1. Hypothesize about what might happen in an area where shifting cultivation is the norm when populations rise at a rapid level. What are the potential social, environmental, and economic impacts? How might agricultural practices be forced to change?
2. You have been asked by your supervisor to provide a client with information concerning the siting of a factory. This manufacturing operation requires much land area, tons of raw materials, a complicated process that produces much waste and by-products (solid, liquid and airborne), and a strong technical support staff. Using geographic principles of location, describe the physical, economic, political and social factors the client must consider when weighing options to locate the plant.
3. The Green Revolution has saved an estimated one billion people from starvation and many more from death. It has also helped to reduce infant mortality rates and increase the number of live births. In light of the population problems discussed in Chapter 6, discuss the pros and cons of the Green Revolution.
4. Explain why the Humid Subtropical climate (Cfa) is one of the world's most agriculturally productive climates and also one of the most densely populated.
5. Is the economy of your community primarily based on primary, secondary, or tertiary (or higher) industries? Can you name businesses in all of the sectors?
6. There are still many countries that have an economy based on growing and exporting agricultural products. Identify all the risks associated with depending heavily upon cash crops. What changes in institutions and infrastructure would be needed in order to diversify economic activity?
7. Outsourcing of jobs from industrialized to developing nations has been a cause of both concern and delight. Give examples of outsourcing. What are the advantages and the costs of this increasingly important economic activity?
8. What effect does outsourcing and offshoring play in the migration of people seeking job opportunities at the regional and international level?
