Edexcel IGCSE Geography Fragile environments

What is a fragile environment?

An environment vulnerable to change and may struggle to recover from the changes.

What can cause damage and changes in fragile environments?

Both natural events such as volcanic eruptions or tropical cyclones and human activity.

Are fragile environments impacted by global warming?

All fragile environments are impacted by the changes in climate caused by global warming.

What are examples of fragile environments?

Arid and semi-arid environments, tropical rainforest, cold environments, coral reefs

How does lack of precipitation affect arid and semi-arid environments?

It reduces the environment's ability to recover if damaged

What are the challenges faced by tropical rainforests as fragile environments?

Deforestation and wildfires lead to large areas being cleared, infertile soils make it difficult for plants to re-establish

How do low temperatures impact cold environments as fragile environments?

Low temperatures reduce the ability of the environment to recover as plants cannot regrow

What threats do coral reefs face as fragile environments?

Pollution and damage by tourists kill the coral and it struggles to re-establish

What is desertification?

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

What are some causes of desertification?

Drought, deforestation, and inappropriate agriculture.

How does soil erosion affect nutrients?

Soil erosion leads to the loss of nutrients, making it difficult for plants to establish and grow.

What is the impact of unpredictable rainfall patterns?

Unpredictable rainfall patterns can lead to drought, causing vegetation to die due to lack of water.

How does reduced vegetation affect soil nutrients?

Reduced vegetation means fewer nutrients are added to the soil through the decomposition of dead organic matter.

What is the consequence of short, intense rainfall bursts?

Short, intense rainfall bursts lead to increased surface runoff and soil erosion.

What is overgrazing and how does it contribute to desertification?

Overgrazing leads to the depletion of vegetation due to excessive animal grazing, preventing the land from recovering.

How does over-cultivation contribute to desertification?

Over-cultivation depletes nutrients from the soil because all nutrients are taken up by crops, leaving none for future vegetation growth, contributing to desertification.

Explain how deforestation contributes to desertification.

Deforestation removes shade from the soil, leading to increased soil erosion, reduced infiltration, and interception, which contributes to desertification.

How does overpopulation impact desertification?

Overpopulation increases pressure on the land as more animals are raised and more crops are grown, contributing to desertification.

Impacts of Desertification

It affects 168 countries
The livelihoods of 2 billion people are affected by desertification
Of the people affected 90% live in developing countries
If desertification continues at the current rate an estimated 50 million people could be displaced by 2030

How does desertification impact nutrition?

Malnutrition as people are not able to get the nutrients they need to be healthy

What is the consequence of food shortages during desertification?

Famine when food shortages become widespread and sustained

What is a common outcome of desertification that leads to migration?

Migration due to the lack of food

What social issue can arise between migrants and the local population during desertification?

Conflict between migrants and the local population

How does desertification affect farmers' income?

Decreasing income for farmers as they cannot grow enough crops or raise enough livestock to sell

What is a consequence of desertification in rural areas?

Increased rural poverty

What is a result of desertification in affected communities?

Dependence on aid

How does desertification impact community development?

Decreased investment in communities due to lack of money

What is one environmental impact of desertification related to plant growth?

Reduced plant growth as the soil nutrients are depleted

How does desertification affect biodiversity?

Loss of biodiversity as the plant and animal species decrease

What is one consequence of desertification on rivers?

Sedimentation in rivers as the soil is washed into the water system

What activity is increased due to desertification?

Increased deforestation as new areas are cleared

Marginal land

Land on edge of places where possible to farm

Solutions to desertification

Afforestation
Crop rotation
Fencing
Terracing
Medical care

What is afforestation?

Planting seeds or trees to create a forest on land that has not been a forest recently.

What is afforestation used for?

To make a forest on land that has not been forest recently

Why can afforestation reduce desertification

Roots bind the soil, therefore preventing soil erosion and reducing desertification
Trees provide shade so stop soil from drying out
Leaves fall from trees and build up the soil, adding nutrients.

What is crop rotation?

The practice of rotating use of different fields from crop to crop each year.

Why is crop rotation important?

To avoid exhausting the soil.

Why is crop rotation used to reduce desertification

Different crops use different nutrients and allow soil to recover.
Some put nitrogen back into the soil.

Fencing

to stop animals grazing on marginal land

why is fencing used to reduce desertification

Reduces over-grazing and stops animals feeding on crops, trees plants

Terracing

Carving small, flat plots of land from hillsides to use for farming

Why is terracing used to reduce desertification

Increases area you can use and able to farm marginal land.
Increases food production
Each step reduces surface runoff therefore more soil moisture.

Why does medical care reduce desertification (contraception)

Reduces rate of population growth reducing overpopulation
Hard to change cultural values
Increased medical care= Lower infant mortality, so lower birth rates.

Stone walls management strategy (Local)

Build lines to trap water and spread it out
Allows deposition of nutrient-rich soil

What is one benefit of managing Acacia plantations in Sahel region?
(International)

Sap from acacia can be sold as a form of income.

What environmental advantage do Acacia trees offer due to their roots?

Acacia trees bind the soil, prevent soil erosion, and remove CO2 from the air.

How do Acacia plantations contribute to soil health?

Acacia plantations help restore soil fertility.

work of UNICEF (medical aid)

Fortified food to avoid malnutrition, training healthcare workers.
However, not dealing with root cause

What is the Great Green Wall Project?

A planned project to plant a wall of trees across Africa at the southern edge of the Sahara desert to prevent desertification.

What are the potential benefits of the Great Green Wall Project?

