Understanding the Changing Planet: Strategic Directions for the Geographical Sciences - Softcover

Committee On Strategic Directions For The Geographical Sciences In The Next Decade; National Research Council

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0309150752 ISBN 13: 9780309150750

Publisher: National Academies Press, 2010

Synopsis

From the oceans to the continental heartlands, human activities have altered the physical characteristics of Earth's surface. With Earth's population projected to peak at 8 to 12 billion people by 2050, combined with the additional stress of climate change, it is more important than ever to understand how and where these changes are happening. Innovation in the geographical sciences has the potential to advance knowledge of place-based environmental change, sustainability, and the impacts of a rapidly changing economy and society. Understanding the Changing Planet seeks to increase awareness and outreach for the geographical sciences. The book outlines 11 strategic directions on which to focus research and leverage new technologies to harness the potential that the geographical sciences offer. The book provides a multidimensional perspective on globalization, inequality, geopolitics, sustainability, and biological diversity that will be valuable in both undergraduate and graduate classrooms. Administrators crafting research agendas will find an interdisciplinary look at how the human and biophysical worlds are connected and organised. Political scientists will find a discussion of the ethical issues surrounding the use of cutting-edge geospatial technologies. Geography, environmental studies, and earth science academics, along with students and even epidemiologists, and archaeologists will find direction for their respective fields of study within the pages of this book.

Edition details

• Publisher: National Academies Press
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0309150752
• ISBN 13: 9780309150750
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 172