HUMAN

GEOGRAPHY

Standards of Living

Big Question How does Canada’s standard of living

compare with those of developing countries, with reference to poverty and key indicators of human development?

Standards of Living are measured using a variety of indicators that

let us know how a county is doing. Measures like GDP, life expectancy, infant mortality and literacy rates give us an overall sense of how a country is doing compared to others.

Developing Countries (used to be called 3rd world countries) don’t

have modern infrastructure (roads/ public transport/ schools/ hospitals/ communication links) or many industries. Their economies depend on a few cash crops or other commodities. Example: Afghanistan, Mali

MALI

Mali Stats

Population: 12 millionPopulation density: 9.1 people per sq. km.Total fertility rate: 7.0 children per womanPopulation doubling time: 23 yearsPercentage urban/rural: 26% urban, 64% ruralPer capita energy use: 22 kg. oil equivalentInfant mortality: 118.7 deaths per 1,000 birthsLife expectancy: 48 (male), 49 (female)Adult illiteracy: 64% (male), 84% (female)Internet users: 30,000

Newly Industrialized Countries

(used to be called 2nd world) Are building up their infrastructure and

industries. Example: Indonesia, China, India

India

India StatsIndia StatsPopulation: 1.0 billionPopulation density: 318 people per sq. km.Total fertility rate: 3.0 children per womanPopulation doubling time: 36 yearsPercentage urban/rural: 28% urban, 72% ruralPer capita energy use: 494 kg. oil equivalentInfant mortality: 66 deaths per 1,000 birthsLife expectancy: 62 (male), 64 (female)Adult illiteracy: 32% (male), 55% (female)Internet users: 7 million

China

China Stats

Population: 1.3 billionPopulation density: 627 people per sq. km.Total fertility rate: 1.7 children per womanPopulation doubling time: 67 yearsPercentage urban/rural: 37% urban, 63% ruralPer capita energy use: 905 kg. oil equivalentInfant mortality: 32 deaths per 1,000 birthsLife expectancy: 69 (male), 73 (female)Adult illiteracy: 7.9% (male), 22.1% (female)Internet users: 46 million

Developed Countries are the wealthiest countries with modern

infrastructure and a varied economy. Example: Canada, US, Japan

United States

US Stats

Population: 292 millionPopulation density: 29 people per sq. km.Total fertility rate: 2.0 children per womanPopulation doubling time: 116 yearsPercentage urban/rural: 78% urban, 22% ruralPer capita energy use: 8,148 kg. oil equivalentInfant mortality: 6.7 deaths per 1,000 birthsLife expectancy: 74 (male), 80 (female)Adult illiteracy: 3% (male), 3% (female)Internet users: 165 million

Japan

Japan StatsPopulation: 128 millionPopulation density: 336 people per sq. km.Total fertility rate: 1.3 children per womanPopulation doubling time: 289 yearsPercentage urban/rural: 79% urban, 21% ruralPer capita energy use: 4,316 kg. oil equivalentInfant mortality: 3 deaths per 1,000 birthsLife expectancy: 78 (male), 85 (female)Adult illiteracy: 1% (male), 1% (female)Internet users: 56 million

World Life Expectancy 2005

Infant Mortality per 1000 live births

WORLD FERTILITY RATESMeasured as the average number of children each woman of child bearing age (15-45) is expected to have over her life time.

WORLD PER CAPITA GDP FIGURES 2006

UN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX, 2003

Uses life expectancy, adult literacy and per capita GDP to measure development.

UN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX, 2005

Uses life expectancy, adult literacy and per capita GDP to measure development.

Another Big Question1. What causes poverty in developing

countries?

Debt

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank were set up by the United Nations (UN) after WW II to help developing countries develop by giving them loans. The IMF and World Bank encouraged these countries to build mega projects like dams and irrigation projects to help the economy grow (increase GDP). These projects were mostly unsuccessful at getting growth and many were bad for the environment. In the 1960’s Western banks loaned more money to developing countries, especially in Africa. In many cases much of the money went to corrupt dictators and for military expenditures. Now most developing countries face crushing debt loads which make it very difficult to get ahead.

