Geography Day 7

Starter What is cultural ecology? (And what is the difference between environmental determinism and possibilism) What are the 3 types of fossil fuels? Who is the largest consumer of fossil fuels? Name 2 countries that have the largest resources of fossil fuels

Review Cultural Ecology

Environmental Determinism Cultural Ecology shapes Environmental Determinism determines Possiblism influences

Cultural Ecology Environment shapes culture and development How people use and adapt to the environment and how the environment influences the development of your culture (religion, warfare, etiquette, clothing styles, etc.) Example: Hindu culture worships the cow because the people of that region have relied on cows for milk and cultivation and so it incorporated the worship of the cow into their culture.

Environmental Determinism Old theory of geography Environment determines culture and development The environment controls what you eat, whether you become rich or poor, if you develop technology, etc. Example: Temperate climate of Europe produced better health conditions and lower death rates than other parts of the world and so the standard of living improved

Possibilism Theory used by modern geographers The physical environment may set limits on human actions, but people have the ability to adjust to it and choose a course of action from many alternatives. Can use environment as a collection of resources, and then choose to use and develop. Example: People can learn about crops – what grows best in what climates, and then choose to grow crops are that are compatible with their environment

Environmental Determinism Cultural Ecology How humans interact with the environment Environmental Determinism The local environment determines how humans will develop their society (culture, technology, etc.) NO FREE WILL Possiblism The local environment influences how humans will develop their society (culture, technology, etc.) but does not determine! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Climate

What’s the difference? The long-term weather conditions in a area Climate Season Weather The long-term weather conditions in a area Large geographic area Slow to change Affected by Earth’s tilt Impacts seasonal weather Temporary behavior of the atmosphere Small geographic area Can change rapidly

Climate Regions

Coal

Questions Most of Utah’s population is located in the Salt Lake and Utah counties, is this where the fossil fuels are? Why do you think this is? Which state has the most coal? Which state is most likely to have an economy based on fossil fuels? Do you think Utah should be more interested in fossil fuels or alternative energy? Why? (To help with this last question maybe think about how Utah’s fossil fuels compare to the rest of the United States)

Inversion Occur in winter weather when hot air and cold air reverse (or become inverted. Causing hot air to trap cold air beneath it and create a lid. This is a problem when pollutants like smoke and exhaust are then released into the air, the inversion traps it. Eventually a storm will fix the inverted weather!

Pollution Devastating Effects of China's Pollution