populations in the path of natural hazards a lesson plan from making population real by the...
TRANSCRIPT
Populations in the Path of Natural Hazards
A lesson plan from “Making Population Real”by the Population Reference Bureau
Supported by the World Population Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation
Today’s Agenda
1. Introduction
2. Brief background on hurricane impacts related to the activity in the lesson plan
3. Map storm tracks and compare to population density maps in Florida
4. Discuss implications
5. More about Making Population Real and PRB
Making Population Real – Lesson Plan 3:
In the Path of Natural Hazards
Issues Human and natural impacts of settlement in storm-prone areas
Population Concepts
Population density Population distribution Geographic mobility
Tools Population distribution maps Weather data
Objectives
To identify patterns of population change in areas with a history of major storm risk
To evaluate the human and economic costs of a major natural disaster
To explore why people move to places likely to experience major storms
Teaching Standards
AP Geography Standard Addressed
Unit II– Population UnitA. Geographical analysis of population
4. Population and natural hazards: past, present, and future
AP and the Advanced Placement Program are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board which was not involved in the production of these lesson plans
In the Path of Natural Hazards
“Hurricanes and tropical storms have always been one of the primary causes of natural disasters in the Caribbean and the coastal southern United States. But the economic impact of hurricanes in these areas is growing far more severe.”
- Roger-Mark De Souza, Population Reference Bureau
Construction in Harm’s Way:
“Aggressive coastal development, especially the building of homes and businesses in… fragile areas, is also increasing human vulnerability to natural disasters. A 2000 study commissioned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency found that Americans have built more than 350,000 structures within 500 feet of U.S. coasts.”
- Roger-Mark De Souza, Population Reference Bureau
Noting Vulnerability U.S. insurance industry paid $39 billion between
2000-2004 for hurricanes and natural disasters; half the total for catastrophic events in prior 30 years
Globally 13 of 25 countries with the greatest number of natural disasters in 1970s and 1980s were small island states
Population growth, concentrations of poverty, migration to cities, and environmental degradation all increase impacts of storms
Source: PRB, “In Harm’s Way,” 2004, www.prb.org/environment
Preventing Damage from Disasters:
The World Bank and U.S. Geological Survey calculated that economic losses worldwide from natural disasters in the 1990s could have been reduced by $280 billion if $40 billion had been invested in preparedness, mitigation, and prevention strategies.
-Charlotte Benson citing research on “The Cost of Disasters”
Where and when did population change most?
What do counties with greatest density have in common?
Florida Counties,Population Density, 2000
UNISYS Weather Storm Tracks
What do storm track maps tell us about vulnerability to hurricanes in Florida?
Group Work: Storm Tracks
Each group should draw the storm tracks that affected Florida for your assigned year
Where was their greatest impact?
Discussing the Impact of Hurricanes Which have been the deadliest U.S.
storms (1851-2004)?
Which have been the costliest?
What changed?
Discussing Population and Risks Why do people move to coastal areas?
What are the risks?
What can or should be done about these risks?
From those suggestions, which options are most feasible?
Making Population Real – Lesson Plan 3:
In the Path of Natural Hazards
Activities:
1. Living on the Edge Analyze Florida population density maps Compare to storm track maps
2. Islands Facing Change Analyze Puerto Rico population density maps Compare to storm track maps
Making Population Real Lesson Plans Population Fundamentals – Building a Foundation
Populations in the Path of Natural Hazards
The Demographic Transition –
A Contemporary Look at a Classic Model
HIV/AIDS and Contemporary Population Dynamics
Population Policy – Progress Since Cairo
People on the Move
Global Migration Patterns
About Making Population Real
Free, on-line curricula utilize up-to-date real-world data and articles from a variety of web-based resources:
United Nations (UNICEF, UNHCR, WHO, etc.) U.S. Census Bureau National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration PRB research and publications
Lead author Martha B. Sharma Recipient of the 2006 Geographic Excellence in
Media Award from National Council for Geographic Education
www.prb.org/educators
Population Reference Bureau
Informs people around the world about population, health, and the environment, and empowers them to use that information to advance the well-being of current and future generations.
Analyzes demographic data and research to provide objective, accurate, and up-to-date population information in a format that is easily understood by educators, journalists, and decision makers alike.