Poverty leads to more povertyBecause most developed countries are in debt they have to abide by structural adjustment programs which force them to cut spending (so they can pay back debt) and focus on exports. This leads to a cycle of poverty

They can’t invest in health care and education and other social programs that would get people to advance. They also can’t invest in infrastructure (roads, telephone lines, etc) which would make them more advanced. Exporting lots of stuff gets them money but often means that much of the arable land is used up so it can’t grow food for the local people leading to more hunger and so on.

Lack of EducationMeans people are less likely to find work (or

work that pays well). Also prevents people from learning about other things that perpetuate their poverty (ex. Birth control)

Low Status of Women

In many developing countries women are second class citizens to men. As a result they have fewer opportunities of getting educated. Women who are less educated are far more likely to have more children and to have them earlier in life. Smaller families improve the chances for economic advancement.

War

Civil wars and other conflicts are more common in developing countries and such events prevent people from living normal lives and improving their situations.

Infectious Disease: HIV/ Aids, Malaria and Tuberculosis have been spreading at alarming rates especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Reasons for this include global warming (malaria) increased urbanization leading to unsanitary living conditions and increased sex trade workers, wars and natural disasters force people to move and live in unsanitary conditions. These diseases hurt developing countries economically because sick people are not as productive (dead people are even less productive).

Yet Another Big Question1. What are possible responses to

development issues? (poverty)

Debt ReductionOne solution to developing world poverty is debt reduction. Because so much of their revenue goes to paying back debt, these countries don’t have money for the infrastructure and social programs needed by its people. In 2000 and again in 2005 the G-8 (eight of the most powerful countries in the world both economically and militarily -US, Germany, Canada, Great Britain, France, Japan, Italy and Russia) agree to forgive about 40 Billion dollars in debt to 20 of the poorest nations in the world in Africa and Latin America. Here are some examples of the effects of this debt relief:

International Aid (foreign aid) About 30% of Canada’s foreign aid money is given in tied aid which means there are conditions attached to it like how the money will be spent (ex. Forcing the recipient country to buy from Canadian companies or developing in a certain way). Canada’s foreign aid budget is administered (run) by CIDA, the Canadian International Development Agency who’s official mandate is to, “support sustainable development in developing countries in order to reduce poverty and contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world.” CIDA gives money directly to foreign governments, to NGO’s and to UN agencies like UNICEF.

UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund

Created in 1946 to help children in the aftermath of WW II, UNICEF tries to protect children from violence, ensure they have access to clean water, food, education and health care.

WHO – World Health Organization

Tries to address the world’s health problems through immunization programs, research, diagnosis and treatment.

NGO’s: Non-governmental organizations

Groups trying to improve things in developing countries. Free the Children and Oxfam are examples.

How ready are you? 1. How does Canada’s standard of

living compare with those of developing countries, with reference to poverty and key indicators of human development?

2. What causes poverty in developing countries & What are possible responses?

8. Which of the following is a characteristic of a newly industrializing country?A. decreasing GDPB. increasing fertilityC. increasing populationD. decreasing life expectancy

9. Which newspaper headline reflects the concept of tied aid?A. “Canadians and Americans send funds to Indonesia”B. “Canadian government provides aid to the Red Cross”C. “Afghanistan and Iraq request Canadian military supplies”D. “Canadian company receives profit for assistance to Rwanda”

The Demographic Transition Model, Population Pyramids

A big question about population..

Explain the significance of changes in world population with reference to population pyramids, distribution, density, and demographic transition models

Why is population growth a problem?

• We have seen exponential growth in the world’s population in the past 200 years. The more people on earth the more resources are required. Our earth has a limited carrying capacity meaning it can only sustain so many people before its natural systems start to fall apart. Many scientists believe that we have already exceeded the earth’s carrying capacity and cite as evidence mass species extinction, global climate change, air quality, desertification, loss of fish and other environmental problems. Getting world population under control is one part of the solution to our environmental problems.

