The Soul of Geography
Description
This book compiles a series of essays systematically organized to present the author's decades of reflection on geographical research and teaching. Geography is a broad and profound discipline that spans the natural sciences, social sciences, and technical sciences, with the goal of "exploring natural laws and revealing the humanistic essence." Theories and methodologies in geography offer unparalleled advantages in addressing the challenges humanity faces regarding natural resources management, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic development. This book highlights the spirit and allure of geography from four perspectives: "Integrated Essence," "Space and Process," "Systems Thinking," and "Social Application", offering a glimpse into the insights and inner journey of a geographer.
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Bojie Fu, distinguished professor at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the Academy of Sciences for Developing World, an international honorary member of American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a corresponding fellow of the Royal Society Edinburgh, and an honorary fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He serves as vice president of the International Geographical Union and chairman of the supervisory board of the Geographical Society of China, and he was previously president of the Geographical Society of China.
Content
Part 1: Integrated Concept.- Geography: From Knowledge, Science, to Decision Making Support.- Geography: A Comprehensive Science Across Nature, Humanity, and Technology.- Geography for Global Sustainable Development.- The Fusion of Nature and Humanity.- "The Chinese Dream" and "The Soul of Geography".- A Dialogue on Geography with Middle School Students in Beijing.- Part 2:Spaces and Processes.- Coupling of Patterns and Processes.- Land Use Patterns and Ecological Processes.- Ecosystem Service Trade-offs and Synergies.- Where Has the Sediment Gone?.- Spatializing Global Nature's Contributions to People.- Part 3: Systems Thinking.- ow Does Quantitative Change Lead to Qualitative Change?.- Simple Yet Not Simplistic.- Feedback and Effects in the Coupled Human and Natural System.- Modelling the Coupled Human and Natural System.- "Managing" for Benefits.- Responding to a Changing World.- Part 4:Social Application.- Innovating Geographical Science to Support Ecological Civilization.- Scientifically Conducting Territorial Ecological Restoration.- Using Ecological Science and Technology to Create a Beautiful Homeland.- Integrating Ecology into Cities.- How to Understand "Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets".- Is There Ever Too Much Reforestation?.- Building "Four-Season Gardens" with a Global Perspective.- Challenges and Recommendations for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.- Pathways to Accelerate the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.- Looking to the Future: Aim High with the Soul of Geography.