Geog 1300 Exam 4

Describe the country of Greenland and any issues that they are facing right now

*The sea levels are rising, ice caps are melting, and weather patterns are changing. *40% sea rise. * Young generation in Greenland are hoping for a globally based lifestyle while older people are sticking to the countries old ways. *Halibut makes up 60% of Greenland's export money. *They've been European since 1800's because of Denmark, and Greenland is the least densely populated country in the world. *Greenland has moved away from Denmark's ways and is gaining independence from them. *They're opening up for mineral and oil exportation even though the citizens do not like the exportations.

Describe some basic facts about Antarctica and the Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Antarctica is the highest, driest, coldest, windiest and brightest of the seven continents. It is roughly the size of the USA and Mexico combined, and is nearly covered up completely by ice. If it were to melt it would make sea levels rise over 200 feet across the entire world. Antarctica is a desert because it does not get a lot of precipitation. It took millions of years to get all of the ice built up there. Antarctic Ice Sheet (6,000-15,000 feet thick): 70% of all the world's freshwater. 90% of all the world's ice. 0 permanent residents. (Antarctic Ice Sheet + Greenland Ice Sheet = 99% of freshwater on earth)

Describe the Arab Spring (including causes)

Arab Spring (December 2010 - Present): A revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protest spreading throughout the Arab worlds (Middle East and North Africa). Causes of Arab Spring: Global economic recession, high unemployment (especially young educated people), lack of democracy, corruption, police/military brutality, globalization (social media), relative location, and urbanization. Arab Spring in Egypt: The Square *Tahrir Square as urban public space: Secular Muslims (limited role of religion in government) VS. Muslim Brotherhood (organization that aims to make the Koran central to the life of the Muslim family, individual, community and state). Egypt Presidents who ruled during Arab Spring: *Mubarek (1981-2011): Under military emergency during entire rule. *Morsi (2012-2013): Elected as Muslim Brotherhood candidate. *Al-Sisi (2014): Democratically elected military leader, perhaps more repressive than Mubarek. Outcomes of Arab Spring: *The people are a new actor in the region. *More extremist political parties. *Destabilized predictable regimes. *Civil War (Syria).

What are some of the challenges of climate change in Oceania?

Certain small island nations in the Pacific (Tuvalu and Kiribati) are starting to disappear under the rising sea. 8 problems Oceania is facing include: *Rising sea levels are starting to submerge islands in the Oceania region *Loss of coastal land and infrastructure due to erosion, inundation and storm surges; *Increase in frequency and severity of cyclones with risks to human life, health, homes and communities; *Loss of coral reefs with implications for the sea eco-systems on which the livelihood of many Islanders depends; *Changes in rainfall patterns with increased droughts in some areas and more rainfall with flooding in other areas; *Threats to drinkable water due to changes in rainfall, sea-level rise and inundation; *Loss of agricultural land due to salt-water intrusion into the groundwater; *Human health impacts with an increase in incidence of dengue fever and diarrhea.

Explain the basics of the conflict of the Syrian Civil War (Who is fighting? Why is it so complicated?)

Conflict divided into 4 parts: Assad (Iran, Russia, & Hezbollah), ISIS (Iraq & Syria), Kurds (USA), and Rebels (USA). Anti-government demonstrations began March 2011 as part of the Arab Spring. Government responded by attacking civilians, which led to civilians fighting back. By July, Syrian army organized Free Syrian Army. 250,000 people have died since the war started 5 years ago. Bombings, killings, and other human right violations become normal. Food, water, & medical supplies are scarce. Bombings intensified in fall of 2015 creating more chaos & casualties/injuries. Civilians are now unable to get essential life needs (water, food, shelter, etc.). In February 2016, the fighting around Aleppo intensified. Many Syrian refugees are now living in Jordan & Lebanon, where Mercy Corps have been addressing their needs since 2012. In the region's two smallest countries, weak infrastructure & limited resources are nearing a breaking point under the strain.

Identify the characteristics of the key stages of oil price history and what causes oil prices to change

GDP rise if oil prices rose from 60$ a barrel (2009 price) to $100/ barrel. Saudi Arabia - 38% GDP spike. Libya - 43% GDP spike. Iraq - 53% GDP spike. Before 1970: Stable. Oil prices remained relatively stable at around 3$ a barrel. Oil fields controlled by foreign corporations. 1973-1979: Rising Prices = Energy Crisis throughout the world and boom time for OPEC countries. 1973 Energy Crisis: OPEC organized drastic production decreases/price increases to protest US support of Israel. Since 1980's: Unstable prices. World events shape oil prices & oil prices shape world events.

Describe what is happening to the Greenland Ice Sheet and Explain why this is important

Greenland Ice Sheet (6,600-9,900 feet thick): The ice is melting all over, which hasn't happened before. As time has went on, it has gotten worse. The ice is starting to move and eventually it will melt into the ocean causing sea levels to rise. The glaciers are starting to recede/shrink. Greenland's mineral resources are embedded in the land where the ice use to be.

