What is Environmental Geography( पर्यावरण à¤ूगोल)?
Environmental geography is a branch of geography that deals with the relationship between living organisms and the environment, and the relationship between humans and different components of the environment.
In environmental geography, there are three major categories;
Understanding of environment.- It includes the study of different components [ biotic and abiotic] of environments.
- Relation among the components [ between biotics or between biotic and abiotic] of the environment.
- The relationship between the living organism and the environment is very complex and dynamic, both Living organisms especially humans, and the environment influence each other.
Impact of living organisms especially humans on the environment.
- Environment degradation
- Pollution
Conservation and management of the environment.
- Environment Policy and environment education
Why do we need to study Environmental geography?
- Environmental geography helps in understanding the dynamics of climatology, geomorphology, oceanography, and biogeography. As we know, everything is evolving and changing over time and they are affecting each other as they are interconnected.
- For example,
- Climate change[ atmospheric phenomenon] is affecting the hydrological cycle, we are facing unusual weather phenomena such as floods and drought.
- The ultimate aim of the study of environmental study is to preserve ecological resources, ecological diversity, and ecosystem stability.
How environmental geography is different from human geography?
- Human geography is the branch of geography that deals with humans and relationships with the environment whereas Environmental geography deals with living organisms including humans, the environment, and the relationship between living organisms and the environment.
As per the UPSC syllabus; The followings are studied under the environmental geography;
Environment understanding;
- Principle of ecology
- Human ecological adaptations
Impact of humans on environment and conservation.
- Influence of man on ecology and environment;
- Global and regional ecological changes and imbalances
- Ecosystem their management and conservation
- Environmental degradation, management, and conservation;
- Biodiversity and sustainable development;
- Environmental policy;
- Environmental hazards and remedial measures;
- Environmental education and legislation.
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