Geography Study Notes PDF: Places, Spaces, and Global Contexts

Study Notes: Geography Matters (GENV 1201) 1. Importance of Geography ​ Geography studies places, spaces, and human-environment interactions. ​ It helps us understand how places influence people’s lives. ​ Maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and spatial analysis help in studying g...

Study Notes: Geography Matters (GENV 1201) 1. Importance of Geography ​ Geography studies places, spaces, and human-environment interactions. ​ It helps us understand how places influence people’s lives. ​ Maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and spatial analysis help in studying geography. 2. Places and Their Importance ​ Definition: A place is a specific geographic setting with unique physical, social, and cultural attributes. ​ Dynamic Nature: Places change over time due to human and environmental factors. ​ Functions of Places: ○​ Social construction: Shaped by human activities. ○​ Identity formation: People connect their identities to places. ○​ Cultural practice: Language, traditions, and customs vary by place. ○​ Innovation & change: New ideas and technologies emerge in places. ○​ Resistance & conflict: Places can be sites of political and social struggles. 3. Maps & Map Projections Maps as Social Products ​ Maps are not neutral; they reflect power, priorities, and biases of their creators. ​ They shape our worldview by influencing how we see different places. Map Projections ​ The Earth is curved, but maps are flat, leading to distortions. ​ Every map projection has pros & cons, depending on the purpose of the map. ​ Examples of distortions: ○​ Mercator Projection: Distorts size (Greenland appears too big).  ○​ Peters Projection: Preserves relative size but distorts shape. 4. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) ​ GIS combines hardware, software, and data to analyze spatial information. ​ It helps in storing, updating, and displaying geographic data. ​ Examples of GIS data: ○​ Coordinates (latitude, longitude, elevation) ○​ Postal codes ○​ Road networks ​ GIS helps in urban planning, disaster management, and environmental studies. 5. Key Concepts in Spatial Analysis Spatial analysis studies how things are arranged in space and how they interact. A. Location 1.​ Nominal Location: Place names (e.g., Paris, Tokyo). 2.​ Absolute Location: Fixed mathematically (e.g., GPS coordinates). 3.​ Relative Location: Location in relation to other places. ○​ Site: Physical attributes (terrain, water, soil). ○​ Situation: Relation to human activities (near ports, highways). 4.​ Cognitive Location: Personal perceptions of a place. B. Distance 1.​ Absolute Distance: Measured in units (km, miles). 2.​ Relative Distance: Measured in time, effort, or cost. 3.​ Cognitive Distance: Perceived distance (a short trip can feel long). C. Space 1.​ Absolute Space: Fixed measurable points (maps, coordinates). 2.​ Topological Space: Connectivity between places (metro lines, internet networks). D. Accessibility ​ Depends on relative location and connectivity.  ​ Factors affecting accessibility: ○​ Transport and communication systems ○​ Economic and social factors (cost of travel, social inclusion). E. Spatial Interaction ​ How people, goods, and ideas move between places. ​ Factors affecting interaction: ○​ Complementarity: Demand and supply between regions. ○​ Transferability: Cost and ability to move goods or people. ○​ Intervening opportunities: Alternative options affecting movement. ○​ Spatial diffusion: How things spread over space & time (e.g., diseases, cultural trends). 6. Regional Analysis ​ Studies how places are grouped based on shared characteristics. A. Regionalization ​ Classifying places based on identity & structure. ​ Example: The Mormon region in the USA has a strong shared religious identity but coexists with other groups. B. Landscape ​ A "record" of society’s beliefs, values, and power structures. ​ Reflects history, culture, and economic changes. C. Sense of Place ​ Personal & collective emotional connections to a place. ​ Can be experienced directly (locals) or imagined (outsiders). 7. Summary of Key Takeaways 1.​ Places matter because they shape our identities, cultures, and interactions. 2.​ Maps are not neutral; they reflect choices and biases.  3.