1.5 Human-Environmental Interaction and Major Geographic Concepts

Flashcards covering human-environmental interaction, natural resources (renewable vs non-renewable), sustainability, land use, built environment, cultural landscape, cultural ecology, environmental determinism, possibilism, and related examples.

What is the term for the dual relationship between humans and the natural world that is central to human geography?

Human-environmental interaction

What topics do geographers who study how humans influence the physical world focus on?

Sustainability, natural resources, land use, pollution, and environmental issues

What are natural resources as defined in geography?

Items in the natural environment that people can use; examples include air, water, oil, fish, soil, and minerals

How are natural resources classified?

As renewable or non-renewable resources

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?

Renewables are theoretically unlimited and not depleted by use; non-renewables are limited and can be exhausted

Why aren’t natural resources distributed evenly around the world?

Access depends on development level, technology, and finances, which affects who can gain and use resources and influences culture, politics, and economic development

Give examples of renewable natural resources.

Air (wind power); water (surface water and hydroelectric); solar (sun’s energy); biomass (wood, crops, sewage)

Give examples of non-renewable natural resources.

Fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, coal) and earth minerals (gold, copper, silver); underground fresh water from deep aquifers

What does sustainability mean in human geography?

Using resources now in ways that allow their use in the future while minimizing negative environmental impacts; includes sustainable development policies

What is the concept of land use?

The study of how land is utilized, modified, and organized by people; includes patterns and impacts on environment, landscapes, and people

What is the built environment?

The physical artifacts created by humans that form part of the landscape (buildings, roads, signs, farms, fences)

What is the cultural landscape?

Anything built by humans as part of land use; the built environment reflects culture and social practices in the landscape

What is cultural ecology?

The study of how humans adapt to the environment

What is environmental determinism?

The belief that landforms and climate are the most powerful forces shaping human behavior and societal development; largely discredited for overlooking culture

What is possibilism?

The view that acknowledges limits on environmental effects and emphasizes human culture and ingenuity in shaping outcomes; humans can overcome environmental challenges

Which country is cited as an example of possibilism, with significant land below sea level and advanced water management?

The Netherlands; uses dykes, walls, canals, and pumps to reclaim land (polders)

What policy goals are associated with sustainability in geography?

Encouraging use of renewable, less-polluting energy sources and decreasing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels