Case Studies

Unit 3: Population

  • Uganda: has one of the youngest populations in the world with 75% of the population under 30

  • Japan: Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world with low birth rates

  • China: Introduced a 1 child policy (caused aging population) in 2015 it changed to 3

  • France: provided economic incentives to families who had more children to counter low birth rates and support economic growth

Unit 4: Ecosystems

  • United States: creation of national parks like Yellowstone National Park to protect native Species and Endangered Species Act

  • Amazon: Govt. and conservation groups have made protected areas where logging, farming, and mining aren’t allowed

  • Antartica: Antartic Treaty- where the land is only used for research and not for war or business

Unit 5: Resources

  • Zimbabwe: Uses hydropower but droughts have been threatening energy/water resources.

  • Haiti: Political instability, natural disasters, and deep poverty have resulted in widespread food insecurity, affecting millions' access to safe and nutritious food.

  • Syria: Long civil war has caused food shortages, economic collapse, damaged farmland, and caused families to not be able to afford to eat

Unit 6: Water Security

  • Aral Sea: Disappeared because of over planting and has caused severe water shortages affecting agriculture and drinking water

  • Ganges River (India): heavily polluted, creating a need for better sanitation systems to ensure access to clean water.

  • Miami: saltwater intrusion is contaminating freshwater sources, making it harder for residents to access clean water.

Unit 7: Air Pollution

  • Beijing (China): struggles with photochemical smog, caused by vehicle emissions and industrial pollution, leading to poor air quality and health issues.

  • Los Angeles: faces severe photochemical smog, creating health problems like asthma and limiting outdoor activities.

  • Germany: acid rain from sulfur and nitrogen emissions damages forests and aquatic ecosystems, especially in the Black Forest region.

Unit 8: Climate Change

  • Maldives: faces rising sea levels due to climate change, threatening its islands and freshwater supply.

  • Australia: frequent and intense wildfires because of higher temperatures and prolonged droughts linked to climate change.

  • Artic: rising temperatures from climate change are causing glaciers and sea ice to melt, threatening local wildlife and ecosystems.