Lesson 6: Impact of Geography on Human Settlement

Geography has always played a key role in determining where and how humans live. Since the dawn of civilization, people have chosen to settle in locations where the land provides certain advantages—whether it’s access to water, fertile soil, a temperate climate, or natural protection from enemies. The relationship between humans and the physical landscape has shaped cultures, economies, and even the political systems of societies around the world.

In Canada, one of the largest and most geographically diverse countries on Earth, the natural environment plays a pivotal role in where people live and how they organize their communities. The same can be said for countries in the Pacific Rim, a region that includes nations like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Chile. Each of these countries faces unique geographic challenges and opportunities that shape their settlement patterns.

The impact of geography on human settlement goes beyond where people live; it also affects the size of communities, how cities are laid out, and the types of industries that thrive in a region. Coastal cities may develop bustling trade economies, while mountainous regions may become isolated and focus on subsistence agriculture or mining. Similarly, regions with fertile soil and a moderate climate often support larger populations, as they provide the resources needed for agriculture and urban expansion.

In this lesson, we will explore how geography influences human settlement in Canada and the Pacific Rim. Building on your knowledge from "Unit 1: Introduction to Canada’s Pacific and Northern Neighbours," we will analyze specific geographic features in both Canada and Pacific Rim countries and discuss how these features affect where people live. We will also examine how the environment and settlement patterns interact—how humans modify the landscape to suit their needs, and how the environment can limit or encourage human activities.

Understanding how geography shapes human settlement is crucial for grasping broader social, economic, and political trends. For example, the availability of natural resources like water, minerals, and fertile land can dictate a region's wealth and influence on the global stage. On the other hand, geographic challenges like harsh climates, natural disasters, or limited access to trade routes can stifle growth and development, leading to isolated or underdeveloped communities.

Key Concepts:

• Physical Geography: The study of natural features like mountains, rivers, and climate zones, and how they affect human life.

• Human Geography: The study of how humans organize their activities in space, including settlement patterns, economic systems, and cultural practices.

• Settlement Patterns: The distribution of human populations across the landscape, which can be influenced by geography, climate, economy, and culture.

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to explain how geography has shaped human settlement patterns in Canada and the Pacific Rim. You’ll also be able to use different types of maps to analyze settlement patterns and assess the impact of human habitation on the natural environment.

Canada's geography is vast and diverse, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the temperate southern regions to the frozen Arctic. This incredible variety in landscapes and climates has a profound impact on where people live and how communities develop. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into the geographic factors shaping settlement patterns across Canada, with a focus on landforms, waterways, and climate zones.

Landforms and Their Impact on Settlement

• The Canadian Shield
  Covering roughly half of Canada, the Canadian Shield is a large area of exposed Precambrian rock, much of it covered by forests and lakes. While it is rich in mineral resources, including iron ore, nickel, copper, and gold, the Shield's rocky terrain and thin soil make it less suitable for agriculture and large-scale urban development. As a result, most of the Canadian Shield remains sparsely populated, with settlements concentrated around resource extraction industries, such as mining towns in Northern Ontario and Quebec.

The Shield's natural environment has also historically shaped the Indigenous populations living in the region, who developed ways to adapt to the land through fishing, hunting, and trade. The few major cities in this area, like Sudbury and Thunder Bay, owe their growth largely to the mining industry rather than agriculture or trade.

• The Rocky Mountains
  The Rocky Mountains form a dramatic natural barrier along the border between British Columbia and Alberta. These towering peaks are a defining feature of western Canada, and they create both opportunities and limitations for human settlement. While the Rocky Mountains are home to popular tourist destinations like Banff and Jasper, their steep slopes and cold alpine climate make large-scale human settlement challenging. Instead, communities in this region are often small and focused on tourism, conservation, and resource extraction (e.g., forestry and mining).

Further south, in the foothills of the Rockies, towns like Canmore have emerged as recreational and tourism hubs. In British Columbia, the city of Kamloops benefits from its location at the confluence of several major highways and rivers, serving as a transportation hub between the interior and the coast.

• The Prairie Plains
  The Prairies of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are the heart of Canada's agricultural industry. Unlike the mountainous west and the rocky Shield, the Prairies offer flat, fertile land that is ideal for large-scale farming. Wheat, canola, and other crops dominate the landscape, and towns and cities have developed around the agricultural economy.

Regina and Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, as well as Winnipeg in Manitoba, are key urban centers that owe their existence and growth to the agricultural productivity of the Prairies. The availability of flat, arable land has allowed for easier construction of transportation networks, such as railroads and highways, further facilitating the development of these regions.

Rivers and Waterways: The Lifelines of Settlement

• The St. Lawrence River
  The St. Lawrence River is one of the most important waterways in Canada, linking the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. This river system has been critical to the development of cities like Montreal, Quebec City, and Toronto, providing them with access to trade routes, fresh water, and fertile land. The St. Lawrence Seaway, completed in 1959, further enhanced the economic importance of this region by allowing larger ships to navigate from the Atlantic Ocean into the interior of North America.

