GEOGRAPHY OF ANGLO AMERICA NOTES BY Madam Cherotich Harriet

HOW NORTH AMERICA HAS USHER LOCATION AND PHYSIOGRAPHY TO HER

ADVANTAGE

North America, third largest of the world’s continents, lying for the most part between the Arctic
Circle and the Tropic of Cancer It extends for more than 5,000 miles (8,000 km) to within 500
miles (800 km) of both the North Pole and the Equator and has an east-west extent of 5,000
miles

North America occupies the northern portion of the landmass generally referred to as the New
World, the Western Hemisphere, or simply the Americas. Mainland North America is shaped
roughly like a triangle, with its base in the north and its apex in the south; associated with the
continent is Greenland, the largest island in the world, and such offshore groups as the Arctic
Archipelago, the West Indies, Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), and the
Aleutian

North America is bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the east by the North Atlantic
Ocean, on the south by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the North Pacific Ocean. To the
northeast Greenland is separated from Iceland by the Denmark Strait, and to the northwest
Alaska is separated from the Asian mainland by the much narrower Bering Strait. North
America’s only land connection is to South America at the narrow Isthmus of Panama. Denali
(Mount McKinley) in Alaska, rising 20,310 feet (6,190 metres) above sea level, is the continent’s
highest point, and Death Valley in California, at 282 feet (86 metres) below sea level, is its
lowest. North America’s coastline of some 37,000 miles (60,000 km)—the second longest of the
continents after Asia—is notable for the great number of indentations, particularly in the
northern half. IslNorth America contains some of the oldest rocks on Earth. Its geologic structure
is built around a stable platform of Precambrian rock called the Canadian (Laurentian) Shield. To
the southeast of the shield rose the ancient Appalachian Mountains; and to the west rose the
younger and considerably taller Cordilleras, which occupy nearly one-third of the continent’s
land area. In between these two mountain belts are the generally flat regions of the Great Plains
in the west and the Central Lowlands in the [Link].. It covers an area of 9,355,000 sThe
continent is richly endowed with natural resources, including great mineral wealth, vast forests,
immense quantities of fresh water, and some of the world’s most fertile soils. These have

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allowed North America to become one of the most economically developed regions in the world,
and its inhabitants enjoy a high standard of living. North America has the highest average
income per person of any continent and an average food intake per person that is significantly
greater than that of other continents. Although it is home to less than 10 percent of the world’s
population, its per capita consumption of energy is almost four times as great as the world
[Link] miles (24,230,000 square km).

North America may be divided into at least five major physiographic regions:

Canadian Shield

This is a geologically stable area of rock dating between 2.5 and 4 Gya that occupies most of the
northeastern quadrant, including Greenland.

Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachians are an old and eroded system that formed about 300 Ma and extends from the
Gaspé Peninsula to Alabama.

Atlantic Coastal Plain

The plain is a belt of lowlands widening to the south that extends from south New England to
Mexico.

Interior Lowlands

The lowlands extend down the middle of the continent from the Mackenzie Valley to the
Atlantic Coastal Plain, and include the Great Plains on the west and the agriculturally productive
Interior Plains on the east.

North American Cordillera

The cordillera is a complex belt of mountains and associated plateaus and basins some of which
were formed as recently as 100–65 Ma, during the Cretaceous. The cordillera extend from
Alaska into Mexico and includes two orogenic belts — the Pacific Margin on the west and the
Rocky Mountains on the east — separated by a system of intermontane plateaus and basins.

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So here is how the location and physiography is advantageous to North America.

Agriculture

From the freezing Arctic to the tropical jungles of Central America, North America enjoys more
climate variation than any other continent. Almost every type of ecosystem is represented
somewhere on the continent, from coral reefs in the Caribbean to the ice sheet in Greenland.
These differences contribute to North Americas variety of agricultural industries, which are often
divided by climate zone: tropical zone, subtropical zone, cool temperate zone, and dry zone.

In the tropical zones of North America, farmers harvest oranges, sugar cane, coffee, cocoa, and
bananas. These crops grow on coastal plains and humid mountain slopes. Cotton and hemp are
cultivated in the warmer and drier intermediate climate zone. These crops are important exports
for Central American countries.

Fruits, vegetables, cotton, and tobacco are predominant in the warm, subtropical zones of
northern Mexico and the United States. Important agricultural areas in this zone include the Rio
Grande Valley (citrus fruits) in the U.S. state of Texas and Mexico, Californias Central Valley
(fruits and vegetables), the Gulf Coastal Plain (vegetables), and the sandy valleys of the
Appalachians (cotton and tobacco). These areas benefit from ample rain and warm air currents.

