Places and Landscapes in a Changing World

MODULE 7
Lesson 7: Factors that Cause the Changes on the Landscapes
Lesson Overview

This module is designed to help students identify and analyze the factors that cause changes in
landscapes and understand contemporary international affairs that impact their lives. Through a
combination of lecture discussions, web-based research, and position paper presentations, students will
develop a deeper understanding of these dynamic elements.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

(a) Identify and analyze the different factors that cause changes in the landscape.

(b) Explain the settings of various contemporary international affairs and how they affect their lives.

Activity: Compare and Contrast

Compare and contrast the two images and give your insights on the differences. Share your thoughts on
why such image contrast the other.
Analyzing Landscape Changes and Contemporary International
Affairs

Natural factors such as climate change and natural disasters play a significant role in
altering landscapes. According to the article Rapid Landscape Changes, Their Causes, and How
They Affect Human History and Culture by Antony R. Berger,
variations in climate, both natural and human-induced, are
primary drivers of landscape change. The current warming
in the Arctic, largely attributed to human activities, is a clear
example of how human-induced climate chan ge can lead
to rapid alterations in landscapes. Additionally, natural
disasters such as volcanic eruptions, coastal erosion, floods,
fires, and earthquakes can cause abrupt and dramatic
transformations in landscapes, impacting ecosystems and
human settlements alike. For instance, the 1991 eruption
of Mount Pinatubo emitted volcanic materials that
temporarily altered global atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to widespread
environmental consequences.
Human activities, including urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization, are also major
drivers of landscape changes. As cities expand, natural landscapes are converted into urban areas,
leading to deforestation, wetland drainage, and river
rerouting to accommodate infrastructure
development. Intensive farming practices,
deforestation for agricultural land, and the use of
chemicals result in soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and
changes in land use patterns. Furthermore, mining,
manufacturing, and other industrial activities
contribute to land degradation, pollution, and the
destruction of natural habitats There is an importance
of understanding the interplay between human
activities and natural processes in driving landscape
changes. While human influences such as
industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture directly impact the environment, it can be
challenging to differentiate these effects from those of natural processes, especially in remote
areas.
 Technological advancements in transportation and
energy production further alter landscapes. The construction of
roads, highways, and railways cuts through forests, mountains,
and plains, changing the natural environment. Similarly, building
dams, wind farms, and solar fields impacts land use and local
ecosystems. The long-range transport of pollutants to regions like
the Arctic highlights the indirect human influences on landscapes,
further complicating the assessment of drivers of change.

Global trade has led to economic interdependence,

where countries are more connected than ever. Events like
trade wars or economic sanctions affect global supply
chains, influencing the availability and cost of goods
worldwide. The demand for cheap labor in developing
countries can lead to significant social and economic
changes, including urban migration and shifts in local
economies.
Political conflicts,
such as wars and diplomatic tensions, also have profound impacts.
Conflicts can lead to mass displacement, destruction of
infrastructure, and changes in political boundaries, as evidenced
by the Syrian civil war, which caused significant demographic shifts
and humanitarian crises. International treaties and alliances
shape global politics and economics, with trade agreements,
environmental accords, and military alliances influencing how
countries interact and cooperate.
Environmental policies, particularly global initiatives
like the Paris Agreement, aim to combat climate change by
setting emission reduction targets. These policies affect
national energy strategies, industrial practices, and individual
behaviors. Conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and
natural resources involve global cooperation, requiring
multinational participation to save endangered species,
preserve rainforests, and clean up oceans.
 Technological innovations in communication and health
significantly impact global affairs. The internet and social media
connect people globally, spreading ideas and information
rapidly, influencing cultural exchange, political activism, and
global awareness. Advances in medical technology and
international cooperation in health can combat global health
crises, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted
the importance of global collaboration in health policy and
vaccine distribution.

Economic impacts are felt through changes in global trade, political stability, and
environmental policies, which directly affect job markets, prices of goods, and economic
opportunities. For example, a trade embargo can lead to higher prices and shortages of certain
products. Social impacts include displacement caused by wars and conflicts, leading to refugee
crises and altering the demographic makeup of countries. Social media platforms influence
cultural trends and political movements worldwide. Environmental impacts are seen in policies
aimed at combating climate change, affecting energy use, travel, and resource consumption.
Efforts to preserve natural landscapes and biodiversity impact agricultural practices and urban
planning.

SUMMARY
Understanding landscape changes and contemporary international affairs is crucial in
today's interconnected world. Natural factors like climate variations and disasters, as well as
human activities such as urbanization and industrialization, significantly alter landscapes. The
interplay between these factors complicates the assessment of changes, especially in remote
areas. Contemporary international affairs, including global trade, political conflicts, and
environmental policies, impact economies, societies, and environments worldwide. These
changes affect daily lives through economic shifts, social displacement, and environmental
policies, highlighting the importance of global cooperation and awareness in addressing complex
global challenges.
ACTIVITY: POSITION PAPER WRITING
Students will research and write a position paper that explores the different factors
leading to changes in landscapes and how these factors, within the context of contemporary
international affairs, affect people's lives. The paper should include case studies, supported by
data and references, and present a clear argument or perspective on the issue.

Rubrics for Position Paper