Environmental Geography

Introduction

In this module, we embark on an exploration of one of the major themes of geography, human-environment interaction. From the inception of agriculture to the complexities of global trade systems, we will analyze the profound impacts of human activities on the natural world and vice versa. By examining these interactions, we seek to understand both the challenges and opportunities for fostering sustainability.

Guiding Questions 🧭

In this module, we will be unraveling these knowledge-based questions:

How and why have agricultural techniques and technology changed over time?
What are the implications of water insecurity around the world?
What are the economic, political, and environmental impacts of industrialization and resource management?
What are the different governmental responses to natural disasters, and how do they shape recovery efforts?
In what ways do global trade systems influence environmental sustainability?

Key Terms

Agricultural techniques | Methods employed in cultivation, including irrigation, crop rotation, and genetic modification.

Aquifer | An underground layer of water-bearing rock or sediment that stores and transmits groundwater.

Arable land | Land suitable for agriculture and crop production.

Biodiversity | The variety of life forms within an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Carbon footprint | The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities.

Conservation | The sustainable management and preservation of natural resources and ecosystems for the future.

Crop yield | The amount of agricultural produce harvested.

Deforestation | The clearing of forests for agricultural, industrial, or urban purposes, leading to habitat loss and environmental degradation.

Desertification | Process by which formerly fertile land becomes desert, typically due to drought, deforestation, or harmful agricultural practices.

Ecological footprint | The measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems, typically expressed in terms of the amount of land and resources required to sustain a particular lifestyle.

Environmental Degradation | Damage to the environment through natural or human caused reasons.

Erosion | The process by which soil and rock are gradually worn away by wind, water, or other natural forces.

Fracking | Hydraulic fracturing, is a method of extracting natural gas and oil from underground rock formations unreachable by traditional means.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) | Organisms whose genetic material has been altered.

Global trade systems | Networks of exchange involving the movement of goods and services across borders.

Green Revolution | A period of significant agricultural innovation and productivity growth, characterized by the adoption of high-yield crop varieties, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides.

Industrialization | The process of economic development characterized by the growth of manufacturing.

Natural resource management | Strategies for the use and conservation of Earth's resources, including forests, minerals, and water.

Nonrenewable resources | Finite resources, such as fossil fuels and minerals, that cannot be replaced once depleted.

Overfishing | The depletion of fish stocks beyond sustainable levels due to excessive harvesting.

Plantation farming | Large-scale agricultural production focused on cash crops.

Renewable resources | Natural resources that can be replenished over time, such as solar energy and wind power.

Resilience | The capacity of a system, community, or individual to adapt and recover from disruptions or stressors.

Sustainable development | The pursuit of economic growth while preserving environmental quality for the future.

Tsunamis | Large ocean waves caused by earthquakes on the ocean floor or volcanic eruptions.

Water insecurity | Vulnerability to water-related challenges, such as scarcity, pollution, and unequal access.

Water rights | Legal rights to use, access, and/or control water resources.

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