Week 1.pptx

Course introduction: Environmental Geography WEEK 1 Introduction to Environmental Geography and Political Ecology This presentation explores the interdisciplinary field of environmental geography and political ecology, examining the complex relationships between human societies, natur...

Course introduction: Environmental Geography WEEK 1 Introduction to Environmental Geography and Political Ecology This presentation explores the interdisciplinary field of environmental geography and political ecology, examining the complex relationships between human societies, natural environments, and political systems.  Course Objectives Understand the foundational concepts Analyze the political dimensions of Apply critical thinking to environmental of environmental geography environmental issues problems Students will explore how political, economic, Students will develop the ability to critically Students will learn the key principles and and social factors shape environmental evaluate environmental problems, consider approaches that define the field of challenges and policy responses, with a focus multiple perspectives, and propose innovative environmental geography, including the study on case studies in developing and developed solutions grounded in geographic knowledge and of human-environment interactions, spatial countries. principles. analysis, and the role of scale. By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of environmental geography and the political ecology of environmental issues, equipping them to tackle complex sustainability challenges.  Course Overview Course Objectives Spatial Dimensions of Socio-Political Processes Interdisciplinary Approach Understand the fundamental Environmental Issues Analyze how social, political, concepts and theories in Explore the geographical and economic systems shape Integrate perspectives from environmental geography and factors influencing environmental outcomes various disciplines to address political ecology environmental problems and environmental challenges policies By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between the environment, geography, and political forces.  What is Environmental Geography? Environmental geography is a broad field that examines the complex relationships between human societies and the natural environment. It explores how the physical environment, including climate, landforms, and natural resources, influence and are influenced by human activities, such as urbanization, agriculture, and resource extraction.  The Roots of Political Ecology 1990s 1970s The expansion of The emergence of political ecology to political ecology as a examine issues of social 2010s critical approach to justice, gender, and The increasing emphasis environmental issues, indigenous rights in on the role of social combining political environmental conflicts. movements and economy and ecology. grassroots activism in political ecology research and advocacy. 1980s The development of 2000s political ecology's focus The incorporation of on the relationship post-structural and between power, politics, postcolonial theories into and environmental political ecology, change. broadening its analytical perspectives.  Analyzing Environmental Issues Spatial Analysis Multi-Scale Perspective Political-Economic Examining the geographic Analyzing environmental problems Drivers distribution and patterns of at different scales, from local to Exploring how power structures, environmental issues, using tools global, to understand policies, and economic systems like GIS and remote sensing. interconnected dynamics. shape human-environment interactions. Social-Ecological Systems Vulnerability and Resilience Recognizing the complex, coupled nature of social Assessing how different communities and and ecological components in environmental issues. ecosystems are impacted by and respond to environmental changes.  Integrating Theory and Practice Applying Environmental Geography Integrating Political Ecology Real-World Problem-Solving Environmental geography examines the Political ecology analyzes how power By combining the insights from complex interactions between the natural relations, political and economic systems, environmental geography and political environment and human activities. This and sociocultural factors shape ecology, we can develop more discipline can be leveraged to understand the environmental outcomes. Incorporating this comprehensive and nuanced understandings spatial dynamics and contextual factors that perspective can help identify the underlying of environmental challenges. This integrated contribute to environmental issues. social, political, and institutional drivers of approach enables the design of more environmental problems. effective and sustainable solutions that address the root causes of environmental issues.  Advanced Research Skills Formulating Research Questions Critical Evaluation of Sources Develop clear, focused, and manageable research questions that Critically assess the reliability, validity, and credibility of information guide the investigation and align with the study objectives. sources to ensure the trustworthiness and accuracy of the research findings. Conducting Comprehensive Literature Reviews Explore relevant academic databases, journals, and credible online Synthesizing and Interpreting Findings resources to gather a thorough understanding of the existing Analyze and interpret the collected data to identify patterns, themes, knowledge and research on the topic. and relationships that contribute to a deeper understanding of the research topic. Identifying Appropriate Research Methods Select research methods, such as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed- Communicating Research Effectively methods approaches, that are best suited to address the research Present research findings in a clear, concise, and engaging manner, questions and gather meaningful data. using appropriate visual aids, written reports, or oral presentations to effectively communicate the study's significance and implications. Effective Data Collection Techniques Employ various data collection methods, such as interviews, surveys, observations, or document analysis, to gather rich and relevant information for the study.