Population Density

Population Density

• The number of people that live in a certain area, for example, per square km. India’s population density is high at 281 people per square km while Canada’s is quite low at 2.8 people per square km.

• Bangladesh pop dens = 1000 +. • Downtown Vancouver pop density =

20000 +

Population Distribution

Population Distribution

• The pattern of where people live in an area. Closely related to population density.

Why is it usually the poorer countries who have so many kids and hence high population growth?

• Need for large families (kids need to work)• High infant mortality (kids might die so better have lots)• Low status of women – husbands can have their way =

kids• Lack of contraception and education about contraception• Religious opposition to contraception• Lack of pension plans for old people (kids become the

pension plan)• As a country improves its standard of living, infant

mortality goes down, literacy rates go up and people become more educated causing birth rates to fall. That’s why the demographic transition model works the way it does.

How can population growth be slowed down?

• By addressing the list above – Giving women more rights, providing access to literacy education and improving health care and pension programs in poor countries.

The Demographic Transition Model!

The Demographic Transition Model!

• This model predicts that, as a country develops, high birth rates and high death rates will fall.

• This model also predicts that countries will pass through periods of industrialization and urbanization on the way to reduced birth and death rates.

• We will examine each individual stage in the demographic transition model now. Please hold your applause.

Stage OneStage one is characterized by high birth rates and high fluctuating death rates resulting in small population growth. Plagues, diseases and poor nutrition keep mortality high.

Stage Two• Stage two is characterized by improved heath care,

sanitation and increased food supplies leading to a rapid fall in death rates. Birth rates are still high, so there is a rapid increase in population numbers.

Stage Three• Stage three is characterized by a decreased growth rate

of a population. Birth rates begin to fall. Industrialization, urbanization and improved living standards lead to less desire for large families.

Stage Four• Stage four is characterized by the completion of the

transition to a low growth rate with low birth and death rates. The birth rate may fluctuate in special circumstances, such as in the post-war “baby-boom.”

Stage Five• Stage five is characterized by a lower birth than death

rate. This is happening in some European countries and in Japan. It is not known if this trend will extend to other regions.

Population Pyramids How do population pyramids work?

What we can we infer from population pyramids?

Tanzania, Africa 2002

Japan’s Population Pyramid - 2003

What a Population Pyramid Tells Us

• A population pyramid tells us what portion of a population are within a given age cohort.

70-8060-7050-6040-5030-4020-3010-20 0-10

4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4

Male Female

What they’re all about• Population

pyramids can also tell us what stage of development a country is at.

In conclusion…

• The composition of a population can tell us a lot about the country to which its citizens belong.

• What do you think Canada’s population pyramid looks like?

Do You Get It?For each of the following population

pyramids:1. Describe this countries age and sex

structure in words 2. Describe what its population is likely to

do in the future1. 3. How wealthy are this countries people

likely to be?4. How healthy are they likely to be? 5. How do you know?6. Let’s do the first one together

In conclusion…

• The composition of a population can tell us a lot about the country to which its citizens belong.

• What do you think Canada’s population pyramid looks like?

The Dependency Ratio

• The dependency ratio is the proportion of the population that is being supported by the working age-group (those aged 15-65).

• For example, while only 33 per cent of Canada’s population is either under 15 or over 65 years of age, 53 per cent of Bangladesh’s population falls under this category.

4. Which statement accurately describes Canada’s population?

A. It is predominantly rural.B. Immigration is the main reason it

continues to grow.C. Decreasing literacy rates cause

increasing social challenges.D. Large increase in births ensures that

seniors will be provided for.

The big question againExplain the significance of changes in world population with reference to population pyramids, distribution, density, and demographic transition models

5. Which of the following is a consequence of a rising dependency ratio?

A. Infant mortality rates will increase.B. Fewer workers will reach retirement age.C. Governments will need more money to

provide services.D. Developing countries will meet literacy

and health targets.

