GSGG case studies

Question 1

Apple as a brand- economic statistic.

Answer 1

Worlds highest valued brand ($145 billion)

Question 2

Cork,Ireland +/-‘s

Answer 2

+s
-Employs over 6000 people
-attracted other tech firms to the area
-contributed to infrastructure improvements

-s
-Apple accused of tax avoidance from the EU conflict with US
-Mainly foreign nationals doing skilled work

Question 3

Apple in china (Foxconn) +/- s

Answer 3

+s
-provides over 400,000 jobs
-wages of $150-200 monthly which is above minimum wage

-s
-Long hours and poor conditions
-14 suicides in 2009-2010 due to working conditions
-PVC (toxic chemical) used in manufacturing

Question 4

Antartica location and climate

Answer 4

-Almost entirely south of the Antarctic circle
-99% ice coverage as temperatures average -50 degrees in winter
-low precipitation (polar desert)

Question 5

How is fishing and whaling a threat to antartica and how is this being dealt with?

Answer 5

-home to 80% of global great whales
-whaling disrupts food chain, seal populations increase.
- Marine habitats destroyed by ships and equipment
-IWC (international whaling commission) banned commercial whaling in 1986. This saved many species who were endangered.

Question 6

How is mineral exploitation a threat to antartica?

Answer 6

-Banned by Antarctic treaty, but population growth may force us to use the natural resources.
-unlikely due to the difficulty of accessing the resources

Question 7

How is climate change a threat to West and East Antarctica?

Answer 7

West Antarctica

-Peninsula mean temp rise of 3.2 degrees over last 60 years
-Ice has thinned and oceans warmed
-Altered penguin colonies distribution
-Thwaites glacier is melting

East antartica
-sea Ice is expanding and temperatures are relatively stable. More rain and snow due to climate change

Overall
-Increased atmospheric co2 has led to increased carbon uptake by the ocean and therefore ocean acidification.
-marine environments weak shells

Question 8

How is tourism and research a threat to antartica and responses?

Answer 8

-Over 70,000 landed visits and increasing fast.
-Landing Sites showing wear and tear
-Only population is scientific research, may alter natural habitats.

Responses
-Strict rules from IAATO (International association of Antarctica tour operators)
-seals and penguins have adapted to humans
-no boats over 500 passengers
-Antarctic treaty signed in 1961 is followed by tourists