Blog Topic #5

The human development index measures three aspects of human development. These three aspects include living a long and healthy life (measured by life expectancy), being educated (measured by adult literacy and gross enrollment in education) and having a decent standard of living (measured by purchasing power parity, PPP, income). There are several things the index does not measure including gender and income inequality. The HDI is meant to show the relationship between income and well-being. To be included in the HDI, a country must be a member of the United Nations. Not all United Nations members are included. There must be enough data from a country in order for it to be included in the index. However, there are some information gaps for some of the included counties. The HDI geographic pattern shows most of the medium to low developed countries to be in Africa and Asia. Sub-Saharan Africa is probably ranked so low in HDI because life expectancy is low, their standard of living is low, and the literacy rate is low. Also, many of the countries in Africa are less developed countries and that probably plays a part in why they are ranked so low on the index.

Blog Topic #4

This article is about Venezuela. Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, has threatened to cut off oil supplies to the United States. Venezuela's state oil company has stopped selling crude oil to Exxon Mobil Corp. as of Tuesday, February 12 and has suspended commercial relations with the U.S.-based oil company. According to the article, Exxon Mobil attempted to seize Venezuelan assets through U.S. and European courts in a dispute over the nationalization of its oil ventures in Venezuela. President Chavez says the suspension of commercial relations with the U.S.-based oil company is an act of reciprocity for the United State's actions. Exxon Mobil is apparently no longer welcome to to business with Venezuela. Venezuela relies heavily on its oil production for income. The U.S. relies on Venezuela for its imported oil. It is unclear how either country will be affected in the long run. It is likely that the Venezuelan economy will suffer slightly with out American business, due to the fact that Exxon Mobil is a major partner and the United States is so dependent on foreign oil.

Blog Topic #3

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT


This map represents the countries with the largest ecological footprint. The ecological footprint is a measure of the area needed to support a population’s lifestyle. This includes the consumption of food, fuel, wood, and fibers. Pollution, such as carbon dioxide emissions, is also counted as part of the footprint. According to the cartogram, the United States, China, and India have the largest ecological footprints. Population must be taken into account. China and India lack resources and are below the world average for resource use. Their large populations are what cause both counties to have such large footprints. As for the United States, the per person footprint is five times the world average and is almost ten times what would be sustainable. Europe and Japan also have large ecological footprints and less developed countries appear to have relatively small footprints.

SPECIES EXTINCT


This cartogram shows the different locations where over 700 species that are extinct once existed. Included are mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and plants. The United States is the leader in recently recorded animals that have gone extinct. The U.S. is followed by the United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda and Mauritius. These places are far more exotic than the United States. Current extinction is occurring due to the widespread loss of habitats because of human activity. Natural habitats that remain have been degraded and are small and fragmented.

Blog Topic #2

Many images of the world display North America as the main focus and all the other continents and countries are around it. I often think of North America as being the "center of the world", so to speak, because this is the image I am most used to seeing. This particular view of the earth shows Central America as the main focus. I liked this image because it puts Latin America at the center of attention. I also like how North and South America are tilted. It looks like the earth is a little off balance. Also, the other continents aren't visible and there is mostly just ocean. It looks like the Americas are the only continents that exist.



This image of Latin America is also unique. South America is the center of attention in this view of the world and it is also tilted on its side so that it is virtually the only continent in sight. I don't think I realize sometimes exactly how large South America is. I think that people should take the time to look at the earth from different perspectives. It can change how you view the world and the place you come from.

Earthquake Levels Haiti

It has been one week since a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. Images from the tragedy are still fresh in our memories, but like most tragic events, the earthquake and its devastation will probably soon be forgotten, and the people of Haiti will be left to deal with the destruction on their own. This image shows just one of the many Haitians that are now left with nothing. It will be very difficult for the people of Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere, to pick up the pieces.

This video clip portrays images of the aftermath in several different areas of Haiti. I think that it is very important that people around the world are provided with an accurate visual of what really happened. With accurate information, people will be better able to understand the situation. It also shows live footage of the people affected by the earthquake. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be in their situation. Hopefully images such as these will inspire people to do what they can to provide help and aid to those in need. Relief efforts are underway for the thousands that are in need of shelter, food, and medical care.