Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand the fundamental concepts and scope of environmental geography and the interactions between humans and the natural environment.
- Identify and describe the major biomes and ecosystems, highlighting their unique characteristics and biodiversity.
- Analyze the causes and impacts of climate change and global warming on ecosystems and human societies.
- Evaluate natural hazards and disasters, including their environmental and societal effects and mitigation strategies.
- Examine conservation efforts, biodiversity threats, and sustainable management of natural resources including water and land.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 2527: Environmental Geography
1. Introduction to Environmental Geography
- Definition and scope of environmental geography
- Interactions between human societies and natural environments
- Human impacts on ecosystems: pollution, land use change, resource extraction
- The importance of interdisciplinary approaches
2. Biomes and Ecosystems
- Definition of biomes and ecosystems
- Major terrestrial biomes:
- Forests (tropical, temperate, boreal)
- Grasslands (savannas, prairies)
- Deserts (hot and cold)
- Major aquatic ecosystems:
- Freshwater (rivers, lakes, wetlands)
- Marine (oceans, coral reefs, estuaries)
- Biodiversity and ecological functions in each biome
- Human influences on biome health and integrity
3. Climate Change and Global Warming
- Scientific basis of climate change
- Greenhouse gases: sources and effects
- Role of deforestation and fossil fuels in global warming
- Impacts on:
- Ecosystems (species migration, extinction risks)
- Human societies (health, agriculture, sea-level rise)
- Mitigation and adaptation strategies
4. Natural Hazards and Disasters
- Types of natural hazards:
- Hurricanes
- Earthquakes
- Tsunamis
- Wildfires
- Environmental and social impacts
- Disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies
- Case studies of major disasters and responses
5. Conservation and Biodiversity
- Importance of biodiversity for ecosystem resilience
- Threats to biodiversity:
- Habitat destruction
- Climate change
- Pollution
- Invasive species
- Conservation strategies:
- Protected areas
- Species recovery programs
- Community-based conservation
6. Water Resources and Management
- Global distribution of freshwater resources
- Challenges:
- Water scarcity
- Pollution
- Over-extraction
- Sustainable water management practices:
- Watershed management
- Pollution control measures
- Water conservation technologies
7. Urbanization and Land Use
- Patterns and drivers of urbanization
- Environmental impacts:
- Urban sprawl
- Land degradation
- Air and water pollution
- Sustainable urban planning:
- Green infrastructure
- Smart growth
- Urban green spaces
8. Environmental Policy and Sustainability
- Levels of environmental policy:
- Local
- National
- Global
- Key agreements and initiatives (e.g., Paris Agreement, Convention on Biological Diversity)
- Environmental regulations and enforcement
- Principles and practices of sustainability
- Role of stakeholders: governments, NGOs, communities, businesses
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Environmental Geography.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan
Learning Outcomes
Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.
Assessment Methods
Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.