Reasons for Living in Hazardous Regions
- Billions of people live in areas which are vulnerable to natural events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tropical cyclones
- It is the interaction between the natural event, humans and the human environment that make the event a hazard
- There are a number of reasons why people continue to live in these areas:
- A lack of education and information means that people are not aware of the risks
- The advantages of living in the area outweigh the disadvantages - fertile soil, geothermal energy, access to water, trade, jobs, tourism
- People are too poor to move away, they have little choice about where they live
- People were born in an area and have friends/family there so do not want to move
- If disasters do not happen frequently people may believe that they are unlikely to be affected
Worked example
Suggest two reasons why people live in areas which are vulnerable to natural hazardsĀ (4)
- Identify the command word
- The command word is 'suggest'
- The focus of the question is 'areas which are vulnerable to natural hazards'
- When you are asked to give two reasons in a four mark question you need to give a reason for one mark and then explain it for the second mark
Answer
- Born and brought up there (1) so don't want to leave/emotional attachment (1)
- Lack of income (1) cannot afford to move/relocate(1)
- The benefits outweigh the risks (1) fertile soil/income from tourism/geothermal energy/minerals (1)
- Not aware of the risk (1) so don't consider moving (1)
- Personal choice (1) natural beauty, friends/ family (1)
Exam Tip
Remember although housing may be cheaper in areas which are vulnerable to natural hazards this is not something that you would be awarded marks for in the exam.
