Environmental Geography

TEKS Alignment  - §113.43. World Geography Studies (One Credit), Beginning 2011-2012.

(8)  Geography. The student understands how people, places, and environments are connected and interdependent. The student is expected to:

(A)  compare ways that humans depend on, adapt to, and modify the physical environment, including the influences of culture and technology;
(C)  evaluate the economic and political relationships between settlements and the environment, including sustainable development and renewable/non-renewable resources.

(19)  Science, technology, and society. The student understands the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment. The student is expected to:

(A)  evaluate the significance of major technological innovations in the areas of transportation and energy that have been used to modify the physical environment;
(C)  examine the environmental, economic, and social impacts of advances in technology on agriculture and natural resources.

(20)  Science, technology, and society. The student understands how current technology affects human interaction. The student is expected to:

(B)  examine the economic, environmental, and social effects of technology such as medical advancements or changing trade patterns on societies at different levels of development.
 

Once you have reviewed the module summary, TEKS alignment goals, and key terms and definitions use the left menu navigation to access all module resources.

Environmental Geography

Environmental degradation is a global problem, but some regions of the world face greater challenges in addressing the issues and finding solutions.  Less developed and newly industrializing countries often lack the resources needed to reduce the destruction caused by the primary and secondary economic activities which typically comprise the majority of their economic systems.  In addition, governments in these countries may be unwilling to address environmental issues due to fear of losing industries and jobs vital to the future economic progress of the nation.  Or, these governments may be unwilling to divert resources from issues they feel are more immediately pressing – such as education, health care, housing and sanitation.  The final remaining obstacle facing countries both willing and able to address environmental issues is enforcement.  Illegal activities are often even more destructive than legal ones and enforcing the laws that are present again places governments in the position of diverting resources from other important issues.

There are numerous resources available online which deal with the various forms of environmental degradation across the globe.  A few of the resources below focus on issues specific to Southeast Asia, but others address topics globally. Since Southeast Asia is taught towards the end of the school year in many districts, this unit provides an excellent opportunity to teach concepts at the regional level and apply them globally.

This module primarily deals with environmental issues such as deforestation and pollution. (Issues concerning climate change will be addressed in another module.) The video produced by TAGE provides an excellent introduction to the topic for teachers and students. The case study focuses on one of the world’s largest mining operations and its effects on the environment in Indonesia. The lesson provided with this module allows students to select a topic they are interested in pursuing. The students will produce their own “documentary” introducing the issue and presenting possible solutions.