01 If more low-income groups live near industrial pollution sources, what type of problem can human geography identify?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. A combined pattern of environmental and social inequality
Explanation: Direct answer: C, a combined pattern of environmental and social inequality. The important clue is not simply that pollution exists, but that low-income groups are concentrated nearer to its sources. This creates unequal environmental exposure: one social group may bear more air, water, or other pollution risks than groups living farther away. Human geography studies the spatial relationship between social conditions and environmental hazards, an issue often discussed through environmental justice. A focuses only on production and ignores who bears the burden. B may describe concentration of people but not the unequal pollution exposure. D concerns movement and infrastructure, not the central relationship in the question. C is correct because it combines social position, location, and environmental risk. Memory cue: environmental justice asks who receives benefits and who bears environmental burdens.