Answer to Question 1
The geographic perspective links the study of the physical environment, political economy, and the cultural landscape. In the Great Lakes and Corn Belt the economic growth of the region was historically linked to the abundant natural resources of the region and the availability of major waterways to serve as a transportation network. Understanding the culture of the region necessarily involves understanding its economy and physical environment.
Answer to Question 2
Poor air quality from fossil fuels and industries, poor water quality because of contamination, overharvesting of marine resources, landscape changes, and erosion.
