Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems
This domain asks you to explain environmental and social problems spatially, with causes, effects and remedies. Strong answers link a problem to a place, a source and a vulnerable group.
Core issues
- Pollution: air (vehicles, industry, stubble burning), water (sewage, industrial effluent), land (solid waste, mining) and noise.
- Deforestation, desertification, soil erosion, floods and droughts.
- Urban problems: slums, congestion, waste and water scarcity.
- Displacement and rehabilitation from dams, mines and infrastructure.
- Sustainable development balances present needs with future capacity.
Worked example
A city generates 500 tonnes of solid waste daily; a landfill with 1,000 tonnes capacity fills in two days if no processing occurs. Source segregation, composting and recycling reduce landfill load and extend capacity. The reasoning links generation rate, treatment and carrying capacity.
Traps
Do not treat every natural hazard as a disaster; disaster occurs when a hazard meets vulnerability. Pollution is not only air pollution. Do not prescribe awareness alone; link remedies to specific sources and institutions. Remember that carrying capacity is not fixed if technology and trade change.