GEOGRAPHY 378 MIDTERM II STUDY GUIDE
10 matching, 10 multiple choice, 10 true/false, 15 Essay I, 15 Essay II = 60 total
(It will be 200 points toward your final grade)
Essays (you will have a choice of 2 out of 3). Studying for each essay question will help you in
the non-essay sections. Answer each question embedded within the essay directions.
Be specific and detailed with evidence; don’t be vague !
1. Review controversies surrounding toxic wastes. Rank the major contributors to the
production of toxic wastes. What makes specific materials hazardous, and what are some
examples of “hazmat” disasters? Review major solid waste disposal methods, and the
benefits and drawbacks that each of them present. Finally, what are some strategies for
“shrinking” the waste stream, and how successful have they been?
2. Write a letter to President Bush offering your position on global warming and the Kyoto
Protocol, with evidence supporting your position.
3. What are intersections between the global warming controversy and debates over
different forms of energy production? What cases are made for or against coal, oil,
nuclear, natural gas , solar, wind, biomass, etc., because of their relationship to
greenhouse gasses? What other major benefits or drawbacks to these forms of energy
have, and how economically feasible or sustainable are they?
4. A central aspect of sustainable development is renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Discuss the environmental and economic benefits and drawbacks of solar, biomass, wind
and hydro energy. Identify specific ways that industries and their products are becoming
or can become more energy efficient .
5. Detail the environmental hazards that emerged from the first Gulf War of 1991. What
were the origins and legacy of these environmental effects of warfare? What
environmental hazards have been seen in the Iraq War since 2003? Explain any
similarities or differences that you see between the environmental aspects of the wars.
6. What strategies have indigenous peoples employed to block mining or oil drilling? What
ties have been made between the indigenous people and the environmental movements?
Compare the struggles to stop oil drilling or mining in Colombia, the Philippines, Peru,
Ecuador, Nigeria, and Wisconsin. How successful have they been? What “Globalization
From Below” options are open to indigenous peoples in their confrontations with
multinational oil and mineral companies backing “Globalization From Above”?
7. Environmental Justice is a concept that combines environmental issues with social justice
issues, particularly involving poor communities and ethnic/racial “minorities.” Explore
how Environmental Justice (EJ) has grown as a concern both within the U.S., and also
globally. What are some intersections between environmental and socio-economic
concerns? On the U.S. scale, you might use the examples of North Carolina toxic dumps,
Love Canal in New York, or mining on Native American lands. On a global scale, you
might explore the disposal of military toxic wastes in the Philippines, the Bhopal disaster
in India, or nuclear weapons testing. How do these environmental hotspots relate to
socio-economic conflicts or oppression?