Geography

Sustainability

The ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Types of Environmental Change: Natural

Caused by nature (e.g., tsunamis, cyclones).

Types of Environmental Change: Human-induced

Caused by people (e.g., deforestation, pollution).

PQE

Pattern (overall trend), Quantify (data/stats), Exception (anything different).

Absolute Location

Exact coordinates of a place (e.g., Sydney = 33.87°S, 151.21°E).

Relative Location

Location compared to another place (e.g., Sydney is northeast of Canberra).

Urban vs Rural

Urban areas are cities with infrastructure; rural areas are less developed with more nature.

Absolute Distance

Measured in units (e.g., 10 km).

Relative Distance

Measured in time or cost (e.g., 30 minutes’ drive).

Psychological Distance

How far a place 'feels' (e.g., feeling farther when overseas).

Climate Change

Major environmental challenge with global impacts such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Desert Challenges

Lack of water, extreme heat, and limited farming opportunities.

Coastal Challenges

Erosion, storms, and rising sea levels.

Coastal Management Strategy: Seawalls

Structures that stop erosion but can reflect wave energy.

Coastal Management Strategy: Beach Nourishment

Adding sand to maintain beaches.

Coastal Management Strategy: Zoning Laws

Regulations to limit building in vulnerable areas.