Presentation
- 2. The field of Geography has evolved greatly over the years. Today, it consists of far more than memorizing locations on a map.
- 3. Geographic literacy has never been more important, as global cultures confront unprecedented turmoil and uncertainty. From devastating famine in Somalia, ...
- 4. ... to the “Arab Spring” protests sweeping through the Middle East, including unprecedented regime changes in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen. Other notable countries experiencing violent political dissent include Bahrain ...
- 5. ... and Syria, which is the currently the bloodiest battleground as President Assad ruthlessly tries to stay in power in the midst of civil war. Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed thus far.
- 6. The global economy is in it's worst crisis since the Great Depression. Governments spanning the globe are awash in debt, including Greece, which has led to civil unrest.
- 7. The budget crisis in Greece has spread to other members of the European Union, highlighting deep political dissension that threatens the viability and survival of the organization. This economic turmoil in the EU hinders and/or threatens the economic recovery in the U.S. The NYSE routinely rises and falls depending on changing economic conditions in the EU.
- 8. And the U.S. has not been spared from serious economic issues. Recovery from the recession has been painfully slow to non-existent for millions of Americans.
- 9. Islamic fundamentalism/ extremism is a continuing threat globally since 9-11
- 10. At present, too many Americans are geographically illiterate, or functionally illiterate, when it comes to interdependence. Most do not understand the economic, environmental, & political connections between different places.
- 11. Using oil, one can demonstrate global economic interdependence at multiple levels.
- 12. A primary factor creating volatility in world oil prices is the ongoing international crisis centered on Iran’s nuclear program. Any military action could disrupt or close the Persian Gulf to tanker traffic, which accounts for approx. 25% of the world’s oil tanker shipments.
- 13. Transboundary pollution is an application of environmental interdependence.
- 14. And the United Nations and European Union (EU) are applications of political interdependence.
- 15. So, why should we care? Because we either contribute to the problem, and/or we suffer the consequences. The U.S. is a major polluter and consumer of the world's resources.
- 16. The U.S. has the largest economy in the world. As our economy goes, so goes the world's.
- 17. And the U.S. has the most powerful military in the world. No other country can project military power as we can. Currently, the U.S. is waging war in Afghanistan.