​ Spatial analysis helps study relationships between locations, distances, and accessibility. 4.​ GIS is a powerful tool for analyzing geographic data. 5.​ Regionalization and landscape shape cultural and social experiences. Study Notes: Changing Global Context I (GENV 1201) 1. Overview of Global Change ​ Geography studies historical changes in human settlements, economies, and global interactions. ​ The modern world-system emerged through colonization, trade, and industrialization. ​ The global economy and political relationships have been shaped by these historical processes. 2. The Premodern World: Early Human Settlements ​ All geography is historical geography → past events shape today's world. ​ Hearth Areas: Geographic locations where new farming techniques, cultures, and technologies originated. A. Agricultural Hearth Areas ​ Early human societies moved from hunter-gathering to farming. ​ Domestication of plants & animals led to the spread of agriculture. ​ Farming led to larger populations and permanent settlements. B. Food-Producing Minisystems ​ Small, self-sufficient communities with reciprocal social economies. ​ Key impacts: ○​ Higher population density ○​ More settlements ○​ Craft specialization ○​ Beginning of trade between communities. C. Early Empires ​ Definition: Groups of minisystems under a common political system while keeping cultural differences. ​ Power structure: Wealth flowed from producers to elite classes through tribute/taxes. D. Urbanization ​ Cities developed as centers of administration, military, and trade. ​ Cities helped empires maintain control and organization. E. Colonization ​ Definition: Physical settlement of a new territory. ​ Driven by "law of diminishing returns" → Need for new resources as old ones depleted. ​ Result: Unequal power relationships between the colonizers and colonized. F. Legacy of World Empires ​ Ancient cities remain important economic centers today. ​ Trade hubs of the past evolved into modern capitalist economies. 3. Interdependent World Geography & World-Systems Theory ​ World-System: A global network of countries connected by economic & political competition. ​ World-Systems Theory: ○​ Developed by scholars like Immanuel Wallerstein and Samir Amin. ○​ Explains the world as an interdependent system where all regions are affected by each other. A. The 16th Century World-System ​ Key changes in this period: ○​ Increased trade ○​ Political competition ○​ Merchant capitalism ○​ Shipbuilding & navigation improvements  ​ These changes expanded Europe's influence globally. 4. European Exploration and Conquest ​ Motivations: ○​ High population density in Europe. ○​ Limited farmland led to the need for expansion. ○​ Monarchs & aristocrats competed for resources. ​ Consequences: ○​ Lands were occupied. ○​ Coerced & enslaved labor was used to grow cash crops like sugar, cocoa, cotton, tobacco, and indigo. A. Ongoing System of Dependency ​ European wealth grew by exploiting territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. ​ The core (Europe) benefited from resources & labor taken from the periphery (colonized regions). B. Canada's Role in the World-System ​ Natural resources (whales, fur, lumber) were extracted for European profit. ​ The Hudson Bay Company controlled trade, with 500+ trading posts across Canada. 5. Colonial Legacies & Black Feminist Geography ​ Geography was shaped by colonial expansion: ○​ Mapping, trade routes, and land surveys were tools of European conquest. ​ Colonial legacies today: ○​ Geography is still used in militarization & political control. ○​ Eurocentric knowledge dominates academia. ○​ Black and Indigenous scholars remain underrepresented in the field. A. Holding Geography Accountable ​ Scholars like Camilla Hawthorne and Brittany Meché emphasize: ○​ Recognizing Black, Indigenous, Feminist, Queer, and Latinx perspectives in geography. ○​ Understanding historical injustices in the field.  ○​ Expanding knowledge beyond a Eurocentric worldview. 6. Summary of Key Takeaways 1.​ The modern world-system consists of three tiers: ○​ Core: Industrialized, wealthy nations. ○​ Semi-Periphery: Developing nations with growing economies. ○​ Periphery: Poor nations exploited for labor & resources. 2.​ The Industrial Revolution enabled the rise of a global economic system. 3.