Agriculture in North Americas tropical and subtropical zones is threatened by monoculture.

Monoculture is the practice of growing one crop in an area over a long period of time.
Monoculture is a risky way of farming for two reasons. First, the soil may lose its nutrients. The
nitrogen and phosphates in the soil do not have time to accumulate if the field is not allowed to
be fallow, or rest. Planting other, less-intensive crops can also help the soil recover its natural
nutrients. The second reason monoculture puts crops at risk is the possibility of disease. A
disease affecting a single species of plant could devastate an entire crop, and the community's
livelihood. Planting a variety of crops minimizes the risk of disease.

Farmers and agribusinesses combat the threats of monoculture with the use of fertilizers and
pesticides. Fertilizers replenish nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates to the soil. Pesticides
target diseases brought by pests of a single plant. However, extensive use of fertilizers and

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pesticides can have a harmful impact on the environment. Runoff from agricultural fields can
pollute rivers, lakes, and the ocean.

The continents cool temperate zones are ideal for hardy fruits, such as apples and peaches.
Important agricultural areas in this climate include the Finger Lakes region of New York in the
U.S.; the Niagara Peninsula in the Canadian province of Ontario; the Columbia River basin in
the U.S. state of Washington and the Canadian province of British Columbia; and the valleys of
the Appalachians. These areas benefit from excellent drainage and predictable, established frosts.

The Dairy Belt, Corn Belt, and Wheat Belt are three agricultural areas in the continents cool
temperate zones.

Dairy animals, including cows, goats, and sheep, feed on the hay and hardy small grains that
thrive in New England and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region along the Atlantic coast. This is
the Dairy Belt.

The Corn Belt, located between the Ohio River and the lower Missouri River, receives ample
water and strong summer sun, ideal for corn and soybeans.

West of the Corn Belt, the Wheat Belt stretches from the U.S. state of Kansas through the
Canadian Prairie Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. This vast area of the Great
Plains allows wheat to be cultivated in both winter and spring.

Dry zones, common in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, are ideally suited for
livestock ranching. Ranches with thousands of cattle are common in this region. Traditionally,
livestock fed on locally grown fodder such as prairie grasses. However, irrigation for fruit and
cotton farming has drained water supplies in the region. Native grasses cannot nourish the huge
herds of livestock kept by ranchers. Cattle, sheep, hogs, and other livestock are less likely to
graze than to eat corn-based feed. In fact, most of the corn grown in the Corn Belt is feeder corn
used for livestock feed.

Forestry

Forestry is a major economic activity for much of North America. In the United States, the
timber industry is strong in the Pacific Northwest, the Gulf states, and South Atlantic coastal

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plains. In Canada, forestry is a major industry in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, and British
Columbia.

Forestry is the management, cultivation, and harvesting of trees and other vegetation in forests.
In the Pacific Northwest, for instance, logging companies harvest cedar, fir, and spruce trees.
Lumber from these trees is exported around the world for construction. Some of the continents
largest paper mills are found in these temperate rain forests. In addition to paper, paper mills
produce cardboard and fiberboard.

Overharvesting of timber is a concern throughout North America. The reduction of forested land
reduces biodiversity and threatens the longevity of the timber industry. The logging industry and
local governments must work together to develop sustainable plans to harvest timber.

The Mexican government, for example, created the ProArbol (pro-tree) campaign with the
objectives of conserving and restoring forests. The campaign pledges to plant more than 250
million trees in urban and rural Mexico. ProArbol also works to ensure that Mexican forests
positively influence biodiversity and human health.

Mining

Extractive activities, such as mining and drilling, dominate the North American economy.
Mining provides billions of dollars and millions of jobs throughout the continent. North America
is a leading producer of coal, used in energy production; bauxite, used to create aluminum; iron
and copper, both used in construction; and nickel, used to create steel, which North American
companies export around the world. Gold and silver mines operate in the western part of the
continent. Visitors to Crater of Diamonds State Park, a mine in the U.S. state of Arkansas, can
search for their own diamonds.

Extractive activities have been a major part of the economies of North America for hundreds of
years. For example, gold mining helped spur development in the U.S. states of California and
Alaska in the 19th century.

Coal remains a primary industry for the U.S., and is often linked with states near the
Appalachians. Coal is a type of sedimentary rock found deep underground, formed from the
remains of ancient plants. When burned, coal is an excellent source of energy and is mostly used

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as fuel for electricity-generating power plants. Coal can be mined underground or in large, open
pits.