The cities along the St. Lawrence are not only important economic centers but also cultural and political hubs, with a long history of settlement dating back to the Indigenous peoples who used the river for trade and travel long before European colonization.

• The Fraser River
  The Fraser River in British Columbia is another key waterway that has shaped human settlement in western Canada. Flowing from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, the Fraser River has supported Indigenous communities for thousands of years, and in more recent history, it played a crucial role in the development of British Columbia during the Fraser River Gold Rush of the mid-19th century.

Today, the Lower Fraser Valley is one of the most densely populated areas in the province, with the city of Vancouver located at the river’s mouth. The Fraser River continues to be important for trade, agriculture, and industry, with its fertile floodplains supporting a variety of crops and livestock.

Climate Zones and Their Impact on Settlement

• Northern Canada and the Arctic
  The climate in northern Canada is one of the most challenging for human settlement. The Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, which include parts of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern Quebec and Labrador, experience long, harsh winters with freezing temperatures, permafrost, and limited growing seasons. These conditions make it difficult to sustain large populations, and as a result, these areas are home to small, primarily Indigenous communities.

In recent years, climate change has started to alter settlement patterns in the North. Melting permafrost is creating new challenges for infrastructure, as roads and buildings become unstable. At the same time, warmer temperatures may open up new opportunities for resource extraction and even agriculture in some parts of the North, potentially encouraging more people to move to these regions in the future.

• Southern Canada
  In contrast to the North, southern Canada enjoys a more temperate climate, especially in regions like southern Ontario, the southern Prairies, and British Columbia’s Lower Mainland. The milder weather, combined with fertile soil and access to major waterways, has made these areas the most densely populated parts of the country. Southern cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver are home to millions of people and serve as economic, cultural, and political centers for the country.

The climate in these regions allows for a longer growing season, which supports both agriculture and urban development. In British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, for example, the temperate rainforest climate supports a wide range of crops, from fruits and vegetables to vineyards, making it one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country.

The Pacific Rim is a region characterized by dramatic geographic diversity, from the volcanic islands of Indonesia to the towering mountains of Japan and the fertile plains of New Zealand. These geographic features play a critical role in shaping where people live and how they interact with their environment. In this section, we’ll explore how geography influences settlement patterns across the Pacific Rim, focusing on landforms, climate, and the challenges posed by natural disasters.

Mountainous Terrain and Limited Land Availability

• Japan
  Japan is one of the most mountainous countries in the world, with approximately 73% of its land covered by mountains. This rugged terrain has historically limited the amount of land available for agriculture and urban development. As a result, most of Japan’s population is concentrated in narrow coastal plains, where the land is flatter and more suitable for farming and building.

The Kanto Plain, where Tokyo is located, is one of the largest and most fertile plains in Japan, making it a prime location for both agriculture and urban growth. Other major cities, like Osaka and Kyoto, are also located in coastal regions, where access to the sea has historically facilitated trade and communication with other countries.

Japan's mountainous interior remains sparsely populated, with small towns and villages primarily engaged in forestry, small-scale agriculture, and tourism. The lack of arable land in these regions has led to a highly centralized population distribution, with much of the country's economy and infrastructure focused on the coastal cities.

• New Zealand
  New Zealand’s geography is similarly dominated by mountains, particularly in the South Island, where the Southern Alps run the length of the island. These mountains create a dramatic landscape but also pose challenges for human settlement. Like Japan, New Zealand’s population is concentrated in coastal areas, where the land is flatter and more conducive to urban development.

The North Island, home to the majority of New Zealand’s population, has more fertile plains and a milder climate, supporting larger cities like Auckland and Wellington. The mountainous South Island, while less populated, attracts tourists and supports industries like farming and hydropower, thanks to its abundant natural resources.

Volcanic Islands and Natural Disasters

• Indonesia and the Philippines
  Indonesia and the Philippines are both located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its high level of seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. While the volcanic soil in these regions is extremely fertile and supports large agricultural populations, the risk of natural disasters poses significant challenges to human settlement.

Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, is home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes, including Mount Merapi and Mount Krakatoa. The country’s population is concentrated on the island of Java, where the land is fertile and densely populated despite the risk of volcanic eruptions. The constant threat of natural disasters requires extensive disaster preparedness and response systems, which are vital for protecting the millions of people who live in these areas.

Similarly, the Philippines experiences frequent earthquakes and typhoons, which can cause widespread destruction. Despite these risks, the country’s fertile volcanic soil and access to the sea have made it a hub for agriculture and trade, with large cities like Manila growing rapidly along the coast.

