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California- Paradise or Hell on Earth?

California- Paradise or Hell on Earth?. “No place on Earth offers greater security to life and greater freedom from natural hazards than California” LA Times 1934. Two sides to California. The Golden State. Gold Discovery. Transcontinental railway. Population growth.

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California- Paradise or Hell on Earth?

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  1. California- Paradise or Hell on Earth? “No place on Earth offers greater security to life and greater freedom from natural hazards than California” LA Times 1934

  2. Two sides to California

  3. The Golden State Gold Discovery Transcontinental railway

  4. Population growth

  5. Californian Climate – Sunny and dry

  6. Stunning landscapes and activity Yosemite National Park Surfing

  7. Californian Economy • GDP: $1.8 trillion • 40% of US total GDP generated in California • 8th largest GDP in the world • 40% of USA’s fresh fruit and vegetables produced in California

  8. Water Use • Little rainfall • Underground water • Colorado river transfer scheme • Agriculture • Leisure and Domestic • Industrial

  9. Water Consumption California water consumption • 1200 litres per person per day • The UK consumes 150 litres per person per day • California likely to experience severe and chronic water shortages in future

  10. On Fire Hot, dry weather and strong winds result in a large fire affecting the Californian coast on average every 2 and a half years. Damage can cost millions. The last fires in May 2009 resulted in losses of $2 billion. As housing expands in to the countryside so more people are at risk.

  11. Landslides • La Conchita • 6 people died • People like living on high ground • Heavy rain and deforestation • Road building

  12. Earthquake Unstable zone Right on the boundary between the Pacific and North American plate.

  13. Earthquakes every day… Most are not noticed by humans • Last week there were around 860 recorded earth tremors in California. • Last major quake was in 1994 • 72 people died • Damages: $42 billion

  14. Earthquake Damage San Fransisco Cypress freeway

  15. Not all Hazards are Natural

  16. A Question for Discussion • “The advantages of living and working in California far outweigh the disadvantages of the risks posed by natural and man-made hazards such as fires and earthquakes” Discuss.

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