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Climate influences economic development - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 24 - 2009
Question 24
Climate influences economic development. Discuss this statement with reference to examples you have studied.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Climate influences economic development - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 24 - 2009
Step 1
Identifying aspects of climate influence
Answer
Climate can affect economic development in several ways. Key aspects include:
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Agricultural Productivity: Different climate conditions directly impact crops and livestock, leading to variations in food production and income. For example, arid regions may struggle with agricultural yields due to inadequate rainfall.
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Natural Resources: Climate influences the availability of resources such as water and minerals. Regions with stable climates may better harness these resources, promoting economic growth.
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Tourism: Certain climates can attract tourists, significantly impacting local economies. For instance, tropical climates often draw visitors to beaches, benefiting local businesses.
Step 2
Discuss the aspects identified with examples
Answer
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Agricultural Productivity: In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, erratic rainfall patterns have led to unreliable food production, affecting economic stability and growth. Conversely, countries with favorable climates, such as the Netherlands, have capitalized on agricultural innovations to become significant exporters.
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Natural Resources: In Canada, the cold climate and extensive forests have facilitated a robust forestry industry, which is a key component of the national economy. In contrast, regions with extreme temperatures may face challenges in resource extraction and processing.
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Tourism: The Caribbean's tropical climate fosters a thriving tourism industry, where countries like Jamaica and Barbados rely heavily on visitors. This illustrates how a positive climatic environment can spur economic benefits, contrasting with areas prone to harsh weather conditions like hurricanes.
Step 3
Overall coherence
Answer
In conclusion, the influence of climate on economic development is multifaceted, affecting agriculture, resource availability, and tourism. Each example demonstrates how varying climatic conditions can either hinder or promote economic growth, underlining the importance of considering climate in discussions on economic strategies. Understanding these aspects can help policymakers better predict economic outcomes based on climatic forecasts.