Final answer:
Mining has significantly impacted the geography of the United States and Canada by changing the landscapes. NAFTA has affected trade practices but mining has physically altered the regions. The Montreal Protocol was established to address the ozone hole over Antarctica.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mining has had a significant impact on the geography of the United States and Canada, altering landscapes through extraction processes. While NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, has influenced the economic landscape and trade practices between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, it is mining that has physically shaped the topography and geology of regions within these countries. European colonization affected North America culturally and politically, with long-term impacts from the domination of different regions by Britain, France, and Spain. Population distribution within the United States and Canada is uneven, with high population concentrations in urban areas and along coasts, while the interiors have lower densities.
In response to global environmental concerns, various international agreements have been established. The Montreal Protocol was specifically created to address the depletion of the ozone layer, including the ozone hole over Antarctica. Environmental issues such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill have also driven contentious debates and policy changes, reflecting a heightened awareness and response to the natural resource management and environmental protection.