In Topic 1, students explain the geographical processes that have resulted in land cover transformation and a changing global climate and how these processes shape the identity of places. They recognise the spatial patterns of land cover change, the trends in climate change, and the implications for people and places.
Students investigate the challenges climate change poses for the future sustainability of natural environments and communities. They conduct a case study to understand the impact of climate change on a particular type of land cover transformation. Through their investigation, students understand the interdependence of these processes and the resulting challenges for sustainable responses.
Geography 2019 v1.1 General Senior Syllabus p32
Key Questions
What is land cover and its distribution?
What processes connect the Earth’s physical systems and affect land cover?
What are the different types of land cover (vegetation biomes, biogeographic areas, anthropogenic biomes)?
How does population growth, an increase in affluence and technology impact upon land cover?
How do human activities like settlements, croplands, rangelands and forestry transform land cover surfaces?
How do these transformations impact upon the Earth’s systems?
What are global climatic systems?
What is climate change? How does it impact on land cover types?
What are the implications of climate change on people and the environment and how might people best respond to them?