​ Core regions grew wealthy by exploiting peripheral regions through colonization. 4.​ Globalization has caused challenges like: ○​ Economic inequality ○​ Health & environmental issues ○​ Power imbalances between nations ○​ Security concerns 🌍 The Changing Global Context II – GENV 1201 🚀 Let’s Talk About the World The world isn’t just a place; it’s an interconnected economic, political, and social system where who has power and resources matters. It wasn’t always like this!​ From early colonization to modern globalization, this lecture breaks down how the world became so unequal and why we still feel its effects today. 🎯 Learning Goals (a.k.a. What You’ll Master Today!) ✅ Understand the stages of the modern world-system.​ ✅ Learn how Industrial Revolution technology changed everything.​ ✅ See how different regions became interdependent.​ ✅ Compare the core, semiperipheral, and peripheral regions.​ ✅ Explore how colonization shaped the global economy.​ ✅ Identify the four major issues of globalization. 🌎 Our Interdependent World: Why Some Places Are Rich & Others Aren’t 🏛️ Core, Periphery, and the Modern World-System 🔹 Core Regions = The world’s "rich kids" (a.k.a. industrialized nations).​ ✔ Control trade, tech, and global wealth.​ ✔ High incomes, high productivity.​ ✔ But... they got rich by exploiting others. 🔹 Peripheral Regions = The world’s "underdogs" (colonized nations).​ ❌ Have been historically dependent on richer nations.​ ❌ Low incomes, outdated tech, weaker economies.​ ❌ Forced into unequal trade deals and unfair resource extraction. 🔹 Semiperipheral Regions = The "middle children" (rising economies).​ ➖ These were once poor but started climbing the economic ladder.​ ➖ Can exploit periphery regions, but still get controlled by core regions. 🍁 Canada: From Periphery to Semiperiphery ✅ Canada didn’t start as a wealthy country. By 1900, it was semiperipheral, thanks to:​ ✅ Confederation (1867) → United provinces = economic growth.​ ✅ Railroads → Connected trade across the country.​ Tariffs & Industrialization → Protected businesses. 💡 But Canada didn’t become a "core" country because of the Staples Trap:​ 💡 Too reliant on raw goods (fur, fish, timber, grain, oil).​ Instead of processing goods locally, other countries (UK, USA) profited. ⚔️ Colonization, Imperialism, and Neocolonialism: The Unfinished Story 💰 International Division of Labor – Who Does What? 🔸 Colonies were forced into "specializing" in one thing—usually raw materials.​ 🔸 Rich nations took resources, made products, and sold them back at higher prices.​ 🔸 This trapped poorer nations in a cycle of dependency. 🌍 Imperialism: Not Just About Money, But Power Too! 💥 Colonization wasn’t just about economic profit—it was about domination.​ 💥 Core countries expanded their empires to control resources and prevent rivals from growing. 🔄 Neocolonialism: Colonization 2.0? 🔹 Even after colonies gained independence, the exploitation didn’t stop:​ 🔹 International finance (IMF, World Bank) controls economies.​ 🔹 Corporations still extract resources from poorer countries.​ 💡 Humanitarian aid & military influence help maintain control.​ This is called "Neocolonialism", a modern version of colonial control. 🌐 Globalization: More Connected Than Ever! 🌍 The world’s been connected since the 16th century, but things have changed:​ 🚀 It’s faster → Internet, travel, instant communication.​ 🧩 It’s complex → Trade, culture, politics, and technology all mix together.​ ⚡ It affects everyone → Few people are left untouched by globalization. ⚠️ The Dark Side of Globalization: 4 Major Problems 1️⃣ Environmental Issues 🌱 ​ Humans have altered nature for wealth, causing crises elsewhere. ​ Climate change? Thank fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture. 2️⃣ Health Risks 🦠 ​ Global pandemics spread fast in a connected world. ​ COVID-19? Over 7 million deaths reported (possibly up to 36 million). ​ Other global diseases: Zika (2007), HIV (1981). 3️⃣ Security Threats 🔥 ​ Weapons, nuclear contamination, cyberattacks – dangers with no borders. ​ Climate change is also a security threat (natural disasters, resource conflicts). 4️⃣ Core-Periphery Disparities 💰 ​ The gap between rich & poor is huge, at all levels (global, national, local). ​ Spatial justice = Fair distribution of wealth, resources, and opportunities. 📌 Final Takeaways (a.k.a. What You Need to Remember!) ✅ The modern world is shaped by core, semiperipheral, and peripheral regions.​ ✅ Wealthy nations got rich by exploiting poorer ones.​ ✅ Colonization never really ended – it just changed forms (Neocolonialism).​ ✅ Globalization is powerful, but it also causes climate change, health crises, and security ✅ We need spatial justice to fix the inequality between core and peripheral regions. risks.​ 🎉 Final Thoughts 🌎✨ The world isn’t fair. History shaped inequality, and we still see it today. But understanding how things got this way gives us the power to change the future. 📍 Population Geography Study Notes What is Population Geography? Population geography is the study of where and why human populations are distributed as they are. It explores how population changes over time and how it affects societies, economies, and the environment. 🎯 Learning Goals ✅ Understand population data sources and their uses.​ ✅ Recognize why and where populations change, and what this means for the future.​ ✅ Learn about factors affecting population dynamics (births, deaths, and movement).​ ✅ Understand how population movement is driven by push and pull factors.​ ✅ Evaluate global challenges like food security, clean water, and sustainable development.​ ✅ Recognize spatial variations in health and what they mean. 📊 How Do Geographers Study Population? Geographers look at demography, which is the study of human population characteristics. This 🔹 includes:​ 🔹 Where people live and why.​ 🔹 How people interact with their environment.​ What happens when population patterns change. 🔍 Data Sources: Where Do We Get Population Information? 1️⃣ Census 🏠: A count of people in a country, city, or region. ​ Includes info like age, occupation, marital status, and income. ​ Helps in government planning for schools, hospitals, and jobs. ​ Limitations: Expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes inaccurate. 2️⃣ Vital Records 📜: Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and disease reports. ​ Collected by governments, hospitals, churches, and global organizations (e.g., WHO). 3️⃣ Virtual Registries & Linked Databases 💻: ​ Digital records connecting tax, immigration, and health data. ​ Pros: More detailed, faster access. ​ Cons: Privacy risks like data leaks and identity theft. 🚧 ❌ 4️⃣ Challenges in Data Collection :​ ❌ People without ID documents.​ ❌ War, conflict, and natural disasters.​ Fraud and technology failures. 🌍 Population Distribution: Where Do People Live? Populations are not spread evenly across the planet. What influences this? ✅ Factors Affecting Population Distribution​ 📍 Accessibility (e.g., near roads and cities)​ 🏔️ Topography (e.g., flat vs. mountainous land)​ 🌱 Soil Fertility (for farming communities)​ 🌦️ Climate & Weather (e.g., deserts vs. coastal areas)​ 🚰 Water Availability (rivers, lakes, rainfall)​ 🛕 Culture & Religion (e.g., historical settlements)​ ⚖️ Politics & Economics (e.g., migration for jobs, escaping war) 📈 Measuring Population Density 1.​ Crude Density = Total population ÷ Total land area 2.​ Health Care Density = Total population ÷ Number of physicians 👥 Population Composition: Who Makes Up a Population? 👶 Population Composition refers to the subgroups within a population.​ 🧑 Youth Cohort: Under 15 years​ 👵 Middle Cohort: 15-64 years (Working Age)​ Old-Age Cohort: 65+ years 🔸 Dependency Ratio: Measures how much the working population supports children and the elderly. 👥 Age-Sex Pyramids: A visual way to see a country’s population breakdown. ​ Wide base = High birth rate, growing population. ​ Narrow base = Low birth rate, aging population. 📈 Population Dynamics: How Does Population Change? 1️⃣ Birth (Fertility) Rates 👶 ​ Crude Birth Rate: Births per 1,000 people in a year. ​ Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Average number of children a woman is expected to have. 🏥 ​ Influencing Factors:​ Healthcare & birth control availability​  🎓 Women’s education​ 🏛️ Government policies (e.g., China’s one-child policy)​ 🌍 Cultural & religious norms 2️⃣ Death (Mortality) Rates ⚰️ ​ Crude Death Rate: Deaths per 1,000 people in a year. ​ Infant Mortality Rate: Number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births. 🏥 ​ Factors Affecting Mortality:​ 💰 Healthcare access​ 🏙️ Economic conditions​ Living conditions (urban vs. rural) 3️⃣ Migration 🚀 ​ Push Factors (Why people leave) → War, famine, lack of jobs. ​ Pull Factors (Why people move in) → Better jobs, safety, healthcare. 📊 Demographic Transition Theory (DTT) A model explaining how population growth changes as societies develop. 📉 The Four Stages of DTT 🏕️ 🏭 1️⃣ Pre-Industrial Stage : High birth & death rates = Slow growth.​ 2️⃣ Transitional Stage : Death rates drop (better healthcare), birth rates stay high = Rapid 🏙️ Growth!​ 💼 3️⃣ Industrial Stage : Birth rates start dropping (urbanization, education, birth control).​ 4️⃣ Post-Industrial Stage : Low birth & death rates = Stable Population. 📌 Criticism: ​ Model is based on Western countries and may not apply globally. ​ Not all countries industrialize in the same way. 📍 Population Geography Study Notes – Part II 🌍 Population Movement & Migration Migration = The movement of people from one place to another. It plays a major role in shaping populations, economies, and societies. 🎯 Learning Goals ✅ Understand population movement and migration types.​ ✅ Explore push and pull factors that drive migration.​ ✅ Analyze voluntary vs. forced migration globally and within countries.​ ✅ Evaluate policies affecting population size and movement.​ ✅ Link population to health, environment, and sustainable development. 🚶‍♂️ Mobility vs. Migration: What's the Difference? 1️⃣ Mobility = The ability to move (includes daily commutes, vacations, temporary moves).​ 2️⃣ Migration = A long-term or permanent move to a new place. 🛫 Emigration = Leaving a country.​ 🛬 Immigration = Moving into a new country. 🌍 Types of Migration:​ 🔹 International Migration = Moving between countries.​ 🔹 Internal Migration = Moving within a country (e.g., rural-to-urban migration). 🔀 Why Do People Move? Push vs. Pull Factors People migrate due to a mix of push factors (driving them away) and pull factors (attracting them to a new place). Push Factors (Why Leave?) ❌ Pull Factors (Why Move In?) ✅ War & conflict ⚔️ Better job opportunities 💼 🌪️ Natural disasters Safety & political stability 🏡 Economic struggles 💰 Higher wages 💵 Government oppression 🚔 Better healthcare & education 🏥🎓  Environmental degradation 🌍 Favorable climate ☀️ 🚛 Types of Migration 1️⃣ Voluntary vs. Forced Migration 🔹 Voluntary Migration = People choose to move (usually for economic opportunities).​ 🔹 Forced Migration = People are forced to move due to war, disasters, persecution, or slavery. 2️⃣ Labor Migration 🏗️ Many countries rely on migrant workers for agriculture, construction, and service industries.​ Example: ​ Canada’s Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) brings in temporary ✅ workers to fill labor shortages. ❌ ○​ Pros: Helps farmers, supports economies. ○​ Cons: Guest workers may face poor working conditions & fewer rights. 3️⃣ Transnational Migration 🌎 ​ Migrants live & work in multiple countries while maintaining ties with their homeland. ​ Remittances: Money sent home by migrants—a major source of income for some countries. 4️⃣ Refugees & Internal Displacement 🏚️ 📌 Refugees = People forced to flee across international borders.​ 📌 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) = People forced to move within their own country. Examples: ​ Syria, Ukraine, South Sudan (war refugees). ​ Colombia has the largest number of IDPs in the Americas. ​ Apartheid in South Africa & forced Inuit relocations in Canada (historical examples of internal forced migration). 📊 Population Debates & Policies How Many People Can Earth Sustain? 💡 Malthusian Theory (1790, Thomas Malthus) ​ Predicted that population growth would outpace food production, leading to famine. ​ But technology (e.g., Green Revolution) has helped increase food supply. 🚀 The Real Threat? 🔹 Some argue that overpopulation isn’t the biggest issue—instead, the problem is:​ 🔹 Unequal resource distribution​ 🔹 Overconsumption in wealthy countries​ Political and economic structures 🌏 Population Policies ✔️ Governments shape population growth through:​ ✔️ Family planning & education (e.g., access to birth control).​ ✔️ Immigration policies (deciding how many people can move in).​ Economic strategies to balance workforce & aging populations. 