Mining is a dangerous industry. Coal is combustible, meaning it catches fire and explodes easily.
Coal dust is toxic when breathed for long periods of time. Mines are vulnerable to collapse.
Mining accidents have led companies and governments to pursue regulations that ensure greater
safety for miners. In 2006, for instance, a coal mine in Sago, West Virginia, exploded. Thirteen
miners were trapped hundreds of meters below ground. Only one miner survived. The so-called
Sago mine disaster prompted calls for greater communication and safety technology to be
employed at mining sites throughout North America.

Coal mining can also have a negative impact on the environment. Mountaintop removal mining
(MTR) has eliminated entire mountain ecosystems in the Appalachians. This type of mining also
results in coal waste products being stored near public land. Improper storage of these waste
products has damaged ecosystems and threatened human health. In 2008, a massive spill resulted
in 1.1 billion gallons of coal slurry being released near Kingston, Tennessee. The spill damaged
homes and entered into the Emory and Clinch Rivers, killing large fish populations and
threatening water supplies.

Drilling

North America is home to vast deposits of oil and natural gas, which are drilled for energy and
fuel. Oil and gas extraction are key elements of North Americas economy. The United States,
Canada, and Mexico are among the worlds top oil producers.

The Athabasca tar sands, in the Canadian province of Alberta, are the worlds largest reservoir of
heavy crude oil. More than 20 national and international extraction projects are established in the
Athabasca tar sands. The extraction and processing of crude oil, however, destroys the areas
boreal forests and diverts an incredible volume of water from local rivers. The heavy crude oil
from tar sands also emits 20 percent more carbon dioxide than emissions from light crude oil.

Oil and gas extraction is the dominant industry around the Gulf and Arctic regions of North
America. Mexico leads other North American countries as one of the top oil exporters in the
world, largely because of its reserves in and around the Gulf. (Although both the United States

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and Canada produce more oil than Mexico, they also consume far more. Both countries are
mostly importers, not exporters, of oil and natural gas.)

Oil and natural gas, like coal, are nonrenewable resources. Global demand for fossil fuels has
caused multinational corporations to drill in remote and dangerous regions. Scientists and
engineers have developed more complex technology to search for deposits. Oil companies are
forced to drill deeper and in more remote areas to extract these resources. The impact of these
extractive activities is unknown.

However, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April 2010 has put into question the safety and
sustainability of high-tech extractive industries. Deepwater Horizon was an offshore oil rig in the
Gulf of Mexico, capable of drilling to depths of 9,100 meters (30,000 feet). The rig exploded,
killing 11 workers and causing a massive oil spill that took months to control. The impact on the
environment was felt in the U.S. from Texas to Florida.

The Built Environment

North Americas high level of economic development has promoted the construction of
megacities, engineering marvels, and advanced infrastructure.

A megacity is usually defined as an urban area with at least 10 million people. Mexico City,
Mexico; New York, New York; and Los Angeles, California, are North Americas megacities.

With 21.2 million people, Mexico City is the largest metropolitan area in the Americas.
Industrial growth caused a demographic boom during the last half-century, increasing the areas
population from 3 million people in 1950 to its present numbers. As with many megacities,
Mexico City is currently experiencing slower growth than in the past. The economy has shifted
from manufacturing to the service industry, which includes tourism, education, banking, and
sales. More people are moving out of the city itself and into the suburbs.

Mexico City is built on a swampy series of islands in a valley surrounded by volcanoes. As the
population boomed, the areas delicate geology led to problems with flooding, runoff, wastewater
management, pollution, and earthquakes.

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Los Angeles, California, is one of the fastest-growing cities on the continent. L.A. is the second
largest city in the United States, with 3.83 million people in 2008; the entire metropolitan area
has more than 15 million people. The city is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World,
with many motion picture, television, and music production studios established there. Los
Angeles is also considered a majority-minority city, as its racial composition is less than 50
percent white. According to U.S. Census figures, Angelenos of Latino origin account for 48.4
percent of the population.

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is also considered one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the
world. More than 50 percent of its population was born outside of Canada. The citys diverse
community, low crime rates, clean environment, and high standard of living make it one of the
worlds most livable cities.

Engineering marvels have defined North America over the last century. The Panama Canal,
completed in 1914, is one of the most important waterways in the world. Its 80-kilometer (50
mile) length connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Isthmus of Panama, making
ship voyages dramatically shorter. Ships travelling from the west coast to the east coast of the
United States, for example, cut their voyage by 8,000 nautical miles because they are not
required to round Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.