It aims to generate new economy and reduce out-migration.

What is one of the reasons some countries are not participating in the Great Green Wall Project?

Civil wars in some countries hinder their participation in the project.

deforesta

The felling and removal/clearance of trees

What is one cause of deforestation related to water resources?

Hydropower to make space for dams and reservoirs

What is one cause of deforestation related to extracting minerals?

Mining to make space for mining equipment and buildings

What is one cause of deforestation related to agriculture?

Agriculture for grazing or planting crops

What is one cause of deforestation related to human settlements?

Settlement to make space to build houses

What is one cause of deforestation related to the wood industry?

Timber for furniture/building/paper

What is one cause of deforestation related to infrastructure development?

Roads to gain access to transport resources and people

Where are tropical rainforests mostly located?

Near the equator, between the tropics

What are the characteristics of the climate in tropical rainforests?

High rainfall, high levels of sunlight, high levels of evaporation, leading to cloud formation

What are the characteristics of the soil in tropical rainforests?

The nutrient layer in the soil is thin because of the quick removal of nutrients by vegetation. Dead vegetation releases nutrients.

What impact does farming have on the soil quality?

Farming removes nutrients, therefore soil becomes degraded, leading to soil erosion, which may lead to desertification.

How does deforestation affect soil?

No roots bind soil, making it more susceptible to erosion.

What is the consequence of soil erosion caused by deforestation?

Soil can end up in rivers, leading to sedimentation and increased flooding.

Why do farmers use fertilizers when soil is nutrient-poor due to deforestation?

Nutrient-rich soil is lost, so farmers compensate by using fertilizers.

What environmental issue can arise from the use of fertilizers due to deforestation?

Eutrophication can occur, causing algal blooms that block sunlight and oxygen in rivers.

Impact of deforestation on flooding

Increased risk of flooding due to increased sedimentation of rivers reducing their capacity

How does deforestation impact biodiversity?

Decreased biodiversity due to the planting of monocultures.

What is one consequence of setting fire to clear deforested areas?

Loss of habitat for many species.

Impact of deforestation on atmospheric CO2 levels

Increased CO2 in the atmosphere due to fewer trees using CO2 in photosynthesis
Less carbon sinks

Impact of deforestation on soil erosion

Increased soil erosion as a result of decreased interception

impacts of deforestation on precipitation

Reduced levels of precipitation due to decreased transpiration

Social impacts of deforestation on indigenous communities, food and medicine

Indigenous communities have less land to sustain their traditional way of life this means:

Land does not get the opportunity to recover

Less food available

Indigenous communities may give up their way of life leading to a loss of culture and traditions

Loss of potential medicines

How does deforestation impact the quality of life for some settlers?

Improved quality of life due to increased income and jobs

What are the risks of deforestation on settlements?

Increased risk of landslides, flooding, and destruction of homes and roads

What are some economic benefits of deforestation?

More jobs available in mining, forestry, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation

How does deforestation contribute to a country's income?

Increased income through the export of goods like minerals, timber, and crops from the forest

What percentage of Brazil's GDP comes from deforested areas of the Amazon?

Almost a quarter (25%)

How can a rainforest be managed sustainably

selective logging, replanting, ecotourism, international hardwood agreements, education, reducing debt, conservation

How do countries protect rainforests?

By setting up national parks and nature reserves within rainforest areas.

What is one challenge in protecting rainforests from hunting and poaching?

Lack of funds or legal restrictions that make it hard to fully protect these areas. High cost

How can governments support conservation efforts?

By collaborating with global NGOs like the WWF and providing financial aid, such as Norway's contribution to Brazil's Amazon Fund.

What is the role of education in combating deforestation?

To raise awareness internationally and locally, educating people about the impact of deforestation and promoting sustainable practices.

How does ecotourism contribute to rainforest conservation?

By helping protect and conserve areas, while also educating tourists about the impact of deforestation.

International agreements

To conserve rainforest
EU provides money to protect rainforest
Ecuador: In return for lots of money, will stop drilling oil, and commit to reforestation.
However, this idea failed
Ecuador needed money and had to exploit resources to do so.

What are some characteristics of sustainable settlements in ecotourism?

Resourced from local wood, use rainwater, minimal impact on the environment, small scale tourism, local people employed

How does ecotourism benefit biodiversity in forests?

Tourists only access a small part of the forest, rest is undisturbed, promoting biodiversity

Where does the money from ecotourism often go?

Conservation projects in the area

What is a drawback of ecotourism in terms of environmental impact?

High carbon footprint due to extensive travel on planes

What is the purpose of a banana circle in agriculture?

Waste is put in the middle of banana trees to decompose and release nutrients for trees.

How does planting trees in a circle impact the area?

Planting trees in a circle reduces the area.

What does certification of wood and paper products indicate?

Certified wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forests as defined by a particular standard.

What is the potential consequence of corruption in logging?

Corruption can lead to the sale of illegal wood.

How can microloans benefit an economy?

Microloans give people more opportunities and help diversify the economy.

How can deforestation be reduced through agricultural policies?

Don't subsidize agriculture that harms forests

What is one way to involve Indigenous people in forest protection?

Provide technology to Indigenous communities to aid in forest protection

What is a key strategy to address deforestation through education?

Educate new generations about the impacts of deforestation

How can companies be encouraged to combat deforestation in their supply chains?

Pressure companies to monitor and sustainably source their products

What approach can be taken to incentivize forest protection and ensure compliance?

Offer incentives for forest conservation and enforce regulations