GEOG 5 1st Edition Exam 1 Study Guide What is Geography Geo Earth graphy to write about To write about the earth Geography is the study of how humans make the earth their home Yifu Tuan Both a natural and social science Physical Geography geology biology chemistry atmosphere Human Cultural Geography anthropology politics sociology economics Human Environment Geography is a synthesis of the two conservation deforestation climate Studies the Spatial Distribution of Phenomena Location Movement of things Scale Region o Location where are things Why are they there o Movement of things Communication migration diffusion etc where people move where oceans move etc o Scale Boyd local national global o Region Physical or cultural areas having similar characteristics How the form and change Relationship to other regions What is Place and Place Making Space versus place what s the difference Space is a location abstract no meaning Basic coordinates Place is somewhere you have made like your room somewhere that has meaning o How do human beings make places How do they give space meaning Ex Church cemetery festivals Disneyland Yifu Tuan s Home Transformation of the Earth can be both Physical and or Cosmological Geography is the study of how humans make the earth their home Yifu Tuan Home o o Physical Psychological Moral Concepts Satisfies humanity s basic bio social needs and their higher social aesthetic aspirations Zackey s list of Things to Think About in Human Environment Geography These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor s lecture GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes not as a substitute Three Perspectives on Human Environmental Relations Continued Utilitarian Anthropocentric o o o o o o o o o Eco Centric Biocentric Perspective o o o o o o o o o Nature is to be used for the benefit of humans It can sustain us clothes house food It can please us aesthetically Broad Spectrum Sustainable use to Unsustainable Exploitation The vocabulary manage nature sustainable development conservation exploit tap develop Examples Selective logging versus clear cutting Environmental sustainability is the ability of an ecosystem to maintain productivity for humans into the future Maintaining nature but its FOR HUMANS Often embracing technology and science to achieve sustainability or maximize exploitation Scientific modern technology Traditional indigenous technology Is nature negotiable No because there is truth about nature Are nature and humans Separate Yes we can control nature No we are dependent on nature Both Can we Know Nature Yes through scientific study Nature has inherent rights equal to and independent of humans Humans have moral responsibility to give nature those rights Vocabulary save nature preserve nature in touch with nature can advocate spiritual engagement with nature ex Westerners looking to eastern religions like Buddhism for humannature connections often espouses Primitivism or Simple Living human happiness with decrease with civilization glorification of traditional societies as being in touch with nature skeptical of modern technology Some advocate militant defense of nature Earth first Animal liberation front Is nature negotiable No Are nature and humans separate No we are one Yes we have the ability to destroy nature Can we know nature Yes we can spiritually and emotionally get in touch with it Social Nature o Is nature negotiable o o o o o o o o o o o Yes Nature is relative based on ones perception Are nature and humans separate No nature is in our heads it s a social concept Can we know nature No but we can claim to know it our own nature Nature is a human concept a social construct We all view nature differently Your backgrounds parenting politics jobs media social class gender age religion Post modern perspective Science is just a way of seeing nature Modernism there is a truth out there that we must find absolute or universal Post modernism no single truth there may be multiple truths individuals may have their own truth relative Technology may change our view of nature Power is instrumental in defining the truth about nature Ex global warming Our views of nature are a historical product and change over time Ex wilderness changes over time jesus days feared temptation Todaybeauty peaceful Primitivism Simple living Glorification of Traditional Societies as being in touch with Nature Often Skeptical of Modern Technology Stress Responsibilities etc Characteristics of Aesthetics Interpretations of Nature Ecological Modernization Approach to Env Problems Environmental problems are caused by Irrational traditional behavior and or inappropriate technology E g slash and burn agriculture Application of science and scientific methods is the solution Truth will walk to power Scientific experts should lead conservation efforts Populist Approach to Environmental Problems Environmental problems local Local people have knowledge about local environments Indigenous technical knowledge ITK can solve environmental problems Participatory Studies by natural social scientists E g explorative study with fishermen s households Socio Political Approach to Env Problems Environmental problems are caused by social political and economic processes and power relations Inequality Poverty Oppression Unfair Market Forces Solving social problems are key to solving environmental problems Social scientists just as important as Natural scientists Neo Liberal Approach to Env Problems Environmental problems caused by inappropriate economic valuing Market solutions are best Create market incentives eradicate irrational subsidies Economics are important Pricey Difficult process People value different things have different opinions Markets are global The Colonial Encounter Ecological Changes 1400 v 1850 Massive Native Wildlife Domesticated Animals Turkeys are making a comeback o Prairie Farmland Ecological Changes Understood by looking at o Changes in Economy Power Socio Political Changes Ways of Society Understanding Nature Social Nature analysis o More Complex Understanding than Good Native Americans and Bad European o o Native American versus European Ecological and Economic Organization Europeans likes to produce more than needed to have a surplus and profit on selling extra produce o Native Americans were more concerned with Subsistence Commodification of Nature o Capitalistic made items marketable and into products Little Commodification of Nature Europeans were more