Exploring Environmental Geography

Exploring Environmental Geography

Environmental geography delves into the complex relationship between Earth's natural systems and human societies, with a focus on understanding and addressing the intertwined challenges of environmental sustainability, resource management, and conservation. This subdiscipline of geography encompasses a wide range of topics and career paths, as outlined below.

Job Opportunities

Environmental geography is a fertile ground for job seekers, offering diverse roles that require a combination of geographic knowledge, research skills, and a passion for environmental issues. Two common career paths include:

1. Research Assistant: Geographers in this role assist with collecting and analyzing data, writing research papers, and contributing ideas to improve scientific processes. They work within fields such as environmental management, human-environment systems, and physical geography.

2. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Specialist: These professionals apply GIS technology to collect, manage, and analyze spatial data for environmental research, conservation, and policy development. Their work supports a range of industries, from environmental sciences to public health and urban planning.

Recommended Courses and Skills

To excel in environmental geography, students and professionals should acquire a solid foundation in the following areas:

• Environmental Management
• Human-Environment Systems
• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
• Regional Studies
• Physical Geography
• GIS
• Remote Sensing
• Earth Systems Science
• Environmental Science

Application Examples

Environmental geographers address real-world issues through research and applied projects. For example:

• Conducting participatory GIS studies to understand pesticide exposure among migrant communities in California
• Analyzing spatial data to identify rural-urban patterns related to childhood asthma and lead poisoning
• Mapmaking and data visualization to communicate the distribution of food deserts in Washington, D.C.
• Contributing to environmental research projects focused on climate change, habitat conservation, and natural resource management

Career Advancement

Aspiring environmental geographers can further their careers by:

• Pursuing higher education, such as master's and doctoral degrees, to increase subject matter expertise and experience
• Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or research assistant positions
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, such as biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists, to tackle complex environmental challenges

Environmental geography is a dynamic field that continues to evolve as society faces new challenges related to climate change, natural resource management, and environmental justice. As such, this discipline provides a rich and rewarding career path for those who are passionate about understanding and addressing the complex interplay between the natural world and human societies.