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Rocket

Option D - Geophysical Hazards

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Deciduous Tree

Option A - Freshwater – Drainage basins

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Magnifying Glass Tilted Left

Option B - Oceans & coastal margins

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ringed-planet

Option C - Extreme Environments

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Performing Arts

Option E - Leisure, Tourism And Sport

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Flexed Biceps

Option F - The Geography Of Food & Health

Option G - Urban Environments

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Office Building

Unit 1 - Changing Population

Unit 2 - Global Climate - Vulnerability & Resilience

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Globe Showing Europe Africa

Unit 3 - Global Resource Consumption & Security

Hello there, globe-trotters! Strap in as we journey into the captivating (and slightly scary) world of environmental hazards . We&#39;ll explore the what, why, and how behind these dangers - giving you a greater appreciation for our vulnerable, yet resilient planet.

<ul>
	<li>Environmental hazards occur when people and property are at risk. They&#39;re not just due to geophysical or biological factors but also because humans live in hazardous zones. Think of it like choosing to live in a neighborhood known for its sketchy criminal record, except in this case, the &#39;criminals&#39; are things like earthquakes and floods. Crazy, right?</li>
	<li>For instance, why would anyone build a house on a steep slope or flood-prone area? Well, it&#39;s a bit like playing real-life Jenga - with Mother Nature!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>So why do people make such risky living choices? Well, there are two different theories:
	<ul>
		<li>The Behavioural School: Believers of this theory think people put themselves in danger by living in hazardous places. Kind of like a daredevil lifestyle, but with less cool motorbikes.</li>
		<li>The Structuralist School: This camp sees the poor as victims of a harsh system that forces them into dangerous living conditions. Think of it as a cruel game of musical chairs where the poorest always end up with the wobbly chair (or in this case, the rickety house on a steep slope).</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>These theories underline the link between environmental hazards and economic dependency. For example, Hurricane Katrina in the US affected the poor, black population more than others. So, environmental hazards are not just about Mother Nature&#39;s tantrums but also about society&#39;s inequalities.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Vulnerability here is not just about being susceptible to physical harm from a natural disaster. It also relates to the status of people and property in the affected area. Kind of like being in a terrible neighborhood without any bodyguards or burglar alarms.</li>
	<li>Economic factors affecting vulnerability include
	<ul>
		<li>Wealth and development: The more money you have, the better your housing and your ability to afford insurance. Think of the 1976 Guatemala City earthquake, where the poor lived in low-quality housing in ravines and gorges - a disaster recipe!</li>
		<li>Construction styles and building codes: Remember the criticism during the Sichuan earthquake? Government buildings stood tall, while many schools were destroyed. It&#39;s like having a fortress with a weak gate.</li>
		<li>Access to technology: Ever got a weather update on your smartphone? In Japan, such tech helps issue earthquake and tsunami warnings.</li>
		<li>Insurance cover: Just like not having health insurance can ruin you in a health crisis, not having home insurance can devastate you in a natural disaster. The poorer you are, the less likely you&#39;ll have insurance, making you more vulnerable.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Social factors impacting vulnerability
	<ul>
		<li>Education: The better-educated people are, the more money they tend to earn and the better housing and vehicles they can afford. They also might understand more about the risks of natural hazards.</li>
		<li>Public education: Programs like those in Japan reduce the number of earthquake-related deaths. So school is not just about maths and science!</li>
		<li>Awareness of hazards: Remember the 2004 South Asia tsunami? It was a deadly wakeup call about the dangers of tsunamis.</li>
		<li>Gender: In some societies, women may feel responsible for children or parents and may not be able to evacuate easily in an emergency. A grim reminder that gender equality has real-world implications beyond the workplace.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Demographic factors affecting vulnerability
	<ul>
		<li>Population density: Urban centers like Port-au-Prince in Haiti are especially at risk due to their large populations living in potentially hazardous zones.</li>
		<li>Age: Elderly people are more vulnerable, like the over 60s who made up 65% of the Japanese tsunami victims in 2011.</li>
		<li>Migrants: Newcomers to an area might not be aware of the local natural hazards. Imagine moving to a new city only to find out that earthquakes are a common feature!</li>
		<li>Disability: Disabled individuals are even more at risk during natural hazards, as seen in the 2011 Japanese tsunami.</li>
		<li>Cultural factors: Trust in authorities, social networks, perceived hazard levels, and autonomy can all influence how a community responds to warnings.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Political factors include
	<ul>
		<li>The nature of society: Government response to crises, like the Burmese government&#39;s poor response to Cyclone Nargis in 2008, can increase vulnerability.</li>
		<li>Effectiveness of communication: Swift and effective government response can save lives, like China&#39;s response to the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.</li>
		<li>Emergency personnel readiness: Predictions and early warnings can minimize deaths, like in the 1991 eruption of Mt Pinatubo in the Philippines.&nbsp;</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

So, there you have it, explorers! Natural hazards are much more than just a game of &#39;Nature versus Humans.&#39; There&#39;s a whole world of economic, social, demographic, and political factors at play here, too. But remember, knowledge is power, and understanding these factors is our first step to making this planet a safer place for everyone. Keep studying, keep exploring!

Why Vulnerable Populations Face Greater Risks From Environmental Hazards

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Standard Level

Geography SL

Option D - Geophysical Hazards

Why Vulnerable Populations Face Greater Risks From Environmental Hazards

Table of content

The nature of environmental hazards

Unlock the Full Content!

Option D - Geophysical Hazards

Why Vulnerable Populations Face Greater Risks From Environmental Hazards

Table of content

The nature of environmental hazards

Unlock the Full Content!