World Issues Exam Review PDF

World Issues Exam Review The exam is divided into the 5 following parts: Part A: Multiple Choice = 17 Marks Part B: Short Answer = 8 Marks Part C: Article Analysis = 19 Marks Part...

World Issues Exam Review The exam is divided into the 5 following parts: Part A: Multiple Choice = 17 Marks Part B: Short Answer = 8 Marks Part C: Article Analysis = 19 Marks Part D: Population Pyramid Analysis = 10 Marks Part E: Long Answer = 29 Marks Total = 83 Marks Sustainable Development Goals (Understand 2-3 examples): Implemented by the United Nations in 2015 and aim to create a sustainable future by addressing global challenges, promoting well being, reducing inequalities and protecting the environment. “They are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity.” - WHO SDG #1 No poverty: Aims to end poverty everywhere and ensure access to basic needs for all. SDG #2 Zero Hunger: Aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. SDG #3 Good Health & Well being: Aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. SDG #6 Clean Water & Sanitation: Aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. SDG #12 Climate Action: Reducing carbon emissions and using renewable energy. Indexes for statistics facts on countries: Map Projections and Distortions: Methods to represent the Earth’s 3D curved surface on a 2D flat map. (Distortion will always be present in some sort of form - area, shape, distance, direction.) Oblate Spheroid (true shape of earth): Shape that is almost spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and wider at the equator. Projection Strengths Weakness Meractor -​ Accurate for -​ Distorts size (poles navigation. look larger than -​ Straight lines = equator areas). compass bearings. -​ Exaggerates Western countries’ size.  Gall-Peters -​ Shows true relative -​ Distorts size (poles sizes of look larger than landmasses. equator areas). -​ Highlights equality -​ Exaggerates in map Western countries’ representation. size. Robinson -​ Minimizes distortion -​ Doesn’t perfectly in size, shape, and preserve size, distance. shape, distance, or -​ Visually appealing direction. for general use. for general use GDP Vs.HDI Aspect GDP HDI (0-1) Ranking Where 1 is Best Definition -​ Total monetary value of all -​ Measures a country’s quality of life goods/services produced in a country. based on health, education, and income. Focus -​ Economic output/activity. -​ Quality of life and well-being. Measured by -​ Economic growth (all value of -​ Health (Life expectancy at birth). goods/services). -​ Education (Literacy rate & schooling). -​ Income (GNI per capita). Strength -​ Easy to calculate. -​ Gives a broader picture of development. -​ Measures economic strength. -​ Includes health and education. Weakness - Ignores inequality and quality of life. -​ May not fully reflect income inequality. Spatial Significance: The importance of a location based on natural and human features. The 10 intensifies for Spatial Significance 1.​ Natural Resources – Resources are unevenly spread, shaping wealth but not always ensuring prosperity. 2.​ Arable Land – Fertile land lets countries grow food, rely less on trade, and earn from food exports. 3.​ Temperate Climate – Climate affects resources, trade, and productivity, with moderate climates being more productive. 4.​ Choke Points – Narrow water passages that control the movement of goods and vessels. 5.​ Coastlines (Ports) – Allows for easy export and import of goods (trade) and improves economic growth. 6.​ Islands – Allows countries to extend influence in trade, military, and ocean resources.  7.​ Population – Large skilled populations boost trade and economies; smaller ones struggle to grow. 8.​ Infrastructure – Important for economic growth and human health. 9.​ Defense – Geography aids defense (mountain, deserts, etc), but military strength ensures safety and deters threats. 10.​Technology and Innovation – Boosts economy and military power through data and innovation. Patterns & Trends: A pattern is a repeated or regular arrangement of things or events, while a trend is a consistent change over time.  Interrelationships: How two or more things are connected and affect each other. For example, when one thing causes or changes another. Phenomena: Events or things that happen in the natural world. (ex. urbanization, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.) Type of Interrelationship Example Human ↔ Human Poverty → Life Expectancy Human ↔ Nature Greenhouse emissions → Climate Change Nature ↔ Human Natural disaster → Infrastructure loss Nature ↔ Nature Sunlight → Plant growth Also: Socio-economic, socio-environmental, socio-political, enviro-economic Geographic Perspectives (SEEP): Social: How people in the area are affected. Economic: How businesses and the economy are impacted. Environmental: The impact on the environment, such as changes to the landscape. Political: How the government responds to manage the situation. Populations and Demographic Changes of the World Key Population Term Definition Demographer A person who studies population trends Overpopulation Too many people for available resources. Underpopulation Too few people to sustain economic growth. Optomius Population Ideal balance between population and resources. Doubling time Time it takes for a population to double (Rule of 70). Dependency load Percentage of population reliant on the working-age group. Key Theorists Theory of population growth Thomas Malthus (TM ) Population outpaces food supply, leading to negative checks - war, famine. Paul Elrich (PE) Rapid growth risks resource shortage. Julian SImon (JS) Technology will improve resources and humans can adapt. William Catton (WC) Growth can lead to “oveshoot,” exceeding Earth's capacity causing environmental issues. Bouge (B) Populations can self regulate with effective policies. Factors of Population Growth Factors of Population Decline Birth Rate: Influenced by cultural, religious, and External Factors: War, disease, and natural disasters. social factors. Lowered Death Rate: Improved healthcare and Economic Factors: High unemployment, poverty, and living conditions. (Better quality of life) inequality. Immigration: Influx in immigrants can increase population. Economic Demand: Economic opportunities may encourage population growth. Push and Pull Factors + Migration (Why people move): Push factors (encourages to leave point of origin) Vs. Pull factors (Attracts new migrants to specific area) Migration occurs when people move for any given reason. Can be due to push factors, such as conflict, environmental disasters, etc. Or pull factors, such as better job opportunities, political stability, better quality life.  