters. These consequences make the issue of climate

change a major concern to all.

Halting climate change will require a commitment from everyone because

humans are causing the damage. Green technologies and habits should

replace carbon emitting, fuel-guzzling practices. Responsible use of water,

energy, and recycling on the part of individuals can go a long way in saving

our future from catastrophes and devastation.



2010

This theme echoed the urgent call to conserve the diversity of life on our

planet. A world without biodiversity is a very bleak prospect. Millions of

people and millions of species all share the same planet, and only together

can we enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

A total of 17,291 species are known to be threatened with extinction –

from little-known plants and insects to charismatic birds and mammals. This

is just the tip of the iceberg; many species disappear before they are even

discovered.

The reason? Human activities. With our present approach to

development, we have caused the clearing of much of the original forest,

drained half of the world’s wetlands, depleted three quarters of all fish

stocks, and emitted enough heat-trapping gases to keep our planet warming

for centuries to come. We have put our foot on the accelerator, making

species extinctions occur at up to 1000 times the natural rate.



2011

Forests cover one third of the earth's land mass, performing vital functions

and services around the world which make our planet alive with possibilities. In

fact, 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. They play a key role

in our battle against climate change, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while

storing carbon dioxide.

Forests feed our rivers and are essential to supplying the water for nearly

50% of our largest cities. They create and maintain soil fertility. They help to

regulate the often devastating impact of storms, floods and fires. Forests are

home to more than half of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

They are the green lungs of the earth, vital to the survival of people everywhere -

- all seven billion of us.

Moreover, they embody so much of what is good and strong in our lives.

Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health

benefits, we are destroying the very forests we need to live and breathe.



2012

There were two components to this theme. The first tackled

the subject of the Green Economy. The UN Environment

Programme defines the Green Economy as one that results

in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly

reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its

simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one

which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.

The second part of the theme questioned what this all meant

for individuals. The idea was if the Green Economy is about social

equity and inclusiveness then technically it is all about you! The

question therefore asked one to find out more about the Green

Economy and assess whether, in their country, they were being

included in it.



2013

This theme is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign. According

to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), every year 1.3 billion

tons of food is wasted. This is equivalent to the same amount produced in

the whole of sub-Saharan Africa. At the same time, 1 in every 7 people in

the world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under the age of

5 die daily from hunger.

Given this enormous imbalance in lifestyles and the resultant

devastating effects on the environment, the year’s theme – Think. Eat.

Save – encouraged people to become more aware of the environmental

impact of the food choices they make and empowers them to make

informed decisions.

While the planet is struggling to provide us with enough resources to

sustain its 7 billion people, FAO estimates that a third of global food

production is either wasted or lost. Food waste is an enormous drain on

natural resources and a contributor to negative environmental impacts.



Identifying Global Problems Relating to Human/Environment Interaction

What global problem was the focus of the year?

What is one reason it is a global problem?

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013



Identifying Global Problems Relating to Human/Environment Interaction Sample Answers

What global problem was the focus of the year? What is one reason it is a global problem?

2004 Ocean pollution More than 70 percent of the world´s marine fisheries are fished up to or beyond their sustainable limit.

2005 Loss of green space in cities When roads and buildings replace natural land cover, urban air temperatures can exceed those of the surrounding countryside by as much as 41ºF (5ºC).

2006 Desertification and other dry land issues

The consequences of desertification and drought include food insecurity, famine and poverty.

2007 Effects that climate change was having on polar ecosystems and communities

Climate change can cause rising sea levels that can affect low lying coasts and islands.

2008 Greenhouse gas emissions Greenhouse gas emissions have led to climate change.

2009 Climate change Globally, there will be more extreme weather including drought, flooding, disruption and destruction of plant and animal species.

2010 Biodiversity A total of 17,291 species are known to be threatened with extinction.

2011 Destruction of forests We need trees because they play a key role in our battle against climate change.

2012 How a Green Economy can help lower environmental risks

We have a lot of environmental problems that could be reduced with a Green Economy.

