Environmental geography is the branch of geography that studies the interactions between human societies and the biogeophysical environment. It focuses on how humans impact the natural world and how physical environmental processes affect human activities
. This field integrates aspects of both human geography (which studies societies, cultures, and economies) and physical geography (which studies natural landscapes and processes), making it a bridge between these two areas to understand coupled human-environment systems
. Key aspects of environmental geography include:
- Examining the spatial relationships and impacts of human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and resource use on natural environments
- Understanding natural processes like climate, weather, rivers, and hazards (e.g., volcanoes, earthquakes) and their effects on human societies
- Using scientific methods and technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing to analyze environmental issues and develop solutions
- Addressing global environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, sustainability, and conservation
Environmental geography aims to provide insights that help manage natural resources responsibly and mitigate environmental problems while considering social, economic, and ecological dimensions
. It is considered the third major branch of geography alongside human and physical geography
. In summary, environmental geography studies the dynamic interactions between humans and their natural environment to understand and solve environmental challenges through a spatial and integrative perspective.