Ex. Migration from rural to urban areas is common due to a better quality of life. Types of Migratns: Immigrant People who permanently move to a country. Emigrant People who permanently leave a country. Refugee Person who is forced to leave their country due to war, prosecution or violence. Illegal Immigrant Migration of people into a country in violation of immigration laws. Asylum Seeker Someone seeking international protection (applying for refugee status) Displaced Person Someone forced to leave their home due to conflict, natural disaster, etc (but remains in their own country → internally displaced). Demographic Transition Model #1 Demographic Transition Model (DTM) Explains how birth and death rates change as a country develops. Pre-Transition Early-Transition Late-Transition Post-Transition High death rate LOW death rate DECLINE birth LOW birth rate VERY low birth High birth rate HIGH birth rate LOW de​​ath LOW death rate Low death Low pop Increase pop Continue increase No growth Predicted decline Population Pyramids -​ A graph that shows population distribution by age and gender -​ Used to make projects about future challenges Population Pyramid Shapes 1.​ Increasing/Expansive: Broad base (many young people), small older group - rapid growth. (Ex. Nigeria- rapid population growth (high birth rate, high death rate). 2.​ Decreasing: Small young group, large middle group - slow growth. (Ex. Japan- low fertility rate and a low mortality rate). 3.​ Stable: Even distribution across ages - constant growth. (Ex. Canada- Even distribution between all ages due to immigration). Types of Population Pyramids 1.​ Stationary: Balanced proportions of population in the various age groups indicating low birth and death rates. Canada has a low birth rate but a high quality of life. Due to immigration it brings a larger working force which results in a more even distribution of people. 2.​ Expansive: Shows growing population with high birth rates and younger people Countries in Africa often have a very high birth rate along with a high mortality rate due to lack of education and poor quality of life. 3.​ Constrictive: Shows decreasing population with less young people and low birth rates (aging population) Japan has very low birth rates along with a high quality of life. This results in their population decreasing due to a shrinking workforce.  Basics of resources: water, energy, forests, fisheries, etc (don't focus too much on this, just know issues related to them) Term Example Total Stock: The total amount of all environmental components that Total stock of water can be all forms could be used as resources if extraction was possible. of water rain, river, ocean, etc. Natural Resources: Materials found in nature that people use. Wind, solar, water. Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that can’t be replaced once Fossil fuel, metals, coal. used. Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished within Forest,fish, humans, crops. 100 years. Flow Resources: Resources that are always available in a certain River currents, sunlight, wind. place and can be used continuously. Water: -​ Scarcity from overuse and unequal access. -​ Pollution from industrial waste and runoff. -​ Climate change causing droughts and floods. -​ In developed countries the main worry is overconsumption as water is used in all industries -​ In developing countries, there is a lack of access to reliable/safe water. Energy: -​ Fossil fuels: pollution, finite reserves. -​ Renewables: high costs, intermittency. -​ Inequity in global energy access. Forests: -​ Deforestation for agriculture and logging. -​ Loss of biodiversity and climate regulation. Fisheries: -​ Overfishing depletes stocks. -​ Bycatch and habitat destruction harm ecosystems Blood Diamond (Conflict Diamonds): Are mined in war zones and sold to fund armed conflicts, insurgencies, or warlords. ★​ Explores the devastating human cost of the illegal diamond trade, showing how greed, war, and exploitation destroy lives. ★​ Highlights the exploitation of innocent civilians and the violence caused by rebel groups fighting for control over diamond-rich areas. ★​ Focuses on the role of corrupt individuals who profit from the sale of conflict diamonds, further fueling the violence. ★​ Raises awareness about the connection between blood diamonds and violence, urging the need for ethical sourcing. ★​ Calls for global responsibility in addressing the trade of conflict diamonds and its impact on affected regions. ★​ The Kimberley Process aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds by requiring diamonds to be certified as conflict-free and tracked from source to market. Type of Globalization & Factors Affecting Them Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of countries through trade, technology, culture and beliefs/ideas. 1.​ Financial Globalization: The global connection of financial markets and systems, allowing money and investments to move across countries easily. -​ Example: SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) facilities secure international transactions, connecting banks and financial institutions worldwide. 2.​ Economic Globalization: Growing connection between world economies, where companies operate and trade across borders to increase profits. -​ Example: To make a pair of jeans it takes a collaboration of parts and materials from different countries around the world. 3.​ Technological Globalization: The spread of technology and information across the world, connecting people instantly. -​ Example: Video calls and social media allow people to connect with others around the world.  4.