Climate is one of the most important factors influencing where and how people live. Different climate zones create unique challenges and opportunities for human settlement, and in both Canada and the Pacific Rim, climate plays a key role in shaping settlement patterns.

Cold Climates and Low Population Density in Northern Canada

Northern Canada is characterized by its cold, harsh climate, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. These areas experience long, freezing winters and short summers, with temperatures often falling below -30°C in the winter months. The presence of permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, also poses significant challenges for construction and agriculture, as it makes the land unsuitable for large-scale farming and complicates the development of infrastructure.

As a result, the population density in northern Canada is very low. Communities in this region are small, often Indigenous, and rely on subsistence activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering. The difficulty of accessing these remote regions and the high cost of living also contribute to the low population density.

Example: Nunavut
Nunavut, Canada’s northernmost territory, has a population of approximately 40,000 people spread across an area larger than many European countries. The harsh Arctic climate makes large-scale settlement impractical, but Inuit communities have thrived in the region for centuries, adapting their way of life to the challenging environment. As climate change causes permafrost to melt and temperatures to rise, there may be new opportunities for settlement and resource extraction in the North, but these changes also pose risks to the traditional way of life.

Temperate Climates and High Population Density in the Pacific Rim

In contrast to northern Canada, many countries in the Pacific Rim benefit from more temperate climates that support larger populations. For example, Japan and South Korea have relatively mild climates with distinct seasons, making these regions ideal for agriculture and urban development. The temperate coastal regions of China and New Zealand also experience moderate weather conditions that allow for year-round farming and the growth of dense urban centers.

Example: Japan
Japan’s temperate climate, particularly in regions like the Kanto Plain and the Kansai region, has supported the growth of major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The mild winters and warm summers in these areas allow for multiple growing seasons, which has historically supported the development of agriculture and trade. Today, Japan’s temperate regions are home to millions of people, with densely populated cities that serve as economic and cultural hubs.

Tropical Climates and Adaptation in the Pacific Islands

In Pacific Rim countries located closer to the equator, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, tropical climates dominate. These regions experience high temperatures year-round and significant rainfall, which supports lush rainforests and agriculture. However, tropical climates also come with challenges, particularly the threat of natural disasters like typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

Example: The Philippines
The Philippines experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season. While the warm climate supports agriculture, including rice, sugarcane, and coconut production, the country is also highly vulnerable to typhoons, which can cause widespread damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. The population has adapted to these challenges through a combination of disaster preparedness and the construction of homes designed to withstand flooding and strong winds.

As we move further into the 21st century, new challenges and trends are emerging that will shape the future of human settlement in both Canada and the Pacific Rim. Climate change, globalization, and urbanization are all influencing where people live, how cities are designed, and how societies interact with their environments.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Settlement Patterns

One of the most pressing issues facing the world today is climate change, which is already beginning to alter settlement patterns in many regions. In Canada, rising temperatures are affecting northern communities, as melting permafrost destabilizes infrastructure and opens up new areas for resource extraction. At the same time, southern Canada is experiencing more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and severe weather events, which could impact agriculture and water resources.

In the Pacific Rim, climate change is leading to rising sea levels, which threaten low-lying coastal areas in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan. Coastal cities, home to millions of people, are at risk of flooding, and governments are investing in infrastructure to protect against the impact of rising waters. However, some areas may become uninhabitable, leading to the displacement of populations.

Example: Sea-Level Rise in Indonesia
Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is one of the most vulnerable cities in the world to sea-level rise. Located on the coast and built on swampy ground, Jakarta is sinking at a rate of up to 25 centimeters per year, while the surrounding sea continues to rise. The Indonesian government has announced plans to move the capital to a new location on the island of Borneo, in an attempt to mitigate the risks posed by climate change.

Urbanization and the Shift Toward Megacities

Another major trend shaping settlement patterns is the continued shift from rural to urban living. In both Canada and the Pacific Rim, populations are increasingly concentrated in cities, many of which are growing into megacities—urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million people. This trend is driven by economic opportunities in urban centers, as well as the development of infrastructure that makes city living more convenient.

In Canada, cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal continue to grow rapidly, drawing in people from rural areas and smaller towns. These cities are becoming more diverse and more densely populated, leading to challenges related to housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

In the Pacific Rim, megacities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai are expanding at a rapid pace, driven by both internal migration and international economic forces. However, the rapid growth of these cities also comes with challenges, including pollution, traffic congestion, and the strain on public services.

Sustainable Development and Green Cities

As the world’s population continues to urbanize, there is a growing focus on creating sustainable, “green” cities that reduce environmental impacts while improving the quality of life for residents. In both Canada and the Pacific Rim, governments and city planners are investing in sustainable infrastructure, including green buildings, renewable energy, and public transit systems.