Which of the following countries has the highest birth rate?

a. Canadab. Rwandac. Indiad. Germany

What stage of the demographic transition model is characterized by high birth rates and high fluctuating death rates resulting in small population growth?

Why would it be beneficial to know how many people in a given population are within each age cohort?

The Global Environment

The last two big questions What are the causes, effects and

solutions of global warming and ozone depletion?

What are the threats to water quality and supply in Canada and how can these problems be solved?

Global Warming (More accurately called global climate change)

CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING The earth naturally heats and cools.

However there is mounting scientific evidence that humans are impacting the climate through increased emissions of greenhouse gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N20) Ozone (03) and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s). These gases naturally trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere (which is a good thing because without them we’d be in an ice age). But since these gases have been increasing in concentration over the past 150 years (especially CO2) the temperature on earth has gone up and most scientific evidence suggests that unless we decrease the emissions of the pollutants listed above, the effects could be devastating.

Greenouse Gases Contr...0%

10%20%30%40%50% Carbon Dioxide

CFC's

Methane

Ozone

Nitrous Oxide

EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING Rising sea levels, decreased fish

stocks due to warmer water, extinctions of species who can’t adapt, increased forest fires, increased drought, increased tropical diseases like malaria, more extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods…

China. Farm woman in Guangdong Province, China carries water a kilometer when wells and ponds providing water to her family for 100's of years dry up in severe drought tied to global warming.

Tuvalu kids hang out on their "kaupapa," the outdoor sleeping platform favored by Tuvaluan families, as very high tides inundate their neighborhood, Feb 9, 2005. Tuvalu, a low lying island nation 1000 km north of Fiji, is threatened by rising sea level, an effect of global warming.

Marr Ice Piedmont calving into Arthur Harbor on Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula, April 2000. This glacier has receded about 500 M (across the entire frame from left to right) since the late 1960's when the American Science base here, Palmer Station, was established. Scientists measuring Antarctic glaciers with lasers, lidar, photographic overflights, and satellite sensors see hundreds of glaciers moving faster, thinning, and calving into the sea.

Bangladeshis on edge of eroding village south of Dhaka, only about a meter away from inundation by the next storm or flood. A one-meter rise in sea level will displace 20 million people and flood 10 percent of Bangladesh

Big Picture Solutions: About 180 countries (including

Canada) signed the Kyoto protocol in 1997 in which developed countries agreed to cut emissions of greenhouse gases by 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012. The US dropped out in 2001.Canada has said that it won’t meet its targets. In December of 2007 countries again met in Bali and agreed to a new round of negotiations on Global Warming.

Three countries—the U.S., India, and China—have plans in the next decade to build up to 850 new coal-fired plants, with an average capacity of 386 Megawatts. Together these plants would burn about 900 million tons of coal each year, producing about 2.5 billion tons of CO2. How many coal plants could we replace if we turned to carbon-free renewables instead?

Individual Solutions Drive less, drive a more fuel efficient

car, make you home more energy efficient (light bulbs/ insulation/ high efficiency appliances), buy local, organic produce, Eat less meat (CH4)

OZONE DEPLETION Cause: Caused by CFC’s

(chlorofluorocarbons) released into the atmosphere from things like older air conditioners, refrigerators, foams and aerosol spray bottles.

Effects: Have lead to a hole on the ozone layer above the north and south poles and a thinning of the layer in general increasing the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation leading to more skin cancer and harmful effects to plants and animals.

Solution: Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987 agreeing to ban CFC’s. Although initially levels of CFC’s kept increasing by 2000 positive effects were being felt and the ozone layer has actually begun repairing itself. This is a good example of the world community successfully addressing an environmental problem. The problem is not solved by we’re on our way it seems.

Fresh Water Quality and Supply

Fresh water is abundant but unevenly distributed in Canada and around the world.