🌱 Sustainable Development & Population How Can We Support a Growing Population? ✔️ Reduce poverty = Fewer economic reasons for large families.​ ✔️ Improve healthcare = Lower child mortality = Lower birth rates.​ ✔️ Sustainable resource use = Less environmental damage. 🌍 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focus on improving:​ ✅ Quality of life​ ✅ Equal access to resources​ ✅ Environmentally friendly development 🩺 Population, Health, & the Environment 📊 Life Expectancy ​ Higher income = longer life expectancy 🏡💰  ​ Health disparities exist based on location, wealth, and access to care. 🔍 Why do some places have better health?​ 1️⃣ Behavioral factors – Personal health choices (e.g., diet, exercise).​ 2️⃣ Structural factors – Social & economic systems that shape access to healthcare. 🌟 Key Takeaways ✅ Migration is a major factor in population change.​ ✅ Push & pull factors drive people’s movement.​ ✅ Voluntary vs. forced migration – some choose to move, others are forced.​ ✅ Population policies affect global birth rates & movement.​ ✅ Sustainability & resource distribution matter more than overpopulation.​ ✅ Health & life expectancy depend on wealth, location, and policies. 📍 People & Nature Study Notes 🌿 How Do Humans & Nature Interact? Nature is more than just forests, rivers, and mountains—it is both a physical reality and a social construct shaped by human beliefs, actions, and history. 🎯 Learning Goals ✅ Understand how people and nature form a complex relationship.​ ✅ Recognize that nature is both a physical space & a human-made idea.​ ✅ Compare and contrast different views of nature throughout history.​ ✅ Examine how colonization & globalization transformed the environment.​ ✅ Understand how capitalism & industrialization have shaped nature.​ ✅ Learn how sustainability is becoming central to global development. 🤔 What is Nature? When You Hear "Nature," What Comes to Mind?  🌲 🌊 ​ Forests? 🦁 ​ Oceans? 🏔️ ​ Animals? 🤔 ​ Mountains? ​ Humans? 📌 Nature is what we define it to be! It includes not only untouched wilderness but also human-altered landscapes. 🌱 Nature as a Concept ✔️ Nature is both:​ ✔️ A physical reality (the environment around us).​ A social creation (how humans define and interact with it). 🧠 Our understanding of nature changes over time, based on: ​ Society’s needs & priorities. ​ Technological advancements. ​ Cultural & religious beliefs. 🏛️ Society & Nature: A Two-Way Relationship 🌎 Society = The collection of human institutions, inventions, and relationships. 🔄 Society & nature constantly influence each other:​ ✔️ Humans modify nature (farming, cities, climate change).​ ✔️ Nature shapes societies (weather, resources, natural disasters). 🌿 Cultural Ecology: Adapting to Nature 🛠️ Humans have always adapted to environmental challenges through:​ 📜 Technology (farming, irrigation, renewable energy).​ Knowledge & innovations (scientific research, sustainable practices). 🌎 How Have Humans Transformed Nature? 1️⃣ Industrialization & Urbanization 🚗🏙️ ​ More factories, pollution, and city expansion.  ​ Increased consumption of natural resources. 2️⃣ Deforestation & Fossil Fuel Use 🌲⛽ ​ Mass deforestation for agriculture & industry. ​ Rising carbon emissions → climate change. 3️⃣ No More "Untouched" Wilderness ​ Nearly every part of Earth has been altered by humans. 🏛️ Environmental Philosophies & Views on Nature Over time, humans have had different ideas about nature. Let’s explore some major perspectives: 1️⃣ Western Attitudes Towards Nature 📌 Nature vs. Society (Dualism) ​ Humans are separate from nature and superior to it. ​ Nature exists to be used, controlled, and exploited. ​ Based on Cartesian philosophy (mind/body separation). 2️⃣ Romanticism (1850s-1870s) 🌿💖 ​ Sees humans & nature as interconnected. ​ Believes all creatures have a spiritual presence. ​ Emphasizes human impact on nature. 3️⃣ Conservation (Early 1900s - Present) 🌍 ​ Wise use of natural resources (but not full protection). ​ Humans should act as stewards, not destroyers, of nature. 4️⃣ Preservation (1970s - Present) 🚫 ​ More radical than conservation—some places should be off-limits to human use. ​ Advocates protecting nature for its own sake. ​ Uses activism & direct action (e.g., protests, strikes, blockades). 