Impact of the Environment and Economy on Southwest Asia Today

How has the discovery of oil in some Southwest Asian countries affected the economic development of this area?

• The discovery of oil has meant that no other industries have developed in the region

• Those countries with oil reserves are much richer than those countries that have not found oil in their territory

• Having oil has made very little difference in the economy of this region

• Those with oil need less water than the other countries around them

What are the two most valuable natural resources in Southwest Asia (Middle East)?

• water and cotton

• phosphates and oil

• oil and natural gas

• sulfur and natural gas

How has the use of chemical fertilizers affected water supplies in many countries in Southwest Asia (Middle East)?

• The use of chemical fertilizers means crops must be watered constantly

• Water supplies have been contaminated by the chemicals through runoff from the fields

• Chemical fertilizers help take the salt out of water supplies in Southwest Asia (Middle East)

• Enormous amounts of water must be used to produce chemical fertilizers

How has the building of dams created problems for countries sharing rivers in Southwest Asia?

• Countries in Southwest Asia are not allowed to build dams along shared rivers

• Dams are too expensive to build

• Few countries have the technology to build dams

• Dams limit the water available to countries further downstream

What is causing water pollution in Southwest Asia?

• Chemical fertilizers and irrigation

• Chemical fertilizers, garbage, and sewage

• Chemical fertilizers and desalination

• Chemical fertilizers and nuclear waste

Which statement best describes the problem of water in Southwest Asia (Middle East)?

• Local fresh water supplies cannot support the area’s drinking and farming needs

• Runoff from desalination plants is polluting fresh water supplies

• Hydroelectric power is using most of the fresh water.

• Underground aquifers are overflowing and flooding towns

How have the citizens of oil-rich countries benefitted from their oil supplies?

• Citizens of oil rich countries no longer have to work to earn a living

• Having oil has made very little difference in the lives of citizens in oil-rich countries

• Oil wealth has improved their standard of living, leading to better education, housing, and health

• They no longer have to be a member of OPEC

What is one major environmental challenge facing Southwest Asia today?

• Desertification

• Tropical storms

• Glacial melting

• Volcanic eruptions

How does the scarcity of water impact agriculture in Southwest Asia?

• It leads to the use of advanced irrigation techniques

• It has no impact on agriculture

• It increases the reliance on rain-fed agriculture

• It results in the abandonment of farming

Which economic sector is most affected by the oil industry in Southwest Asia?

• Tourism

• Agriculture

• Manufacturing

• Technology