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.

Connect with Tema

and tell us about your community and projects

Local Knowledge – Global Reach

Economic Development Entrepreneurs

Tourism Energy Water Transit

tema@arezza.net  skype arezza1 

 

Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California

Native People Gold and Silver Discoveries Ski Resorts Museums and Mansions

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine freshwater lake and second deepest in North America. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains between Nevada and California, it is home to ski resorts and other year round tourism and recreation activities. Formed about 2 million years ago, it is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides.

Native People the area around Lake Tahoe was previously inhabited by the Washoe tribe whose territory, included the upper valleys of the Walker, Carson and Truckee Rivers. The word Tahoe derives from a Washo word meaning The Lake.

The Mining Era with the discovery of gold in 1848, thousands of gold seekers passed near the basin on their way to the gold fields. Europeans arrived in the Lake Tahoe basin with the discovery of the Comstock Lode silver deposit 15 miles - 24 km – in Virginia City, Nevada. From 1858 until about 1890, logging in the basin supplied large timbers to shore up the mines’ underground workings.

Development during the first half of the 20^th century, development around the lake consisted of a few vacation homes, followed by the post-World War II building boom, construction of gambling casinos in the Nevada part of the basin, and completion of the interstate highway for the 1960 Winter Olympics.

 Squaw Valley is North America’s Most Renowned Ski Resort

Hellman-Erhman Mansion is a grand but informal summer home completed in 1903 and considered to be one of the finest in the high Sierra. The building site was originally a sand hill. Tons of topsoil were brought from the back country to provide the base for lawns and gardens. Building materials for the house were obtained locally; the granite from Meeks Bay and the lumber from Hobart Mills, north of Truckee. The spiral staircase rises to the second floor where a hall runs north and south joining the eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The rooms were furnished with brass beds and Navajo rugs.

The US West the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast

Emerald Bay State Park is located in the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe and is a National Natural Landmark. A vividly colored oval embayment of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay was formed by moraines as parallel glaciers receded. The site is an outstanding example of glacial geology.

Smart Trip Planning

Logistics Locations Costs Time and Personalized Travel Solutions

The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society NLTHS was founded in 1969 by a group of concerned citizens who were passionate about preserving Tahoe’s history, and telling its stories. The NLTHS preserves, presents and interprets Lake Tahoe history through its three museums located in Tahoe City:

Gatekeeper’s Museum is located on an ancient Washoe campsite. The museum contains an eclectic collection of Tahoe history, including photographic collections, oral histories and transcription, newspapers, court ledgers, maps and written materials, letters, clothing, artifacts and furniture.

Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum a collection of over 800 baskets, pottery, clothing, dolls and artifacts from over 85 tribes nationwide.

Watson Cabin a 1909 log cabin listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest Tahoe City house that still sits where it was originally built, in the middle of the town.

Tahoe Maritime Museum preserves Lake Tahoe’s rich maritime history and stimulate interest and increase knowledge and maintain watercraft and marine artifacts significant in Lake Tahoe’s maritime history through the highest standards of historic preservation, innovative interpretation and public education.

Connect to Receive a Detailed Itinerary

for Travel to Lake Tahoe Nevada California and the US West

Local Knowledge – Global Reach

tema@arezza.net  skype arezza1