Geography

• The 4 S functions

  • Source
  • Sink
  • Service
  • Spiritual function
• Source


  The capacity of the environment to provide us with materials we rely on such as timber, water, and soil
• Sink


  The ability of the environment to remove and breakdown waste
• Service


  The processes that occur that enable our existence without requiring human action (e.g. pollinating food, stabilising the climate)
• Spiritual function


  How environments can provide us with psychological benefits or spiritual connections
• Egocentric


  People who see themselves and their need as the most important factor to consider (e.g. a person who would choose their own financial gain as more important than environments/ecosystems)
• Ecocentric


  A worldview that places the preservation of environments above all other needs and wants (e.g. an ecocentric may choose to protect an environment despite the long-term income and jobs that using the environment may create for a whole community)
• Cultural and religious beliefs can influence how people view the environment (e.g. indigenous cultures have deeper spiritual connections to nature, viewing it as sacred and deserving of protection, while other religious beliefs might emphasise human dominance over nature)
• Case study: Indigenous communities and the environment

  • They have a very powerful and spiritual sense of place and belonging within the natural world
  • They are extremely interconnected with their surrounding environments
  • The traditional knowledge passed down for generations influences the way they perceive nature, and how they relate to/use their environment
• Stewardship


  A worldview that recognises that although humans need to make use of environments for survival and development, they have a responsibility to care for the Earth to ensure that future generations will have access to environments of similar quality
• Anthropocentric


  A worldview that acknowledges that humans have a variety of needs and wants that often must be placed above the desire to protect environments, and values environments for the use they provide for all humans
• Biocentric


  A worldview that recognises the significant role that the Earth and its environments play in sustaining life, including human life, and strives to minimise the impact of human activities on environments and species
• Worldviews


  Significantly shape the environment, influencing our interactions and the resulting impacts on the natural world
• Factors affecting the environment

  • Natural factors (storms, droughts, earthquakes, floods)
  • Human-induced activities (overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, deforestation)
• Human-induced activities


  Driven by various cultural, economic, and social perspectives that can either harm or help the environment
• Ecocentric and anthropocentric worldviews


  Put themselves and their needs as more important than the environment, often leading to detrimental environmental practices
• Ecocentric and anthropocentric worldviews


  Value economic growth and development over environmental sustainability, resulting in activities such as deforestation for agriculture and urbanisation
• The primary cause of deforestation is the need to clear land to feed a growing population and to expand urban areas to support economic activities
• Deforestation


  Reduces biodiversity by destroying the habitats of numerous plants and animals, and contributes significantly to climate change
• Cutting down and burning trees

  Releases stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas levels and exacerbating global warming
• Prioritising short-term economic gains over long-term environmental health has negative impacts on the environment
• Ecocentric and biocentric worldviews


  Recognise the environment and the importance to preserve them, emphasising the intrinsic value of all living beings and the environment, advocating for sustainability and environmental stewardship
• Sustainable practices


  • Organic farming
  • Eco-tourism
• Organic farming


  Avoids the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, reducing pollution and promoting soil health, also reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional farming methods
• Eco-tourism


  Encourages the preservation of natural areas while providing economic benefits to local communities
• Sustainable practices demonstrate that it is possible to achieve economic and social goals without compromising the environment, promoting a healthier and more resilient planet
• Human worldviews


  Play a large role in shaping the environment, whether it is to put themselves or the environment first
• Egocentric and anthropocentric perspectives


  Often prioritise economic growth at the expense of ecological health, leading to practices such as deforestation and increased carbon emissions
• Ecocentric and biocentric perspectives


  Value the intrinsic worth of nature and advocate for sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and reduce environmental impact
• Both worldviews highlight the complex relationship between human activity and environmental health, highlighting the importance of fostering a balanced approach that considers both human and ecological needs for a more sustainable future