Identify ISIS

ISIS stands for Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and is an extremist militant group that rules by Wahhabi/Salafi law. In Arabic, the group is also known as Daesh. Example of ISIS - The terrorist group that is known for kidnapping western journalists and aid workers as part of their tactics. Sunni (ISIS fighters) / Shia (Political power) conflict in Iraq.

Identify key tenets of Islam

Islam: *Monotheistic - Allah is God. Formed in Mecca (Makkah) Saudi Arabia, 622 c.e. *Holy Book: Quran (Koran) Five Pillars of Islam: -Profession of faith. -Prayer five times daily toward Mecca. -Almsgiving: Fasting during month of Ramadan (sunup to sundown). -Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). -Sunni: Religious clergy (75%) Shite (Shia): Religious authority through Muhammad's family. (25%)

Discuss the Israel-Palestine Conflict (What is the conflict about? What is the history of the conflict? Complicating factors?)

Israel: The Jewish homeland - their biblical "promised land" they have reclaimed. Palestinians: Arab Muslims who have lived in Palestine for generations. They are fighting over mutual recognition, borders, security, water rights, Jerusalem, Israeli settlements, Palestinian freedom of movement, & Palestinian right of return. *1500's: WW1: Ruled by Ottoman Empire. *1922: British created the state of Palestine as an independent state for Arab-speaking Palestinians and as a homeland for the gathering Jewish people. *1947: The British left the problem to the United Nations. UN partition plan - "two state solution" - failed (Palestinians said no) *1948: Israel declared its independence on UN lines. *1948-1973 Arab-Israeli wars: Arab countries (Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon) war with Israel (U.S. help). Israel gains military control of West Bank and Gaza Strip. 700,000 Palestinians become refugees in what once had been their own land (today the number is 7 million) *2000's: Israel begins to build Israeli settlements in Palestinian-controlled West Bank. Palestinians attack against Israeli settlements. Israel builds a 400-mile separation barrier to keep out Palestinians. Arabs angered by Britain's failure of promise to create independent Arab state, & opposed British and French control as a violation of Arabs' right. In Palestine, the British promise to support the creation of a Jewish national home. The rise of European Jewish immigration in Palestine generated resistance by Palestinian people. They feared that the increase of Jews would lead to the establishment of a Jewish state in Palestine. Palestinian Arabs opposed the British Mandate because it ruined their aspirations for self-rule, & they opposed massive Jewish immigration because it threatened their position in the country.

Describe and recognize the features of Medina style and contemporary urban patterns, and what that can tell us about changes in Middle East/North Africa society.

Medina: Urban pattern of Islamic cities before 20th century. Religious, administrative, defensive, and trade-oriented "downtown", narrow winding streets. Contemporary Islamic urban planning: grid pattern and wide streets. Ultra-modern towers—daring architecture. Entertainment focus. In response to pro-democracy uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa, authoritarians (favoring government control) went to new extremes of political violence, mass arrests, and restrictive legislation. These countries want to form a democracy and have human rights leaders across the region in exposing abuses and pressing for reform. Iran has super harsh media restrictions. Tunisia has formed a democracy but is still building democratic institutions and they have ratified their new constitution for limitations on freedom of speech, religion, and women's rights. Attempts are currently in place to end torture in Yemen, by supporting strategic litigation, and in Bahrain by sharpening the skills of human rights defenders to document cases of torture and advocate for redress.

Identify the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage

Northern Sea Route - Russian shipping route that runs from the east of Novaya Zemlya and along the Russian Arctic coast from the Kara Sea, along Siberia, to the Bering Strait. Good for Russia! Bad for Suez Canal (loses money) and bad for Singapore (they depend on people coming through Strait of Malacca and passing through Singapore) The Northwest Passage/Arctic Sea Ice - Sea route connecting the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of North America by waterways through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. (Bad for Panama Canal)

Describe the characteristics of OPEC

OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) - Purpose of OPEC is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies and ensure stabilization of oil markets in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers. 1960's: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Libya, Algeria, and Venezuela. 1970's: Nigeria, Ecuador, Gabon. 2000's: Angola. All of these places listed above are still currently OPEC places besides Gabon..

Describe the potential power and peril of oil

Power of Oil: The world needs oil. Globalization depends on it. Countries are anxious to avoid oil crisis. Peril of Oil: Resource curse (Lack of diversification. Oil bust.) Conflict over rich oil lands. Migration/Urbanization in prosperous places. Carter Doctrine (1980): US will use "any means necessary, including military force," to keep oil flowing. Gulf War 1991: "Once Saddam acquired Kuwait.... He would be in a position to be able to dictate the future of worldwide energy policy, and that would give him a stranglehold on our economy." Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense, 11 September 1990.

