Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
THE CHALLENGES AHEAD
Our study of physical geography tells us that the Earth is dynamic.
Over long timescales the tectonic plates move. This has long-term
impacts on the Earth's climate system, biogeography and landforms.
However, it also affects the needs of society today, including pro-
tection from tectonic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and
tsunamis. We know that the climate will change. Study of the
Earth's landforms shows us how they have been shaped by ice
sheets, glaciers and periglacial activity many times in the past in
areas where there is no ice today. Sea levels have risen and fallen in
tandem with the retreat and advance of the ice. Even without
human intervention there will be climate change. However, the
changes brought about by humans to the Earth's atmospheric com-
position and its climate are exceptional. Equally the changes
brought about by humans to soils, water pathways, river flow and
channel change, water quality and coastal sediment dynamics are
huge. It is hard to see how these changes will not be compounded
in the near future as there are major challenges ahead. For example,
we need to sort out the food and water supply for the world's
growing population as it rises from 6 billion to 9 billion by around
2050. This needs to be done without devastating lots of ecosystems
which might deliver fundamental services. We need to tackle
climate change and its impacts through mitigation and adaptation.
These challenges require international co-operation in ways we
have not witnessed before.
Co-operation is needed because the Earth has a climate system
which affects all nations. Technology, resources and trade mean we
live in a global world, with a global economy. The need for