Threats to Water Quality and Supply in Canada and Around the World

1. Contamination of Water The biggest problem with surface water is

contamination. Humans contaminate such water through:

Toxic runoff from garbage dumps, oil from cars, etc.

Disposal of sewage and agricultural and industrial wastes – farmers chemical fertilizers and herbicides/ factories discharge wastes into rivers

2. Misuse of Water

Drain of aquifers – a significant amount of water humans use for farming, drinking and industry come from aquifers (naturally occurring underground water reserves). When we use too much of these they lose their water. Also as aquifer’s water table drops we have to drill deeper and end up with arsenic and other minerals that are harmful.

Solutions to Threats to Canada’s Water Quality and

Supply Conservation – industry, agriculture and

private citizens (that’s you) need to use less water. This can be done through new technologies like low flow toilets and drip irrigation for farming and cutting back on unnecessary use. The Canadian gov’t could regulate the use of groundwater (charge for it so there’s incentive to conserve).

Treatment of water pollution – factories, sewage treatment plants need to treat their sewage so it’s harmless once it gets into rivers and oceans.

The last two big questions again:

What are the causes, effects and solutions of global warming and ozone depletion?

What are the threats to water quality and supply in Canada and how can these problems be solved?

10. Which is a correct cause-and-effect pairing?A. sprinkler restrictions decreased aquifersB. increased deforestation reduced floodingC. ban on herbicides less contaminated ground

waterD. filters for pulp mill effluent less successful

salmon spawning

12. Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding global warming?

A. CO2 emissions have decreased over the past ten years.

B. Global warming is most severe in the developing world.

C. Developed nations produce the most CO2 emissions per capita.

D. Global warming has caused skin cancer rates to increase dramatically.

1. Describe realistic strategies that Canadians could take to reduce theirnegative impact on land, water and the atmosphere.

• Land/Water• • reducing household waste — less material going into

landfill which could potentially• contaminate soil and water• • pressuring their governments to increase recycling

programs• • reducing their use of household hazardous wastes (e.g.,

cleaners, pesticide, etc.) which• could potentially contaminate soil and water• • building of waste treatment plants (sewage, etc.) that

more thoroughly treat waste before• it is released into the water supply• • calling on governments to pass stricter laws on the

dumping of waste into the water• supply (e.g., sewage plants, pulp mills, and other

industries)• • carefully controlling the spread of cities into natural

areas with potential for water• contamination to occur• • water conservation techniques: lawn sprinkling

restrictions, low-flow faucets and toilets• • non-toxic herbicides, insecticides and pesticides used

in agriculture• • education through government funds• • promote practise of 3 R’s (reduce, re-use, recycle)

• Atmosphere• • planting/replanting trees to absorb carbon dioxide from the

atmosphere (reduces• global warming)• • participating in “Energy Smart” types of programs around

their house to reduce their• electrical and fossil fuel usage• • embrace low or zero emission alternative energy sources

(solar, wind, geothermal, tidal,• etc.) to reduce carbon dioxide emissions• • join with other countries in reducing atmospheric emissions

(e.g., Kyoto Protocol —• global warming; Montreal Protocol — ozone layer depletion)• • purchasing automobiles with cleaner emission technology

(e.g., hybrid engines, hydrogen• fuel cell, etc.)• • carpooling — in order to reduce fossil fuel use (reduces

contribution to global warming• and acid rain); provide tax incentives• Social Studies 11 – 2006/07 Release Exam List of Possible

Responses Page 2• • governments could pass laws that include stricter guidelines

and enforcement of• atmospheric emissions with heavier fines to deter would-be

offenders• • refrain from purchasing products that contain CFCs or have

used CFCs in their• production — reduces impact on the ozone layer• • provide funding/subsidies for alternate energy programs• • encourage sustainable development practices• • educate public through government advertisements• • tax advantage for zero-emission equipment• • promote sustainability practices through school curricula