5️⃣ Ecofeminism ♀️ 🌱  ​ Links environmental destruction to patriarchy & gender inequality. ​ Argues that society sees women & nature as objects to be controlled. ​ Popular in developing countries where women are often environmental leaders. 6️⃣ Animism 🌿✨ ​ Belief that all living & non-living things (plants, rivers, mountains) have a spirit/consciousness. ​ Nature, humans, and the supernatural world are connected. 7️⃣ Environmental Justice 🌎⚖️ ​ Highlights how environmental problems disproportionately affect marginalized communities (e.g., poor, Indigenous, Black, Latinx). ​ Advocates fair distribution of environmental benefits & risks. 🌱 Sustainable Development: The Future of People & Nature 🌍 Sustainability = Balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity. 💡 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focus on:​ ✅ Reducing poverty.​ ✅ Promoting renewable energy.​ ✅ Preserving biodiversity. 🏭 How Capitalism Affects Nature ​ Profit-driven economies often exploit natural resources. ​ Overconsumption & pollution lead to environmental crises. ​ Some argue we must rethink economic models to protect the planet. 📝 Exam 1 – What to Expect & How to Prepare 📌 Study Tips ✔️ Review key terms & learning goals.​ ✔️ Make flashcards for important concepts.​ ✔️ Discuss ideas with classmates (teaching helps retention!).​ ✔️ Practice writing out short answers to review questions. 📝 Exam Format ✅ 15-20 multiple-choice questions. ✅ 4-6 short-answer questions. ​ ​ 📅 Exam Day Tips ✔️ Bring a pen/pencil ✏️.​ ✔️ Arrive on time ⏰.​ ✔️ No phones! 📵.​ ✔️ Sit apart from others.​ ✔️ Write all answers by hand. 📌 Missed Exam Policy ​ Must notify the professor BEFORE the exam to request a makeup. ​ If school is closed, the exam is rescheduled for the next class. 📌 Academic Integrity Policy ​ 🚫 No cheating or unauthorized aid! ​ Consequences include grade reduction or course failure. 🌟 Key Takeaways ✅ Nature is both a physical reality & a human concept.​ ✅ Western thought often sees humans as superior to nature.​ ✅ Different philosophies shape how people interact with nature.​ ✅ Capitalism, industrialization & globalization have transformed the environment.​ ✅ Sustainability is key to balancing economic growth & environmental protection. 📍 People & Nature Study Notes – Part II 🌿 How Have Humans Transformed Nature? People and nature are deeply interconnected, but our relationship with nature is shaped by history, economy, and politics. This lecture explores how European expansion, energy use, and decolonial perspectives have impacted the environment. 🎯 Learning Goals ✅ Recognize how humans shape nature & how nature influences us.​ ✅ Compare and contrast different environmental philosophies.​ ✅ Understand how European colonization & globalization changed ecosystems.​ ✅ Evaluate the impact of capitalism & industrialization on nature.​ ✅ Learn about sustainability & decolonial approaches to environmental justice. 🏛️ Environmental Philosophies & Views on Nature 🌿 Nature isn’t just a physical space—it’s shaped by human beliefs, cultures, and values. Over time, different philosophies have influenced how we interact with the environment. 1️⃣ Romanticism (1850s-1870s) 💖 ✔️ Humans & nature are interconnected.​ ✔️ All living things have a spiritual presence.​ ✔️ Recognizes humans as major forces of environmental change. 2️⃣ Conservation (Early 1900s - Present) 🌍 ✔️ Nature should be used wisely (but not left untouched).​ ✔️ Humans should be stewards, not exploiters, of the Earth.​ ✔️ Example: National parks & resource management policies. 3️⃣ Preservation (1970s - Present) 🚫 ✔️ More radical than conservation.​ ✔️ Some parts of nature should be off-limits to human use.​ ✔️ Uses activism (e.g., strikes, blockades, protests) to protect nature. 4️⃣ Ecofeminism ♀️ 🌱 ✔️ Links environmental destruction to patriarchy & gender inequality.​ ✔️ Society treats nature & women as resources to exploit.​ ✔️ Popular in developing countries where women lead environmental movements. 5️⃣ Animism 🌿✨ ✔️ Belief that all living & non-living things (plants, rivers, mountains) have a ✔️ Nature, humans, and the supernatural world are connected. spirit/consciousness.​ 6️⃣ Environmental Justice ⚖️ ✔️ Recognizes how poor, Indigenous, and marginalized communities face higher ✔️ Advocates for fair access to clean air, water, and land. environmental risks.