Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Geography

Global E-waste 2014: Quantities and Resources

The amount of global e-waste — discarded electrical and electronic equipment — reached 41.8 million tonnes in 2014, according to a new United Nations University (UNU) report.

The Global E-waste Monitor 2014: Quantities, Flows and Resources provides an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy about the size of the world's e-waste challenge, ongoing progress in establishing specialized e-waste collection and treatment systems, and the outlook for the future.

The bulk of global e-waste in 2014 (almost 60%) consisted of discarded kitchen, laundry, and bathroom equipment. Personal information and communication technology (ICT) devices — such as mobile phones, personal computers, and printers —... Continue reading "Global E-waste 2014: Quantities, Resources and Value" »

What Was Felipe II's Attitude Towards Religion?

Felipe II was a staunch defender of Catholicism against Islam and Protestantism. His rule was characterized by religious intolerance, with the suppression of Protestantism and the strengthening of the Inquisition.

What Was the Purpose of Authoritarian Monarchies?

Authoritarian monarchies aimed to impose their authority on their kingdoms and limit the powers of the nobility.

What Were the Final Additions to Felipe II's Empire in 1580?

In 1580, Felipe II claimed the throne of Portugal after the death of the Portuguese king.

Which King Inherited Vast Amounts of Territory and Faced Two Revolts?

Carlos V, later known as Carlos I, inherited vast territories. His reign saw two major revolts:

• The Revolt of the

Global Demographic Challenges

In today's world, there are great inequalities and unfair situations that need to be addressed, corrected, and improved.

Population Growth Trends

The world's population is currently composed of 7.3 billion people. In 15 years, the world will have 1.2 billion more people. The growth rate varies greatly by continent:

• Africa: grows 2.5% per year
• Asia and Oceania: grow by 1% per year
• Americas: grows by 0.9%
• Europe: does not grow

Aging Populations and Youth Demographics

In recent years, developed countries have displayed a more pronounced increase in aging due to very low birth rates, which are unable to renew the population, and increases in life expectancy. The economic consequences of this demographic shift are significant,... Continue reading "Global Demographic Challenges and Cultural Diversity" »

Rural Habitats Across the World

Rural populations across the globe total 3.4 billion people, but they are decreasing quickly, especially in emerging and developing countries.

Traditional Houses and the Environment

Traditional rural houses are characterized by their use of natural materials found in the environment, as well as by their functionality:

• Stone Houses: Durable homes which are characteristic of sedentary populations.
• Mud Houses: These are made of adobe. They sometimes have a wooden frame and often have roofs made of branches.
• Wooden Houses: These are found in forest areas, such as the equatorial forests of Africa and the Americas.
• Houses of Fur and Fabric: These can be found in areas where nomadic livestock activities are carried out.
• Cave

How has the organization of the Chinese government and society since 1949 been consistent with their dynastic history over the past 2 millenia?

Collective identity, nationalism

Compare Xi to Putin in terms of techniques of consolidating power and degree of success.

Xi

Censoring Certain Words

• • Relating to Tiananmen Square

• No Term Limits

• Sweeping Tiananmen Square under the rug

Putin

• Poisoning Journalists

• Rigged Elections

• Changing the Constitution

• Controlling Media

How is Mao enabled by the political situation in China during the time of the Civil War against the Nationalists?

In 1937, Japan invaded China, which had a major impact on the Chinese Civil War. As a response to the invasion, Chiang Kai-shek and the nationalists fled into the far SW part

Mining resources in the world and in Spain

Mining resources are raw materials that have a mineral origin, although they can also be of vegetable origin (coal, petroleum). They belong to the primary sector as they are raw materials, but they are the foundation of industry (secondary sector) because they provide the minerals and the sources of energy that the secondary sector needs.

Mining areas in the world

Coal is found in the basins next to the mountain ranges that were formed some 300 million years ago, such as the Appalachians or the Ural Mountains, and other places in China, Europe and Australia.
Oil is found mainly in the countries near the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, and other countries, and is often found in close... Continue reading "Mining and Energy Resources: Global Overview and Impact on Industry" »

Protecting Earth's Resources and Ecosystems

Water Pollution and Contamination Risks

Rivers and lakes have less water volume than the seas, making pollution a very serious threat. If there is a toxic spill, the concentration of hazardous substances can be high. These substances will affect the entire river or lake, leaving the water unusable.

Vulnerability of Groundwater Sources

Aquifers: These underground reservoirs take many years to recharge or refill with water. If a pollution incident occurs, it could take a hundred years or more before the contaminant is eliminated. During this time, the contaminated water will flow into the rivers, lakes, and wells that draw water from the aquifer.

Solutions to Water Pollution

Effective strategies involve a... Continue reading "Protecting Earth's Resources: Water, Soil, and Biodiversity Conservation" »

International Diffusion of the Industrial Revolution (1815-1914)