Human-Environment Interaction

United States and Canada

Settlement and Agriculture

• Settlement-First inhabitants nomads, probably migrated from Asia over Beringia.

Settlement and Agriculture• Agriculture-Made

settlements permanent. Remains an important activity in both the United States and Canada.

Interactions with the environment• Building Cities:

Montreal-Adapted to the cold by building underground areas.

Interactions with the environment

• Building Cities: Los Angeles- Mild climate drew thousands, and urban sprawl began, as well as problems like air pollution, Water must be brought in from the Aqueduct

Interactions with the environment• Overcoming distances: Early

Trails -Trails for transportation and movement included the early national and wilderness roads, and Oregon and Santa Fe trails.

Interactions with the environment• Overcoming distances:

Transcontinental Railroads- In both the United States and Canada, rail lines across the country permanently changed the landscape, promoted economic development, and helped create national unity.

Interactions with the environment• Overcoming

distances: National highway systems-Extensive highway systems in both the United states and Canada accommodate and promote heavy reliance on the automobile.

Interactions with the environment

• Harnessing renewable resources for power.– Hydro-electric power

– Wind power

– Solar power