2013 Food waste and food loss Every year 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted.



Analyzing Cartoons

#1

#2

Polar Bear Earth Day Cartoon. Political Humor. About.com. 15 April 2013 <http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/environment/ig/Environment-Cartoons/Polar-Bear-Earth-Day.05Pg.htm>.

Climate Change Cartoon. Mankind and Climate Change. Political Humor. About.com. 15 April 2013 <http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/globalwarming/ig/Global-Warming-Cartoons/Mankind-and-Climate-Change.0ywq.htm>.

http://0.tqn.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/4/h/2/polar-bear-earth-day.jpg

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/environment/ig/Environment-Cartoons/Polar-Bear-Earth-Day.05Pg.htm

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/globalwarming/ig/Global-Warming-Cartoons/Mankind-and-Climate-Change.0ywq.htm

http://0.tqn.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/4/h/2/polar-bear-earth-day.jpg�



#3

#4

Dithering on Climate Change. Political Humor. About.com. 15 April 2013 <http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/globalwarming/ig/Global-Warming-Cartoons/Dithering-on-Climate-

Global Warming Cartoon. Global Warming Myth. Political Humor. About.com. 15 April 2013 <http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/globalwarming/ig/Global-Warming-Cartoons/Global-Warming-Myth.05VG.htm>.

http://0.tqn.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/4/A/2/global-warming-myth-tmwha080610.gif

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/globalwarming/ig/Global-Warming-Cartoons/Dithering-on-Climate-Change.0ys1.htm

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/globalwarming/ig/Global-Warming-Cartoons/Dithering-on-Climate-Change.0ys1.htm

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/globalwarming/ig/Global-Warming-Cartoons/Global-Warming-Myth.05VG.htm

http://0.tqn.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/4/A/2/global-warming-myth-tmwha080610.gif�



Analyzing Cartoons

Number What point is the cartoonist trying to make?



Dr. Roberta Bondar — the first neurologist in space and Canada’s first woman astronaut — flew in the space shuttle in January 1992. For the next ten years she headed an international space medicine research team working with NASA to support two dozen missions on the space shuttle and the MIR space station and now has her own foundation which aims to inspire environ-mental learning through the art of photography.

My quiet epiphany took place as I floated in space far removed from the sounds, smells and tastes of Earth, touched only by the clothes on my body. My first view of the planet was, not surprisingly, over water, the sunlight reflecting from the glistening blue sheet of the Pacific Ocean, though I couldn’t hear the surf or taste the salt in the air. The light was piercing in its clarity with no atmosphere to soften the sun’s rays. The earth’s blue sky had been replaced by black,

bordered by a thin band of fuzzy bright blue around the edge of the planet itself. After observing the planet for eight days from space, I have a deeper interest and respect for the forces that shape our world. Each particle of soil, each plant and animal is special. I also marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of our own species, but wonder why we all cannot see that we create our future each day, and that our local actions affect the global community, today as well as for generations to come. From space, to see the planet without humans certainly can be disconcerting. But we must come back to Earth changed, for only when we are on its surface can we see precious plants, trusting animals, and delicate butterflies. Humans should show their respect and admiration rather than bring destruction and extinction. Because we have developed frightening technologies and evolved quickly into a resource-depleting species, we have the ultimate responsibility of protecting others from ourselves. We must understand that, though an integral part of the environment, we are observers and change-agents. We can induce and produce change in the environment, positively or negatively. Adapted from: Roberta Bondar. Our Planet: Global Commons – The planet we share. United Nations Environment Programme. Pp. 34-36. 3 December 2013 <http://www.unep.org/pdf/op_sept_2011/EN/OP-2011-09-EN-FULLVERSION.pdf>.

ROBERTA BONDAR

http://www.unep.org/pdf/op_sept_2011/EN/OP-2011-09-EN-FULLVERSION.pdf



Comprehending Text

Explain the meaning of these vocabulary terms in your own words:

epiphany

particle

disconcerting

integral

Explain the main idea of each of the paragraphs in the text selection:

1

2

3

4

What led Dr. Roberta Bondar to have the opinions she expresses in this text selection?

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