Global Geography

EARTH AS SEEN FROM THE MOON

EARTH AS PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE MARS ROVER

What is geography?

• The word comes from the Greek words ge (earth) and graphia (writings)

• It is defined as the study of the physical and human environments of the world and the way they interact. • The subject matter of GGS then includes the

whole planet Earth: • the people who live here and

• the connections those people make with their own surroundings and other places on Earth.

• In other words everything on the planet!!

Why study geography??

• The aim of GGS 12

• is to help you become a better world citizen.

• by giving you information to understand the ways in which

• the major physical, climatic, biological (natural features) AND

• the economic and cultural (human features)

• are all interconnected with each other.

The reasons for geography

• Ancient people recorded geographical

information important for their survival:

• Where can we find food and water??

Modern Geography

• Modern geography still studies issues

that concern our survival

• However not as individuals but as an entire

species.

• These issues pose questions about the

future such as…

Will we have air fit to breathe??

Will we have safe water to

drink??

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0023680.html

How will we properly feed 9-11

billion people??

THE BIG GGS QUESTIONS!!

• What would my life be like if I was born

somewhere else: i.e. how has

geography affected me??

• What are my connections and

responsibilities to the rest of the planet?

THE BIG ANSWER

• “Of those to whom much is given, much is

required.”

• John F. Kennedy

• (quoting Jesus of Nazareth who was quoting ancient

Hebrew scholars).

• The belief that the wealthy and privileged are

obliged to help those less fortunate.

• Just living in North America makes you part of the richest

15% of the world’s population.