Why Are There So Many Conflicts in Mountainous Regions?

GEOGRAPHY Mountains stand as a symbol of both solidarity and isolation. This is particularly true for the various rebel groups and militias that have used rugged terrain to resist central governing authorities. (World Policy Blog) Where have mountain ranges helped define ongoing political conflicts? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources, including today’s MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas Take a look at … Continue reading Why Are There So Many Conflicts in Mountainous Regions?

Polarizing Region

POLITICS Denmark, together with Greenland, is claiming around 906,495 square kilometers (350,000 square miles) of the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean, in an area that is bigger than Texas and includes the North Pole. (NPR) Use our resources to better understand why the region is so important—and then map it yourself! Teachers, scroll down for a short list of key resources in our Teachers’ … Continue reading Polarizing Region

Egyptians Oppose Ethiopian Dam

WORLD “Ethiopia is killing us,” Egyptian taxi driver Ahmed Hossam says. “If they build this dam, there will be no Nile. If there’s no Nile, then there’s no Egypt.” (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand how stakeholders reflect the diversity of economic, political, geographic, and environmental conflicts inherent in dam-building. Discussion Ideas Read through our lesson “Making Informed Environmental Decisions,” which concerns … Continue reading Egyptians Oppose Ethiopian Dam

Africa’s Natural Resources

Humans have recognized the importance of the environment to our survival for millions of years. We use water, soil, minerals, metals, timber, and other natural resources in every aspect of our lives. Africa is a major source of some of the world’s most utilized minerals and precious metals, such as gold, copper, diamonds, and coltan (used in computer chips and electronics), as well as oil, … Continue reading Africa’s Natural Resources