What are some reasons that the Arctic is emerging as a globally important region? Be sure to include discussion of melting sea ice, shipping routes, and natural resources in your answer.

Sea ice is melting and this opens up new shipping routes through this area. The Northeast Passage—3000 miles. Across Eurasia connecting Atlantic to Pacific. Ice-free for short period in summer of 2007. Gained international attention as a seasonal shipping route between the two oceans. Russia's Northern Sea Route (NSR) - Kara Gate to the Bering Strait. Voyages are Only possible if there is little to no sea ice. Icebreaker escorts are required for ships travelling through the Arctic and can cost upwards of $400,000 which offsets the routes potential savings. Transpolar Sea Route - 2,100-mile. Stretches across the North Pole. Could provide most direct shipping lanes for maritime traffic and help other Arctic routes. Sea ice remains a challenge for most of season, and analysts believe commercial viability is likely decades away. Natural Resources - Fish and oil/hydrocarbons are found in the Arctic Ocean.

What are some challenges to the Arctic's emergence as a global power? Be sure to discuss ideas such as a complicated international governance and port infrastructure.

Sea ice is the biggest challenge. Icebreakers on ships is also a cost that is associated with this challenge. Port Infrastructure - Sea and land is a large barrier to development in Arctic. More funds needed for improvements to ship navigation/charting, radio/satellite communication, icebreaker capacity, port facilities, new roads, railways, airfields, and pipelines. Funds will also be needed to stabilize existing infrastructure where permafrost is melting. Alaska needs deep-water port for more traffic along Bering Sea. Estimates say sinking soil could cost Canada's North hundreds of millions of dollars in renovation expenses. Existing governance arrangements are not enough to minimize risks/impacts from Arctic offshore oil. These governance arrangements are deciding between law of the sea, regulatory conventions, and non-legally binding guidelines of the Arctic Council. While the form of cooperative fragmentation seems to work, specific governance challenges exist. A joint management approach for architecture of Arctic governance is being considered.

Identify the differences between a Nation and a State, as well as a Nation-State, Multinational State, and Stateless Nation

State: An INDEPENDENT political unit holding sovereignty over a territory. (Government, defined extent, full sovereign control over internal and foreign affairs) Nation: COMMUNITY of people with a COMMON culture & territory. (Language, religion, customs, sense of belonging to the group) Nation-State: State whose territory coincides with a nation. Relatively homogenous cultural group occupying its own political territory. Multinational State: State that contains more than one nation. No single group dominates the population. Stateless Nation: A people without a state. Example: Kurds, Palestinians.

Define the term Petro-State

States with economies fueled by petroleum/fuel/gas revenue (petro-dollars).

Describe Arctic geopolitics including the Arctic Ocean Five, the Arctic Council, and the Law of the Sea

The Arctic Ocean Five - Russia, Canada, US, Norway, Denmark. Countries are arguing about the boundaries of what part of the ocean is there's. They want access to move goods out of the Arctic Ocean. Denmark claims North Pole for its oil, but Russia claims it is there because they placed a flag there. They are trying to figure out who owns the Arctic Ocean. The US doesn't have a lot of ships for breaking Ice so we don't have much of a say over the territory. Arctic Council - Supranational organization that governs the Arctic Ocean. Together since mid-1990's. It consists of the eight Arctic States: Canada, Kingdom of Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. Law of the Sea - State that can claim Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 200 miles off its shore. Under UN law, there are overlapping and conflicting claims.

Describe what is happening to Arctic Sea Ice and Explain why this is important

The levels of C02 are rising and temperatures are getting warmer and it is melting the ice. This is opening up new shipping routes in the Arctic Sea but it is also causing global sea level's to rise. Arctic Sea Ice - Floating (not resting on land) ocean water that is frozen. Arctic Circle: North of 66 degrees 30 minutes. Extent and thickness of sea ice is declining. 12% loss per decade since 1979 (satellite era). All permanent ice coverage lost by 2100 for sure, but a "nearly ice-free Arctic Ocean in September before mid-century is likely."

Key concepts of the Israel-Palestine Conflict: Zionist Movement, Separation Barrier, West Bank, Gaza Strip, Two State Solution, Jerusalem, Israeli Settlements

Zionist Movement: Jewish nationalist movement that had a goal for the creation & support of a Jewish national state in Palestine, the ancient homeland of the Jews. West Bank/Gaza Strip: Israel gains military control. Palestinians occupy territory. Two State Solution: Two independent states. Can bring long term peace but it requires negotiation. Jerusalem: Holy site for Jews, Muslims, & Christians. Both sides claim Jerusalem as their capital. Israeli Settlements in West Bank: Israel could give Palestine some land as part of "land swaps" in exchange for settler-occupied territory. Refugees: Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza are refugees that want "right of return" - to return to their land with full rights. Violence: From both sides