Belize and Guatemala

Belize and Guatemala are two countries that share a border in Central America.

On the right of the picture below, you can see a satellite image of the border. The border is not drawn in but it is clearly visible.

1. If you visited Belize in this region what do you think your surroundings would look like? 

2. if you visited Guatemala in this region what do you think your surroundings would look like? 

3. Is it possible that Guatemala values its resources differently to Belize? Look at the image below. What has changed in Guatemala over the time frame shown in the image?

Using the sustainability diagram from earlier discuss the different approaches to resource use shown in the images for Belize and Guatemala.

4. What pillar/s of sustainability do you think Belize values most?

5. What pillar/s of sustainability do you think Guatemala values most? 

6. Do you think either country is showing true sustainability?

Ecological Footprints

An ecological footprint is basically a measure of our consumption of resources. In the data below it appears that if everyone on the planet consumed like Australians do we would need the resources of 5.4 planet Earth’s to sustain this.

1. How does the above data make you feel as an Australian? 

You can measure your own ecological footprint through the link below if you like: Ecological Footprint Calculator

When discussing data you should always include information from the sources in your answer. Try to quote actual figures to support your reasoning.

Source 1.

1. Describe the data in Source 1. Ensure you convert the measurement of inches to centimetres. 

2. Account for (provide reasons to explain) the large spike in sea levels in the 20th Century as evident in Source 1. 

Source 2.

3. Describe the general trend of sea level rise shown in Source 2. What factors are contributing?

Source 3.

4. Describe the data shown in Source 3. 
5. With reference to Source 3 explain which geographical region of the world is most at risk from rising sea levels in terms of total population affected. 

Source 4

Source 5

6. Study Source 4 and 5 and clearly state five separate pieces of information that you believe stand out as being useful to this investigation.