Example: Vancouver’s Green City Plan
Vancouver is one of the world’s leading cities when it comes to sustainable development. The city has implemented a comprehensive “Greenest City Action Plan,” which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air and water quality, and promote green building practices. Vancouver’s commitment to sustainability includes expanding its public transit network, increasing the number of green spaces, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. These efforts aim to make Vancouver a model for other cities looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

In the Pacific Rim, cities like Singapore and Tokyo are also leading the way in sustainable development, with a focus on reducing energy consumption, improving waste management, and promoting green architecture. As cities continue to grow, the push for sustainable development will become increasingly important in shaping the future of urban living.

In this lesson, we have explored how geography influences human settlement patterns in both Canada and the Pacific Rim. From the cold, sparsely populated regions of northern Canada to the densely populated coastal cities of the Pacific Rim, geography plays a critical role in shaping where people live, how they build their communities, and how they interact with the environment.

Key geographic factors such as landforms, climate, and access to water have a profound impact on settlement patterns. In Canada, the Rocky Mountains, the Canadian Shield, and the fertile Prairies create a diverse landscape that influences everything from agriculture to urban development. In the Pacific Rim, the region’s dramatic geography—including volcanic islands, mountain ranges, and coastlines—presents both challenges and opportunities for human habitation.

At the same time, human settlement has a significant impact on the environment. Urbanization, agriculture, and industrial activities have transformed landscapes, leading to deforestation, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity. However, both Canada and Pacific Rim countries are working to address these challenges through sustainable development practices, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation strategies.

As we look to the future, climate change, globalization, and urbanization will continue to shape settlement patterns in both regions. Understanding the relationship between geography and human settlement is essential for planning for the future, whether it’s building resilient cities, protecting natural environments, or ensuring that communities can adapt to the challenges of a changing world.

By now, you should be able to confidently say: "I can explain how geography influences human settlement patterns in Canada and the Pacific Rim."

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Study the Island Map

Carefully examine the map of the island, paying attention to the different geographic features (mountains, plains, rivers, deserts, etc.) and climate zones (tropical, temperate, arid). Consider how these features will affect your decision on where to settle. Key points to think about:

• Water sources: Where are the rivers, lakes, or coastline?

• Landforms: Are there mountains, flat plains, or hills? What could each provide?

• Climate: What part of the island has a climate most suitable for your group to live and grow crops?

2. Choose a Location for Your Settlement

Decide on the ideal spot to establish your settlement based on these factors:

• Access to Resources: Does the location offer food, water, and materials for shelter (e.g., wood from forests or stone from mountains)?

• Defensibility: Is the settlement easy to defend from possible dangers (e.g., cliffs, mountains, or rivers acting as natural barriers)?

• Sustainability: Can your group survive long-term in this area? Consider whether there is land for farming, availability of fresh water, and favorable climate.

3. Write Down Your Justifications

Once you have chosen your settlement location, write down at least three reasons why you chose this spot. Be specific about how the geography and climate influenced your decision. Include considerations like:

• How geography will help your people survive (e.g., "We settled near a river for fresh water and fertile land for farming").

• How you will deal with challenges (e.g., "The mountains provide protection, but we need to build irrigation systems because of the dry climate").

4. Plan Your Google Slides Presentation

Your presentation will be 5-7 slides long and must include the following:

1. Title Slide:

   • Title of your settlement and your name.

2. Island Overview:

   • A description of the island's geography and climate zones. Briefly mention key geographic features.

   • Include the island map on this slide for reference.

3. Your Settlement Location:

   • Mark your chosen location on the island map.

   • Describe the specific geographic features around your settlement (e.g., nearby mountains, forests, rivers).

4. Reasons for Choosing This Location:

   • List and explain the three key reasons for choosing this spot (e.g., access to resources, climate suitability, defensibility, etc.).

5. Challenges and Solutions:

   • Identify at least one challenge related to your settlement (e.g., harsh climate, lack of arable land, potential natural disasters).

   • Describe how you plan to address or overcome this challenge (e.g., building irrigation systems, constructing defenses against floods).

6. Future Growth of Your Settlement:

   • How will your settlement expand? Consider adding more houses, farms, or trade routes over time.

   • How will you manage the land to ensure the survival of future generations (sustainability)?

5. Add Visuals to Your Slides

Make sure each slide is visually appealing by:

• Using images (e.g., a marked-up version of the island map to show your settlement’s location, relevant icons or images of the climate, landforms, etc.).

• Bullet points to clearly list ideas rather than writing long paragraphs.

6. Submit Your Google Slides Presentation

Once your presentation is complete, review it to make sure it is clear, well-organized, and visually appealing. Double-check your reasons for choosing the settlement and ensure they are based on the geographic and climate features of the island.

Submit your completed Google Slides presentation by the due date as instructed by your teacher. You do not need to present your work in front of the class, but the quality of your presentation and explanations will be graded based on the provided rubric.