The Hoover Dam, completed in 1936, is another of North Americas engineering milestones.
Located on the Colorado River on the border between the U.S. states of Arizona and Nevada, the
Hoover Dam creates Lake Mead, one of the largest manmade lakes in the world. The dam is used
for flood control, electric power, irrigation, and water supplies.

While it has contributed greatly to the development of the southwestern U.S., the Hoover Dam
has also negatively impacted the Colorado River, its tributaries, and surrounding ecosystems.
Construction of the dam basically eliminated the Colorado Delta ecosystem, as almost no water
reaches the rivers mouth. Communities in the Mexican state of Baja California are also
prevented from using the rivers water supplies.

Cities and economic development have spurred North American engineers and architects to
construct some of the worlds most striking buildings. Completed in 1976, Torontos CN Tower is
the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 553 meters (1,815 feet).

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All major Canadian radio stations, as well as wireless service providers, use the CN Tower for
transmission.

North Americas advanced infrastructure has allowed populations, services, and industries to
prosper across the continent. With the first underground line opened in 1904, the New York City
subway system is one of the oldest and most extensive public transportation systems in the
world. It now has more than 450 stations, more than 354 kilometers (220 miles) of track, and
delivered more than 1.575 billion rides in 2009.

Other infrastructure systems transport goods. Mexicos state-owned petroleum company, Pemex,
transports crude oil and natural gas through more than 453 pipelines spanning 4,667 kilometers
(2,900 miles). Pemex is one of the largest companies in the world.

THE ROLE OF USAID IN PROMOTING PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS

THE WORLD
Introduction
USAID stands for the United States Agency for International Development. It is a government
agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance to countries around
the world. USAID provides assistance in areas such as economic development, healthcare,
education, food security, and disaster relief.
USAID was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy with the goal of providing aid to
developing countries in order to promote economic and social progress, reduce poverty, and
support democratic governance. The agency works with partner countries, non-governmental
organizations, and other U.S. government agencies to implement its programs.
USAID operates in over 100 countries and has a budget of several billion dollars each year. Its
programs aim to promote sustainable development, strengthen democratic institutions, and
support human rights around the world.
One of the main objectives of USAID is to promote sustainable economic growth in developing
countries by providing technical assistance, training, and financial support to small and medium-
sized enterprises. By doing so, USAID helps create jobs and reduce poverty, which, in turn,
promotes stability and peace in these countries.
Another important area of USAID's work is health. USAID provides assistance to developing
countries to improve healthcare systems, control infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and

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strengthen maternal and child health services. By doing so, USAID helps improve the overall
health of the population, which is crucial for economic development and stability.
USAID also supports democratic institutions and governance by providing technical
assistance to governments, civil society organizations, and political parties. By promoting
democratic institutions and processes, USAID helps countries build strong, transparent, and
accountable institutions, which are essential for promoting peace and stability.
USAID provides humanitarian assistance to countries affected by natural disasters,
conflicts, and other crises. The agency works with local and international organizations to
provide food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services to people affected by these crises.
USAID has also played a vital role in promoting gender equality and empowering women
and girls. The agency supports programs that promote access to education and healthcare,
improve economic opportunities, and reduce gender-based violence. By promoting gender
equality, USAID helps to create more inclusive societies that are more likely to be stable and
peaceful.
USAID works closely with local communities, civil society organizations, and other
stakeholders to ensure that its programs are tailored to meet the specific needs and challenges of
each country. By collaborating with local partners, USAID helps build capacity and
ownership, which is crucial for sustaining development progress over the long term.
USAID has also played a crucial role in responding to global challenges such as climate
change, food security, and energy access. By supporting programs that promote sustainable
agriculture, renewable energy, and other sustainable practices, USAID helps to build resilience
and mitigate the effects of global challenges, which can contribute to stability and peace.
USAID has also been involved in promoting peace and security through conflict prevention
and resolution efforts. The agency works with local partners, governments, and international
organizations to support peace building initiatives, including reconciliation, mediation, and the
reintegration of ex-combatants.
USAID's role in promoting peace and development across the world is also closely tied to the
United States' foreign policy goals. The agency's work supports US national security interests by
promoting stability, reducing poverty, and improving living conditions in developing countries.
By helping to build strong, prosperous, and democratic societies, USAID helps to create more

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favorable conditions for US businesses to operate and reduces the likelihood of conflicts that can
pose a threat to US national security.
In recent years, USAID has also been focused on promoting innovation and harnessing the
power of technology to advance development goals. The agency supports programs that
promote digital literacy, improve access to information and communication technologies, and
support innovation and entrepreneurship. By embracing innovation and technology, USAID
helps to accelerate development progress and create more opportunities for people in developing
countries.
It's also worth noting that USAID's efforts are often focused on the most vulnerable populations
in developing countries, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and marginalized
communities. The agency works to ensure that these populations have access to essential services
and resources, including food, water, shelter, and healthcare. By supporting these communities,
USAID helps to promote social inclusion and reduce the risk of conflict and instability.

