BSED Major in Social Studies 2

Socsci 6: Place and Landscapes

Places and Landscape in a Changing World:

Exploring How Our Environment Evolves

Image: A split image showing a natural landscape and an urban cityscape side by side.

Introduction to Places and Landscapes

Places: Locations that hold significance for people (e.g., cities, villages, homes).

Landscapes: The visible features of an area, including natural and human-made elements. Our world is constantly changing due to natural forces and human activities.

Image: A diagram showing a natural landscape evolving into an urban area.

Types of Landscapes
Main Points:
Natural Landscapes: Mountains, rivers, forests, and deserts shaped by natural forces.

Human-Made Landscapes: Cities, roads, farms, and bridges created by humans.

Hybrid Landscapes: A mix of natural and human-made elements (e.g., parks within cities).

Image: Examples of natural (mountains), human-made (skyscrapers), and hybrid (city park) landscapes.

Forces That Change Places and Landscapes
Main Points:
Natural Changes: Erosion, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and climate change.

Human Activities: Urbanization, deforestation, agriculture, and industrialization.Technological

Advances: Modern infrastructure, smart cities, and transportation networks.

Image: A before-and-after image showing the transformation of a natural landscape into a city.

Urbanization and Changing Landscapes
Main Points:
Urbanization transforms rural areas into cities, altering landscapes.Cities grow due to migration, leading to changes in land use (from forests or farms to buildings and roads).

Urban sprawl (uncontrolled expansion of urban areas) affects natural resources and biodiversity.

Image: An image showing a growing city expanding into rural or green areas

Globalization and Place Identity
Main Points:
Globalization: The world is becoming more connected, influencing how places and landscapes look.Places adopt similar features (e.g., malls, airports) but retain unique cultural landmarks.
Globalization can sometimes erase local identities, but it can also highlight cultural diversity.

When places "adopt similar features but retain unique cultural landmarks," it means that while many places around the world may develop common infrastructure such as malls, airports, or modern buildings, they still preserve and highlight their unique local culture through distinct landmarks, traditions, or architectural styles.

For example:
Malls and airports in different countries may look similar due to their function, but they could also showcase artwork, design, or symbols that reflect the local culture.
Cultural landmarks, such as temples, historic monuments, or traditional markets, are preserved to maintain the heritage and history unique to that place.
In essence, modern developments may create similarities across the globe, but the cultural identity of a place is maintained through its unique historical or cultural elements.

When we say globalization can sometimes erase local identities but also highlight cultural diversity, it refers to the dual effects of globalization on cultures worldwide.

1. Erasing Local Identities:As global brands, media, and consumer goods spread, local cultures may be overshadowed by more dominant global influences.Traditional practices, languages, or unique customs may diminish as people adopt more universal trends in fashion, technology, and lifestyle.For example, fast-food chains or international stores may replace local businesses, leading to the loss of distinctive local elements.

2. Highlighting Cultural Diversity:On the other hand, globalization also allows for cultural exchange and appreciation. People can experience and learn about diverse cultures through travel, food, music, art, and the internet.Global platforms provide an opportunity for different cultures to be shared and celebrated. Festivals, tourism, and international cuisine can promote cultural pride and awareness across the globe.For instance, through media or travel, one might discover the beauty of traditional dances, festivals, or architectural styles from a distant part of the world.

In summary, while globalization can make cultures more uniform, it also offers the potential to celebrate and preserve the rich variety of global cultures.

Image: Famous landmarks from different parts of the world (e.g., Eiffel Tower, Burj Khalifa) with a background showing globalization symbols (e.g., airplanes, internet).

Environmental Sustainability and Landscape Preservation

Main Points:

Landscapes are changing, but we need to protect them.
Sustainable practices, like conservation and eco-friendly urban planning, help preserve natural environments.
Restoring landscapes after deforestation or pollution can create a balance between human needs and nature.

Image: A city with green roofs, solar panels, and parks—highlighting sustainability efforts.

Case Study: The Philippines' Changing Landscapes

Main Points:
Examples of how urbanization and natural disasters (e.g., typhoons) change landscapes in the Philippines.
Discuss Metro Manila's urban growth and the impact of natural forces on coastal areas.
Efforts toward sustainable development (e.g., green spaces in urban areas).

Metro Manila's Urban Growth: Metro Manila, the Philippines' economic and political hub, has experienced rapid urbanization over the past decades. Its population has grown significantly, leading to increased demand for housing, transportation, and services. This urban growth is characterized by:

Overcrowding: With millions of people migrating to the city for better job opportunities, Metro Manila faces overcrowding. This results in traffic congestion, strained public services, and inadequate housing, with many people living in informal settlements.

Infrastructure Development: To accommodate its growing population, Metro Manila has seen extensive infrastructure projects, such as the construction of high-rise buildings, malls, highways, and public transportation systems (e.g., MRT, LRT). However, infrastructure development has often lagged behind population growth, leading to issues like flooding and poor road conditions.

Environmental Degradation: The increase in construction and industrial activities has led to the loss of green spaces, pollution of rivers (such as the Pasig River), and the destruction of natural habitats.

Impact of Natural Forces on Coastal Areas: Metro Manila's coastal areas, especially along Manila Bay, are significantly affected by natural forces such as typhoons, rising sea levels, and land subsidence. These have the following impacts:

Flooding: Coastal areas in Metro Manila, including parts of Pasay, Parañaque, and Manila, are prone to severe flooding during typhoons. The city's inadequate drainage system and the rising sea levels due to climate change exacerbate the situation.Erosion: Coastal erosion is another consequence of both natural forces and human activities (e.g., reclamation projects). Erosion can weaken coastal defenses, making areas more vulnerable to storm surges.

Storm Surges: Typhoons can cause powerful storm surges, particularly in the low-lying areas near the bay, posing risks to communities and infrastructure.

Land Subsidence: Some areas of Metro Manila experience land subsidence due to over-extraction of groundwater, contributing to flooding and amplifying the effects of rising sea levels.In response to these challenges, there have been efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay and improve flood management infrastructure, but addressing the impacts of both urban growth and natural forces requires long-term sustainable planning.

Image: A comparison of rural and urban areas in the Philippines

Conclusion: Adapting to a Changing World

Summary:
Landscapes and places are continuously evolving due to both natural and human forces.Understanding these changes helps us manage and protect the environment.Sustainable development is key to maintaining a balance between urbanization and natural preservation.