Understanding the changing planet
Subtitle: strategic directions for the geographical sciences
By: Committee on Strategic Directions for the Geographical Sciences in the Next Decade, Board on Earth Sciences and Resources, Division on Earth and Life Studies, National Research Council of the National Academies
Contributors: National Research Council (U.S.). Board on Earth Sciences and Resources; National Research Council (U.S.). Division on Earth and Life Studies
Publisher: National Academies Press
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Washington, D.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 155
ISBN-13: 9780309150750
Subjects: Environmental degradation; Environmental ethics; Nature; Sustainable development; Effect of human beings on; Overpopulation; Human ecology; Research; Geography
Description: "From the oceans to 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 and 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 outlines eleven strategic directions to focus research and leverage new technologies to harness the potential that the geographical sciences offer."--Publisher's description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 125-143).
Table of contents: title: How are we changing the physical environment of Earth's surface?; title: How can we best preserve biological diversity and protect endangered ecosystems?; title: How are climate and other environmental changes affecting the vulnerabilities of coupled human-environment systems?; title: How and where will 10 billion people live on Earth?; title: How will we sustainably feed everyone in the coming decade and beyond?; title: How does where people live affect their health?; title: How is the movement of people, goods, and ideas transforming the world?; title: How is economic globalization affecting inequality?; title: How are geopolitical shifts influencing peace and stability?; title: How might we better observe, analyze, and visualize a changing world?; title: What are the societal implications of citizen mapping and mapping citizens?