Study Material For B A III Geography Hons

Study Material For B. A. III: Geography Hons. Paper: VII Environmental Geography Unit-1 Topic: Environmental Geography: Concept, Scope and Approaches Prepared by: Dr. Vinita Prasad Asst. Professor Department of Geography A. N. College (PPU), Patna

Environmental Geography : Meaning Environmental studies are interdisciplinary in nature. Environmental geography is a branches of Human geography. Environment refers to the sum total of conditions which surrounded man at a given point in space and time. Geography is the study of spatial variation on the earth’s surface. Environmental geography is a systematic study of human interaction with the environment.

The study of environmental geography’ incorporates natural environment, built-up environment, and the interaction between them. Environment geography provides analytical tools to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on the earth and address environmental issues and their possible solutions.

Environmental Geography : Concept 1. Environmental system or ecosystem is the fundamental ecological unit for the study of the environmental study. 2. The ecosystem is shaped by the endogenic and exogenic forces. 3. There is continuous creation, maintenance, destruction and recreation of surface materials of the earth. 4. The earth’s Physical and biological processes operates in a cyclic manner.

5. Natural environmental system is governed by homeostatic or ‘inbuilt self regulating’ mechanism. 6. There is reciprocal relationship between abiotic and biotic components( Men) of the natural environmental system. 7. The energy flow and circulation of nutrition in the ecosystem maintains life on the planet earth. 8. There are temporal and spatial variations in biotic and abiotic components in an ecosystem. 9. Ecosystem diversity and complexity enhances and maintains ecological stability.

Environmental Geography : Scope 1. Ecosystem structure and functions 6. Global Environmental issues 2. Temporal ecological change 7. Environmental degradation and pollution 3. Spatial Ecological change 4. Ecological balance 5. Men and environmental interaction 8. Environmental hazards and disasters 9. Environmental management 10. Sustainable development

Environmental Geography : Approach The Environment Geography can be perceived and evaluated in a variety of ways and approaches, being discussed below: 1. Environmental deterministic approach: Environmental deterministic approach refers to the believe that nature is supreme. 2. Teleological approach: Teleological approach refers to religious faith that man is superior to nature and all other creatures. 3. Possibilism based approach: Possibilism based approach refers to believe that men is capable of transforming nature.

4. Economic deterministic approach: This approach refers to man’s ability to solve environmental problems arising out of continued economic growth and industrial expansion. 5. Ecological approach: The ecological approach refers to rational exploitation, optimum utilization and recycling of resources. 6. Geographical Approach: The Geographic Approach refers to using GPS and GIS based geographical techniques to solve environmental problems and streamline anthropogenic activities.

Reference: 1. Husain, M (2002), Human Geography, Rawat Publications, New Delhi 2. Singh, S (2008), Environmental Geography, Prayag Pustak Bhawan 3. http: //www. environment-agency. gov. uk/ Environment Agency 4. C. C. Park, 1980 5. https: //www. researchgate. net/publication/308439067_Concept_scop e_and_Approaches_of_Environmental_studies

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