WAYS THROUGH WHICH ANGLO AMERICA HAS CONTRIBUTED TO GLOBAL

FOOD PRODUCTION
Anglo America, which includes countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, has
made significant contributions to global food production and food security. Here are some of the
key ways in which this region has impacted the world's food supply:

Agricultural Innovation, The agricultural sector in Anglo America has been characterized by
significant innovation, including the development of new technologies, the use of genetically
modified crops, and precision farming techniques. This has helped to increase crop yields, reduce
costs, and make food production more efficient and sustainable.

Breadbasket Regions, The United States and Canada are both known for their "breadbasket"
regions, which are large areas of fertile land that produce a significant portion of the world's
wheat, corn, and other grains. These regions have played a crucial role in ensuring global food
security, as they have been able to supply large quantities of food to other regions of the world.

Exporting Food, Anglo American countries are also major exporters of food, with the United
States and Canada both ranking among the top food exporters in the world. This has helped to

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provide food to regions that may have limited agricultural capacity or face challenges due to
climate or other factors.

Agricultural Aid, Anglo American countries have also played a role in providing agricultural
aid to developing countries, including through initiatives such as the U.S. Agency for
International Development's (USAID) Feed the Future program. This aid has helped to improve
food security and agricultural productivity in these countries.

Livestock Production, Anglo American countries have also played a significant role in
livestock production, particularly in the production of beef, pork, and poultry. These countries
have developed large-scale, industrial livestock production systems that have helped to meet
growing demand for animal protein around the world

Agricultural Research, Anglo American countries have invested heavily in agricultural

research, which has led to the development of new crop varieties, improved farming techniques,
and better understanding of agricultural systems. This research has contributed to improvements
in food production and sustainability.

Food Safety and Quality, Anglo American countries have also developed robust systems for
ensuring food safety and quality. These systems include regulations, inspections, and
certification programs that help to ensure that the food produced in these countries is safe and
meets high standards.

Sustainable Agriculture, In recent years, there has been growing emphasis on sustainable
agriculture in Anglo American countries. This has included efforts to reduce the environmental
impact of agriculture, improve soil health, and promote more sustainable farming practices

Food Aid, Anglo American countries have also provided significant food aid to other countries
in times of crisis, such as during natural disasters or humanitarian crises. This aid helps to ensure
that people in these situations have access to the food they need to survive.

Agricultural Trade, The United States, Canada, and Australia are all major players in global
agricultural trade. These countries export a wide range of agricultural products, including grains,
meat, dairy, and fruits and vegetables. Agricultural trade can help to ensure that countries have
access to the food they need, even if they do not have the capacity to produce it themselves.

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Farmer Support, Anglo American countries have also developed programs to support farmers,
particularly small-scale farmers, in developing countries. These programs may provide training,
access to markets, or financial support to help farmers improve their productivity and
livelihoods.

Food Waste Reduction, Anglo American countries have also taken steps to reduce food waste,
which is a major problem around the world. These countries have developed initiatives to reduce
food waste at all stages of the supply chain, from production to consumption.

Public-Private Partnerships, Anglo American countries have also established public-private

partnerships to advance agricultural innovation and promote food security. These partnerships
bring together government, academic institutions, and private industry to develop and promote
new technologies and practices that can help to improve agricultural productivity and
sustainability.

Food Education and Awareness, Anglo American countries have also developed programs to
increase public awareness and education about food and agriculture. These programs aim to
promote healthy eating habits, reduce food waste, and educate the public about the importance of
sustainable agriculture.

Climate-Smart Agriculture, as the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent,

Anglo-American countries have also been at the forefront of efforts to promote climate-smart
agriculture. This includes practices such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and the use of
drought-resistant crops that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health,
and increase the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change.

Food Sovereignty, Finally, Anglo American countries have also recognized the importance of
food sovereignty, which refers to the right of communities to control their own food systems.
Efforts to promote food sovereignty aim to empower local communities to develop their own
sustainable and equitable food systems that meet their specific needs and priorities.

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