How are the impacts of natural hazards linked to population growth?
A)Population growth concentrates people and resources, such that the impacts of an individual natural hazard can be greater.
B)Population growth changes the rates of geologic processes, in turn changing the frequency of hazardous events.
C)Population growth weakens societal defenses against natural hazards.
D)Natural hazards strongly influence population growth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As population grows, more people tend to live in urban areas which increases urbanization. Urbanization often leads to concentrated settlements which are vulnerable to natural hazards, increasing the potential impact of natural hazards on crops, structures, and infrastructure.

Answer: C
 Large populations can lead to poor infrastructure planning, overused resources, and inadequate land use management, which can increase the risks associated with natural hazards. With more people, societies may be less able to cope with natural hazards due to weak societal defenses.

Therefore, the impacts of natural hazards, including the potential loss of life or damage to infrastructure, are higher in areas with large populations.

How Are the Impacts of Natural Hazards Linked to Population