IB Geography Standard Level

This subject is broken down into 37 topics in 10 modules:

  1. Unit 1: Changing Population 3 topics
  2. Unit 2: Global Climate 3 topics
  3. Unit 3: Global Resource Consumption and Security 3 topics
  4. Option A: Freshwater 4 topics
  5. Option B: Oceans and Coastal Margins 4 topics
  6. Option C: Extreme Environments 4 topics
  7. Option D: Geophysical Hazards 4 topics
  8. Option E: Leisure, Tourism and Sport 4 topics
  9. Option F: Food and Health 4 topics
  10. Option G: Urban Environments 4 topics
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  • 10
    modules
  • 37
    topics
  • 14,444
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Geography

Unit 1: Changing Population

Population and economic development patterns

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Population and economic development patterns

Population and Economic Development Patterns

Population Patterns

  • Population distribution refers to the spread of people across a given area.
  • Different geographies have varying degrees of population density, which is the number of people per unit of land area.
  • Factors like access to resources, the quality of soil for agriculture, climate conditions, and environmental hazards impact population distribution.

Physical and Human Factors Affecting Population Distribution

  • Physical Factors: Topographical features such as mountains, deserts, rivers, and oceans can significantly impact population distribution.
  • Climate and Weather: Areas with extreme weather conditions tend to have lower population densities.
  • Soil Quality and Agriculture: Regions with fertile soil, crucial for agriculture, usually have higher population densities.
  • Access to Water: Access to clean and reliable water sources often influences where people live.

Human Factors Affecting Population Distribution

  • Political Stability: People tend to move away from areas with frequent conflicts or political instability.
  • Economic Opportunities: Areas with more job prospects generally attract more people.
  • Transport Infrastructure: Efficient transport systems allow for easier movement of people and goods, impacting population density.

Economic Development Patterns

  • There's a distinct link between population distribution and economic development.
  • Urban areas generally have higher economic development due to the availability of employment opportunities, infrastructure, and services.
  • The primary sector, including farming, fishing, and mining, usually prevails in less populated areas.
  • The secondary and tertiary sectors, encompassing manufacturing and services, generally develop more in urban, densely populated areas.
  • Economic development can also be influenced by international forces such as globalisation and investment from transnational corporations.

Demographic Transition Model

  • The Demographic Transition Model is a tool used to understand changes in population over time.
  • It includes four stages: High Stationary, Early Expanding, Late Expanding and Low Stationary.
  • This model helps in understanding how economic development can influence population growth rates.

Relationship Between Economic Development and Migration

  • Economic opportunities can cause migration, where people move from one place to another for work.
  • Push factors like poverty, unemployment, or conflict can cause people to leave their homes.
  • On the other hand, pull factors, such as better living conditions, higher salaries, or societal peace, can attract individuals to new areas.

Impact of Migration on Economic Development

  • In the short term, migration can lead to labour shortage in the area of origin but can solve labour surplus problems in the destination area.
  • In the long term, remittances from migrants can lead to development and prosperity in the areas of origin.
  • However, uncontrolled migration can lead to overpopulation, putting pressure on the resources and infrastructure in destination areas.

Course material for Geography, module Unit 1: Changing Population, topic Population and economic development patterns

Geography

Option C: Extreme Environments

Managing extreme enviroments

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Managing extreme enviroments

Managing Extreme Environments

Understanding the Environment

  • Extreme environments, such as deserts, polar regions, and high-altitude areas, pose significant challenges to human existence and development.
  • Management of these areas requires thorough understanding of the local physical conditions, as well as the specific needs of plants, animals, and people who live there.
  • Knowledge of local climate and weather patterns, geology, and soil conditions are vital when taking decisions about infrastructure development, resource extraction, and conservation efforts.
  • Building a comprehensive picture of the environment can help balance the needs of human activity with the objective of protecting and, sometimes, restoring the natural habitat.

Infrastructure Development and Resourcing

  • Infrastructure development in extreme environments should consider local conditions (temperature, weather, geographical features) to ensure longevity and safety.
  • Decisions about what resources to extract and how should be based on an evaluation of the benefits versus environmental impact.
  • Harvesting of food and water resources should be managed with a view to sustainability, considering the typically limited resource availability in extreme environments.
  • Power generation should privilege sustainable methods considering the local conditions, such as solar power in deserts and wind power in windy regions.

Conservation and Restoration

  • Conservation efforts are crucial in extreme environments, which are often fragile and sensitive to human impacts.
  • These efforts may involve setting up protected areas or reserves, regulating human activity, tackling invasive species, or restoring damaged habitats.
  • Conservation strategies must consider the needs and livelihoods of local communities, balancing environmental protection with social and economic development.
  • Restoration projects may be necessary where habitats have been heavily damaged. This could involve reintroducing native species, reforesting, or rehabilitating soils.
  • Involving local communities in conservation and restoration projects can promote a sense of stewardship and boost the effectiveness of these efforts.

Science and Research

  • Continual scientific research and observation are essential for monitoring environmental changes and threats in extreme environments.
  • Research insights can help refine management strategies, increase understanding of these unique environments, and raise awareness about their global importance.
  • Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and local communities is crucial to inform, implement, and adapt management practices based on solid evidence.

Remember, effective management of extreme environments is a balancing act. Human needs and activities should be considered alongside the intrinsic ecological value of these areas and the global environmental repercussions of local decisions. These unique environments require unique solutions, marked by respect for the natural world, creative problem-solving, and continuous learning from past experiences.

Course material for Geography, module Option C: Extreme Environments, topic Managing extreme enviroments

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