​ 🌍 European Expansion & Globalization: How Colonization Changed Nature History shows how Europe’s expansion radically transformed ecosystems worldwide. 1️⃣ Western Attitudes Toward Nature 📌 Dualism (humans vs. nature) → Rooted in Cartesian philosophy (mind/body separation).​ 📌 Nature is seen as something to be controlled & exploited. 2️⃣ European Colonialism & Environmental Change ✔️ Colonization was driven by economic gain (trade, land, resources).​ ✔️ Created global trade networks but led to massive environmental destruction. 3️⃣ Disease & Depopulation in Spanish Colonies ✔️ European diseases wiped out Indigenous populations (smallpox, influenza, etc.).​ ✔️ Example: Mexico’s population fell from 30 million to 2 million (1520-1580) due to epidemics like cocoliztli. 4️⃣ Ecological Imperialism: How Colonizers Changed Ecosystems ✔️ Europeans introduced new plants, animals, and farming techniques.​ ✔️ Some species thrived, while others disrupted local ecosystems.​ ✔️ Tripled the number of cultivable food plants worldwide. 5️⃣ Environmental Impact of Colonization ✔️ Horses, oxen, and plows reshaped agriculture.​ ✔️ Deforestation & soil erosion increased.​ ✔️ Traditional Indigenous farming methods were replaced by European-style agriculture. ⚡ The Impact of Energy Needs on the Environment Industrialization had the biggest environmental impact in history. 1️⃣ The Anthropocene 🌎 📌 Anthropocene = The current geological era where humans have dramatically altered the 📌 Some say it began 10,000 years ago with agriculture; others say it started in the 1700s with environment.​ the Industrial Revolution. 2️⃣ Fossil Fuels: The Industrial Revolution's Biggest Breakthrough 🚂 ✔️ Enabled mass production, transportation, and energy generation.​ ✔️ Led to rapid extraction of natural resources.​ ✔️ Increased CO₂ emissions & global warming. 3️⃣ Every Stage of Energy Production Harms the Environment ✔️ Mining & drilling = Destroys vegetation, topsoil, and water supplies.​ ✔️ Burning fuels = Releases toxic gases & smog.​ ✔️ Industrial waste = Leads to pollution & acid rain. 🌱 Impact of Land Use Change on the Environment As humans expand cities, farms, and industries, land use constantly shifts. 1️⃣ Land Use Change: Conversion vs. Modification ✔️ Conversion = Completely changing land use (e.g., forests → farmland).​ ✔️ Modification = Altering land but keeping some original features. 2️⃣ Deforestation & Agricultural Expansion 🌲🚜 ✔️ Deforestation is highest in developing countries that rely on natural resources.​ ✔️ Cash crops like palm oil, cocoa, and soy drive forest loss.​ ✔️ Many products are exported to wealthier “core” countries. 🌿 Decolonial Geographies & Sustainable Futures 💡 Decolonial geographies challenge Western views of nature and advocate for:​ ✔️ Indigenous environmental knowledge.​ ✔️ Respecting traditional land rights.​ ✔️ Breaking away from exploitative economic models. 1️⃣ Affirmative Refusal & Place-Based Solidarity ✔️ Encourages community-driven solutions for sustainability.​ ✔️ Seeks ecological & economic justice while protecting cultural heritage. 📚 Key Scholars in Decolonial Environmental Studies:​ 🔹 Dr. Michelle Daigle (Mushkegowuk-Cree) – Indigenous geographies, food sovereignty, 🔹 Dr. Margaret Ramírez – Gentrification, environmental justice, and racial geographies. and water governance.​ 🌍 Sustainable Development: Balancing Growth & Environment Sustainable development means meeting today’s needs without destroying future resources. Key Goals: ✔️ Reduce poverty & inequality.​ ✔️ Invest in renewable energy.​ ✔️ Protect forests & biodiversity. 📝 Exam 1 – What to Expect & How to Prepare 📌 Study Tips ✔️ Review key terms & learning goals.​ ✔️ Make flashcards for important concepts.​ ✔️ Discuss ideas with classmates (teaching helps retention!).​ ✔️ Practice writing short answers to review questions. 📝 Exam Format ✅ 15-20 multiple-choice questions. ✅ 4-6 short-answer questions. ​ ​ 📅 Upcoming Deadlines 🎯 Review Quiz 4 & Scavenger Hunt 3 → Due Feb 2​ 🎯 Exam 1 Review with G&E Society → via Teams​ 📚 Exam 1 → Feb 4​ 🎯 Review Quiz 5 & Scavenger Hunt 4 → Due Feb 16 🌟 Key Takeaways ✅ Nature is shaped by human beliefs, history, and economy.​ ✅ European colonization transformed ecosystems worldwide.​ ✅ The Industrial Revolution fueled environmental destruction.​ ✅ Sustainability & decolonial perspectives offer solutions.