Monday, July 9, 2012

An Introduction to Geography.

What is Geography?


Geography is a study of the Earth's surface, including people's responses towards topography, nature, soil and vegetation. This encompasses the study of all the inhabitants on Earth starting from the smallest of micro-organisms to the most complex organisms. The causes and effects of natural disasters are also studied in geography, along with climatology as a related topic. The subject also explores a range of topics that has a direct relevance to human beings, such as resource availability and pollutions. Simply put, geography can also be defined as a study of the world.


Why study Geography?


Study of geography is an essential endeavour because it looks into causal changes occurring throughout the world which will eventually have an impact on human life and the environment. We get to understand the results of our reaction towards these changes better as well as focus on improving our ways to interact with the nature. For instance, humankind will attain a deeper understanding of the aftermath of natural disasters with due research and also make provisions to minimize the damages resulting from such events. The recent drastic changes in climate has also caused an increasing popularity among the study of climatology. From an economic standpoint, the study of geography lets humans to effectively harness Earth's resources and aids in making optimal decisions for the benefit of humankind. However, desire and reckless pursuit of wealth drives humankind to overexploit these limited resources, at a dire cost to the ecosystem and the environment, often resulting in deforestation, desertification and extinction of local flora and fauna. Other than that, shortage of energy and fuel due to wastage have also become one of the challenges the modern society is facing. Fortunately, geography covers the sections of renewable energy sources and thus, a further study in geography helps advance our research and understanding of alternative, renewable eco-friendly energy. In conclusion, geography is a vast subject that involves the Earth and humans that keeps evolving and amassing facts and knowledge. Therefore, it will continue to play a key role in leading the mankind towards a better coexistence with the nature.