Essay Assignment: Introduction To Human Geography 11 ✓ Solved

2essay Assignmentgeog 1191 Introduction To Human Geography 11essay

Write an essay of 1,500 words (at least eight pages) that focuses on a chosen and agreed-upon topic examining the relationship between people (or society) and their environment/resources. You must contact your Open Learning Faculty Member to discuss your proposed topic before starting your essay. The focus of the essay may be at the local, regional, continental, or global scale. Possible topics include: problems and potentials with respect to maintaining the quality or availability of a particular resource (water, forests, wildlife, ecosystems, open space, etc.), maintenance/loss of biodiversity, land-use planning in urban or non-urban contexts, changing relationships between culture and environment, differing views of sustainable development/sustainability between less developed countries (LDCs) and highly developed countries (HDCs), differing worldviews such as traditional knowledge and Western-based scientific knowledge, the role of maps and mapping in communicating views of the world, or any other topic approved by your faculty member.

Your essay should include a clear thesis statement related to your topic, reflecting the course’s theme of humans and their environment. You are encouraged to incorporate course themes and content to analyze your topic, using tools from your geography "toolbox." For example, if your topic is "loss of biodiversity," your thesis might be: "Habitat loss from urban expansion threatens biodiversity, requiring societal decisions on development versus conservation." You might expand this with course themes like societal values, natural processes, or perceptions of sustainability.

The essay must involve research beyond course materials, utilizing a variety of credible sources, including scholarly journals. Proper APA formatting, in-text citations, and a comprehensive bibliography are required. Your essay should demonstrate knowledge of relevant course content, include appropriate themes throughout, and support your thesis with evidence. You are expected to develop a well-supported argument, integrating external research, with clear, grammatical, and well-structured writing.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the complex relationship between humans and the environment forms the foundation of human geography. This essay explores the impacts of urban expansion on biodiversity, examining how societal choices and perceptions influence environmental outcomes. As urban areas continue to grow, natural habitats are increasingly threatened, leading to significant ecological consequences and challenging the principles of sustainable development.

Thesis Statement

"Urban expansion is a primary driver of habitat destruction, which leads to biodiversity loss. Societal decisions that prioritize development over conservation threaten ecological stability, requiring a re-evaluation of our values and strategies toward sustainable coexistence."

Impacts of Urban Expansion on Biodiversity

Urbanization significantly alters natural landscapes, transforming ecosystems and diminishing biodiversity. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF, 2022), habitat destruction accounts for the majority of species loss worldwide. Urban areas fragment habitats into isolated patches, preventing species migration, reducing genetic diversity, and increasing extinction risks (Haddad et al., 2015). In North America, studies show that urban sprawl has led to the decline of native species such as birds, amphibians, and pollinators (McKinney, 2006). The destruction of wetlands, forests, and grasslands for residential, commercial, and infrastructural development exemplifies this trend (Forman, 2014).

The case of Toronto’s Downsview Wetlands illustrates these dynamics vividly. Proposed urban development adjacent to the wetland threatens to disrupt water filtration, bird habitats, and plant diversity. This situation exemplifies how local land-use decisions can have cascading ecological effects, illustrating the importance of integrating environmental considerations into urban planning (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2018).

Societal Values and Perceptions

Public perceptions and societal values influence land-use decisions significantly. While some communities prioritize economic growth, others emphasize ecological preservation. The tension is reflected in debates over development projects, where ecological risks may be underappreciated or undervalued. Cultures with traditional ecological knowledge often perceive nature as interconnected and sacred, advocating for conservation as a moral obligation (Berkes, 2012). Conversely, modern industrial societies tend to regard nature as an economic resource, emphasizing utilitarian values (Scoones, 2015).

In many cases, societal values are shaped by economic incentives, political agendas, and cultural narratives. For example, the push for suburban expansion in Ontario highlights how development agendas often prioritize housing and commerce, sometimes at the expense of ecological integrity (City of Toronto, 2019). When these values tilt toward growth at environmental costs, biodiversity suffers accordingly.

Natural Processes and Ecological Consequences

Habitat destruction through urbanization not only displaces species but also disrupts ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, water filtration, and climate regulation. Wetlands, for instance, play a crucial role in filtering pollutants and mitigating floods (Mitsch & Gosselink, 2015). Their destruction diminishes these vital functions, leading to increased water pollution and flood risks.

Additionally, the loss of keystone species can destabilize ecosystems. For instance, the decline of pollinators like bees due to habitat loss hampers plant reproduction and agricultural productivity (Potts et al., 2016). These ecological changes have direct economic and social implications, especially for communities dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods.

Strategies for Sustainable Development

To mitigate these impacts, integrated land-use planning and sustainable development strategies are crucial. Concepts such as green infrastructure, ecological corridors, and protected areas help balance urban growth with conservation (Benedict & McMahon, 2002). Community involvement and education foster greater ecological awareness and stewardship. Furthermore, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge can enhance conservation efforts, recognizing indigenous perspectives and sustainable practices (Berkes, 2012).

Policy frameworks such as the Natural Capital Approach advocate for valuing ecosystems economically to integrate them into decision-making processes more effectively (Daily et al., 2009). Urban planning that emphasizes biodiversity-friendly development can enhance ecological resilience while supporting human needs.

Conclusion

Urban expansion poses significant threats to biodiversity and ecological stability. Societal values, perceptions, and land-use decisions directly influence these environmental outcomes. By adopting sustainable development principles, integrating traditional and scientific knowledge, and fostering community participation, societies can strive toward a more harmonious coexistence with nature. Ultimately, balancing development and conservation is imperative to ensuring ecological resilience and the well-being of future generations.

References

  • Benedict, M. A., & McMahon, E. T. (2002). Green infrastructure: smart conservation for the 21st century. Renewable Resources Journal, 20(3), 12–17.
  • Berkes, F. (2012). Sacred ecology: Traditional ecological knowledge and resource management. Routledge.
  • City of Toronto. (2019). Toronto’s Official Plan: Urban Growth and Development Policies. Retrieved from https://www.toronto.ca
  • Daily, G. C., et al. (2009). The Natural Capital Project: Ecosystem services and ecological resilience. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 7(1), 28–33.
  • Forman, R. T. T. (2014). Urban ecology: Science of cities. Cambridge University Press.
  • Haddad, N. M., et al. (2015). Habitat fragmentation and its effects on biodiversity. Ecological Applications, 25(1), 484–494.
  • Mitsch, W. J., & Gosselink, J. G. (2015). Wetlands. John Wiley & Sons.
  • McKinney, M. L. (2006). Urbanization as a major habitat change driver. Urban Ecosystems, 9(1), 5–12.
  • Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2018). Wetland conservation and management strategies. Ontario Government Publications.
  • Potts, S. G., et al. (2016). Global pollinator declines: Trends, impacts, and potential solutions. Science, 351(6279), 1246084.
  • Scoones, I. (2015). The politics of knowledge: traditional ecological knowledge and land management. Environmental Science & Policy, 55, 31–39.
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (2022). Living Planet Report 2022. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org

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