Now in a thoroughly revised and updated edition, this text offers a comprehensive examination of North America's physical and human geography, weaving in the key themes of environment and sustainability throughout. The authors explore the challenges each region faces, such as water shortages, climate change, increased migration and diversity, urbanization, and continued economic changes. The book also highlights the positive actions that Americans and Canadians are taking to move toward a more sustainable future. New features in the second edition include sections on population, immigration and diversity, and urban trends. Each chapter also features a case study that examines a national park (representing natural and cultural heritage), how the region is coping with climate change, how geospatial technologies are applied to environmental challenges, iconic images and/or cultural festivals, urban sustainability best practices, and global connections and networks. Designed for ease of teaching and learning, the book features full-color photographs and maps throughout, chapter highlights, lists of key terms, places, and major cities for each chapter, discussion questions, and a glossary.
Detailed Contents List of Illustrations Preface to the First Edition Preface to the Second Edition Part One Moving toward Sustainability: Themes 1 Fundamental Concepts: Regions and Ecoregions 2 Fundamental Concepts: Sustainability 3 Regions: The Physical Context 4 Regions: The Human Context Part Two Moving toward Ecoregions: Places 5 The Canadian Corridor: A Shift in Core Value 6 The North Atlantic Provinces and Northern New England: New Economic Hopes 7 Megalopolis: Setting Sustainable Standards 8 Appalachia: Trying to Love the Mountains 9 South Atlantic: Gentry Tidewater, Hardscrabble Piedmont, and the Northern Invasion of Dixie 10 Florida: A Victim of Its Own Geography 11 Gulf Coastal Plains and Mississippi Valley: Juxtaposition Squared 12 The Ozarks: Unexpected Economic Miracles 13 The Midwest: Corn, Cars, Conundrums, and Hope 14 The Great Plains and Canadian Prairie: Land of Opportunity, or Where the Buffalo Roam? 15 The Rocky Mountains: High in Elevations, Aspirations, and Appreciation 16 Intermontane: Baked, Beguiling, and Booming 17 Pacific Northwest: Environment as Lifestyle 18 Arctic Slope, Pacific Borderlands, and Boreal Forest: Feeling the Heat 19 California: Having It All, and Then Some 20 Hawai'i: Aloha Glossary Index About the Authors
