1. Throughout the 20th century huge hydroelectric power projects in Egypt, Turkey, China and Canada were both supported and opposed by environmentalists and social scientists. Why?
2. What are the resource problems, as well as the opportunities, faced by less developed countries that want to improve their per capita GNP and standard of living?
3. Figure 5.22 is a photograph of a wind farm. Why have some communities been against the presence of windfarms? Discuss the criteria needed to make these operations successful.
4. What policies and incentives should be implemented in this country to encourage the use of renewable energy resources for everyday needs such as transportation, electricity, and heating and cooling?
5. Geographically, what are the pros and cons of reducing America's reliance on foreign oil?
6. Reacting to criticism of rainforest destruction, Brazilians claim that most forests in America, Europe and Asia were cleared centuries ago for farming. In fact, the United States remains about one third forested, far more than China, Western or Central Europe. How do you account for this important difference?
7. Wetlands are gaining more attention for the vital functions they perform in maintaining a healthy environment. How might establishing or restoring wetlands benefit your community or region? Look at a map of your community. Where could wetlands be established? What might be the obstacles to placing wetlands in your region?
