Global Case Studies: Population Shifts, Climate Impacts, and Economic Development

Global Population Dynamics

China's Population History and Challenges

• 1949 Baby Boom: Significant post-war population increase.
• 1958 Crisis: Following 2 million deaths (due to flooding/famine), the population was encouraged to have babies, leading to a second baby boom.
• 1979: Implementation of the One-Child Policy.
• 2015: Policy adjusted to the Two-Child Policy.
• Current Issues: Unbalanced population ratio (more men), the 4-2-1 problem (high age dependency ratio).

Population Density and Growth Rates

• Canada: Underpopulated (2.32 people per km²), but experiencing population growth (0.7% annual increase).
• Tanzania: Overpopulated (153 people per km²).

Russia: Factors Contributing to Underpopulation

• Low fertility rate and high death rate.
• Low GDP resulting in a lack of workers.
• High abortion rates.
• Low immigration levels.

Liberia: Rapid Population Increase

• Population increased by 253% between 1950 and 2000.
• Challenges include civil war aftermath, 85% unemployment, and high infant mortality rates.

Climate and Ecosystem Case Studies

Namib Desert Characteristics

• Temperature changes significantly from East to West.
• Geography varies: Tall dunes in the South, rock desert in the North.
• Characterized by low rainfall.
• The desert is protected from exploitation, except for some crucial mining operations.

Borneo: Deforestation and Conservation

• Significant deforestation began in the 1970s.
• Known for high biodiversity and dense tree cover.
• Experiences rainfall throughout the year (January to December).
• Hot months are typically April and May.
• A conservation plan is in place to protect 250,000 km² of forest.

Bangladesh: Cyclone Alia (2009) and Flood Risk

• Cyclone Alia (Category 1) struck on May 25, 2009.
• Impact: 3 million affected, 179 deaths, and 500,000 people left homeless.
• Economic damage estimated at $40.7 million.
• The region is highly prone to flooding, monsoon rains, and flash floods.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Scale and Threats

• Dimensions: Approximately 30,000 km long and 65 km wide.
• Features: Includes 900 islands and 400 species of coral.
• Primary threat: Climate change.

Major Rivers and Delta Systems

Mississippi River: Economic Significance

• Length: 3,734 km.
• Economic output: Generated $400 billion in 2015.
• Provides highly fertile land for agriculture.
• Tourism: Attracts 11 million tourists, generating $1.2 billion annually.
• Managed by infrastructure such as dams and artificial levees.

Mekong Delta, Vietnam: Agricultural Powerhouse

• Sediment deposits extend the shoreline by 80 meters per year.
• The sediment is crucial for good farming soil.
• 90% of Vietnam's rice production originates from this soil.
• Exports: 6 million tons annually, valued at $3 billion.

Geohazards: Japan Earthquake (2011)

• Occurred in 2011 at the boundary between the Eurasian, Pacific, and Philippine plates.
• Magnitude: 9.1.
• Resulted in a tsunami with waves reaching 10 meters.
• Casualties: Approximately 18,000 deaths.
• Economic Cost: $232 billion in damages.

Development and Globalization

Nike: Global Production Model

• Headquarters: Beaverton, Oregon, USA.
• Manufacturing: Operates 15 factories in China, utilizing cheap labor.

Brazil's Economic Growth Drivers

Brazil has experienced significant growth over the past 20 years, despite poorly enforced health and safety regulations.

• In 2010, the economy grew by 7.5%.
• Growth is driven by a varied economy across many industrial sectors.
• Factors attracting investment include foreign investment, low taxes, cheap land, grants, and loans.
• A large, wealthy population contributes by spending money on goods.

Food Production and Security

Horn of Africa: Causes of Food Shortages

• Civil war and political instability.
• Widespread illness.
• Severe droughts.
• Lack of suitable soil for crops.

Bangladesh: Agricultural Strengths and Challenges

• Half of the 161 million population works in agriculture.
• Benefits: Favorable climate, reliable rainfall, and fertile soil.
• Challenge: Suffering from increasing world commodity prices.
• Mitigation: Government is investing in irrigation systems.

Sarawak, Malaysia: Palm Oil Production

• Represents 10% of Malaysia's total agricultural output.
• Conditions: High temperatures and high rainfall (tropical forest environment).
• Issue: Tropical forest deforestation driven by palm oil production.
• Economic Impact: Generates significant revenue and relies on low-paid labor.

Industries

Bangladesh Industry Profile

(Details pending)