Standards SS7G6 The student will discuss environmental issues across Southwest Asia (Middle East). a. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts irrigation and drinking water. SS7G7 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, physical characteristics, distribution of natural resources and population distribution on Southwest Asia (Middle East). a. Explain how the distribution of oil has affected the development of Southwest Asia (Middle East).

OIL One of the most important natural resources in the area (besides water) – has brought wealth to the region Most of the drilling is done by the countries themselves.

OIL (cont.) Over ½ of the world’s known oil reserves are found in this part of the world. This has made some of the countries very rich and has given them control over much of the global economy.

OPEC In the 1960s, several SW Asian countries joined with other oil-rich countries to create the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, in order to have more control over the price of oil on the world market. OPEC has called for an embargo (a slow down or temporary halt) to oil supplies at various times in the past to get political and economic agreements from other countries in the world.

The SW Asian countries with the greatest reserves of oil and natural gas are Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait.

Impact of Oil The countries with a great amount of oil have also acquired a lot of wealth OIL = MONEY (Lots of it!) (The next two slides/pictures will illustrate how much wealth is gained by having oil deposits)

Rivers and Deserts Many of the major cities in SW Asia are located on or near these rivers. The Middle East has a number of very large desert areas that have historically provided a natural barrier against invasions

Harsh Environment of the Desert Deserts led to the development of a way of life that centered around the need to survive in such a harsh environment. People survive living in tent camps Working as sheep and camel herders

Harsh Climate These people are known as Bedouins, or desert nomads. Their way of life is gradually disappearing due to increased urbanization..

SS7G6 The student will discuss environmental issues across Southwest Asia A. Explain how water pollution and the unequal distribution of water impacts irrigation and drinking water.

Water Pollution Pollution is found in high amounts across SW Asia Most nations are “developing countries” in which pollution is more problematic Causes a lot of death in the region due to warfare Iraq and Afghanistan They fight for the water!

Population vs. Fresh Water SW Asia has 5% of the world’s population SW Asia only has 0.9% of the world’s freshwater

Populations in SW Asia have lower consumption rates of water than other regions SW Asia obtains freshwater from sources such as: Tigris-Euphrates rivers Jordan River Nile River (Africa)

Solutions to Scarcity Solutions: Everybody in SW Asia needs to be able to use the water, but there is only a limited amount. Solutions: Desalinization – process of removing salt from sea water Trading Cooperation

While desalination could produce water for drinking and irrigation, the cost of the process is prohibitive (way too expensive).