​ Political Globalization: Countries cooperating through international organizations to increase interactions with the foundation of human rights, democracy and freedoms. -​ Example: NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), which creates trade deals that connect laws and economies of Canada, U.S., and Mexico. 5.​ Cultural Globalization: The spread and mixing of cultures worldwide. -​ Example: The exposure of K-pop music around the world and not just in Korea → Cultural diffusion. 6.​ Sociological Globalization: The spread of social ideas, norms, and behaviors globally. -​ Example: After COVID-19 pandemic all countries required vaccinations, showing how health rules spread globally. 7.​ Ecological Globalization: Global connection of environmental issues that affect everyone and require international solutions. -​ Example: Climate change affects the entire planet; not just one country. 8.​ Geographical Globalization: Borders matter less because of global connections in trade, travel, and communication. -​ Example: Planes connect countries together. World Views 1)​ Globalsim: Belief in an interconnected world where countries collaborate in trade, culture and policies to benefit everyone. 2)​ Multilateralism: Working with 3 or more countries to collaborate on similar interests, often through international organizations. 3)​ Nationalism: Patronizing a country's own identity, culture and interest over global cooperation. 4)​ Isolationism: Country chooses to stay out of international political and economic affairs. (Minimal involvement in other countries and prefers independence). 5)​ Protectionism: Idea that the government should protect local businesses by limiting foreign competition, like using tariffs, import taxes or quotas. What are military alliances? A formal agreement between nations concerning national security. The countries protect each other. Ex. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) - A collective defense alliance that consists of countries from North America and Europe. Colonisation & Byproduct of That Meaning: The processes where one country or group establishes control over another region, often exploiting its land, resources, and people. Often driven by a desire for economic gain, power and cultural dominance. By products: -​ Resource Exploitation: Colonizers took valuable resources like gold, crops, and oil, leaving locals with little. -​ Cultural Erosion: Local traditions, languages, and religions were replaced by the colonizers’ culture. -​ Economic Exploitation: Colonizers got rich by using local resources and labor, leaving the locals poor. -​ Social Inequalities: Colonization created unfair systems that marginalized indigenous people.  -​ Political Instability: Borders and governments set by colonizers caused conflicts and weak leadership. Fashion Industry and its Practiceses Definition: Transforms trends into cheap, disposable clothing. Production: Outsourced to low-wage countries (ex. Bangladesh, China). This global sourcing allows for fast low-cost access to textiles. Pros: -​ Boost low-wage economies. -​ Creates jobs and increases consumer affordability. Cons: -​ Social: Exploits workers with low wages and unsafe working conditions. -​ Economic: Short-lived clothing fuels wasteful spending. -​ Environmental: Mass amounts of waste from disposable clothes. Pollution from textile chemicals and excessive water use (ex. USA, China, India). Solutions: -​ Sustainable Manufacturing: Using eco-friendly materials. -​ Consumer Awareness: Educating the public to buy from ethical brands. -​ Recycling: Extend the life of garments through recycling and upcycling. Multinational Corporations (MNC): Very large companies that operate in more than one country. Parent companies are typically located in a developed country, while branch plants are typically outsourced overseas in less developed countries. Social Changes Nation-State and Sovereignty -​ Nation-State: Defined borders, shared identity, political autonomy. -​ Sovereignty: Independent governance; challenged by globalization (tech, trade agreements, open borders). -​ Arctic Disputes: Northwest passage is a water route which makes trade much easier between Europe and Asia. However due to the very harsh conditions, the majority of it is thick ice and hard to navigate. Canada claimed control of this area early on when it was ice. However due to climate change the ice is starting to melt and countries like the United States and Russia now consider the area as international waters opposed to Canadian territorial waters. -​ Borders: Lines or boundaries that separate one country, state or region from another. Political Systems -​ Democracy: A government system where the citizens hold power directly or through elected representatives. 1.​ Representative democracy: Citizens elect officials to make decisions. (This is Canada) 2.​ Direct democracy: Citizens vote directly on issues typically a yes or no answer. They often use referendums which is when citizens vote on specific questions and the majority rules.  3.​ Limited Democracy: The military can override elected governments if they move in a way that doesn't align with the military. -​ Authoritarianism: A system where one leader or group controls the government. This limits freedoms, suppresses opposition and enforced loyalty. -​ Absolute Monarchy: No elected officials, authority rests in the hands of the queen/king and power passed down to children of that family. -​ One party state: Only one political party is allowed and they control the government. This limits opposition and political competition. Geopolitics and Conflict -​ Cold War: Period of tension between the (american)democratic and (russian)communist countries and was defined by competition and conflict without directly fighting. (Proxy wars). -​ Proxy War: When big countries like the USA or Russia support smaller countries or rebel groups which are aligned with their interest, without directly fighting each other. Geopolitics: The study of how a country's locations, resources and political interest affect their relationships and power on a global scale. Nation State: A country with its own government, borders, and shared identity among its people. Sovereignty: A nation's right to make laws and policies within its borders without external interference.