Geography Community and Climate Change

Thesis Increased urbanization and mass migrations over the last century are key to understanding human factors in climate change; these are best understood by a careful reading of history and geography in your community. Regions of the Earth that are successfully addressing environmental problems should assist other communities, regardless of their location, set an example and provide knowledge and expertise.

Geography as defined by Halford Mackinder, bridges the gap between arts and science; it connects history and culture with the environment. Man and not nature initiates activities but nature in large measure controls -Fernand Braudel. Those working in harmony with environmental influences will triumph over those who strive against them - WH Parker. Human nature is motivated by fear, self interest and honor – Thucydides.

Sustainable Communities are created by addressing resource protection, climate change, air and water quality and availability, human health and well-being.

  

My Community the Washington DC, Potomac River and Middle Atlantic Region of the United States is characterized by a highly educated and knowledgeable citizenry that is very sensitive to environmental issues and is engaged locally and regionally.

Key Issues Affecting Climate Change

urbanization, traffic gridlock, population increases, community migrations

agricultural runoffs from rivers and tributaries into

Chesapeake Bay and the Maryland Eastern Shore

farming in the outlying Chesapeake region and urban area water quality issues have led to bacteria in the waters, resulting in swimming bans in the bay, rivers and the ocean.

budget limitations  have led to reduced inspection of watersheds, hence less maintenance and increases in storm water failures allowing tens of thousands of pounds of nutrients to enter the waterways.

education there is still a disconnect between the scientific community and the public at large; climate issues are still not part of mainstream thinking and daily life even in socially and economically sophisticated communities.  

Local Solutions to Climate Change Governments at all levels are engineering political solutions:

o   an agreement between EPA and Agricultural Organizations to implement pollution reduction programs aimed at restoring the Bay to health by 2025, and

o   local food production and consumption, a plastic bag tax, green roofs, bike and car sharing programs, light rail and other forms of public transport

Real success in mitigating climate change will be achieved when environmentally sound practices are adopted by a majority of the local population; in democratic societies, this can be achieved when small businesses and entrepreneurs – join government, nonprofit and volunteer groups in this effort.

Issues are taken more seriously when your lively hood depends on it. Hence, information, education and training lead to sustainable wealth creation.

Global Solutions to Climate Change At the dawn of the 20^th Century only 14 percent of the world’s population lived in cities; by 2025, 75 percent will be in urban settings. There are already 468 cities with over a million in population; 40 of these cities have more than 10 million residents.

These circumstances lead to continued economic, social, security, environment and climate problems. Increasingly there is a devolution from supranational and national to regional and local institutions to tackle these issue.

The more fortunate communities have an obligation to share their know-how, expertise and experience in climate change; it is in their interest to do so.

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