Linking spatial differentiation with sustainability management: Academic contributions and research directions of physical geography in China

Abstract

Physical geography focuses on the Earth surface system and is dedicated to revealing how people affect the environment and how the environment reacts to people. Based on its characteristic spatial cognitive perspective, the inductive–deductive combined approach, and the comprehensive research paradigm that integrates multiple elements, processes, and scales, physical geography always provides an important scientific basis for understanding human–nature interactions and solving sustainable development issues in different eras. Putting theory into practice, physical geography plays a pivotal role in realizing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and China’s goal of ecological civilization. At present, China is in a stage of rapid socio-economic development and global conditions are changing more quickly than ever. Based on its disciplinary characteristics and traditional advantages, physical geography in China should always develop around social needs and play an increasing role in resource- and environment-related policies and outreach. Future development of physical geography as a discipline in China is expected, taking spatial cognition as the basic perspective and human–nature interaction as the core content, along with the combination of deductive and inductive approaches and the strengthening of interregional integration, all under the goal of sustainability. Considering the shared environmental challenges and the complexity of interconnections between countries in the context of globalization, the academic exploration and practice of physical geography in China have been providing scientific support for the sustainable development of China and beyond.

Why can China maintain a high crop diversity? A spatial-temporal dynamic analysis

“…Given the importance of crop diversification, it is important to promote homogenization of agriculture at the county level but do not overlook crop diversity at the national level (Hijmans et al, 2016). How to use the agricultural zoning policy, which link spatial differentiation with cropping sustainability management, to maintain the high regional crop diversity still need the attention of policymakers (Peng et al, 2020).…”

Pendidikan Kebencanaan Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Dalam Penguatan Karakter Siapsiaga Bencana

“…Karakteristik wilayah kebencanaan di Indonesia dapat dikaitkan dengan pengetahuan siswa pada wilayah tempat tinggal mereka, hal ini dapat dijadikan sebagai pendukung kegiatan pembelajaran kebencanaan. Pengetahuan kewilayahan tersebut diperlukan dalam penanaman sikap dan karakter siap siaga bencana di sebuah kawasan (Peng et al, 2019). Pengetahuan kewilayahan diperlukan mengingat karakterstik kewilayahan dalam kebencanaan antara satu kawasan dengan kawasan lain memerlukan perbedaan penanganan.…”

The water, food, energy, and ecosystem nexus in the Asian Alpine Belt: Research progress and future directions for achieving sustainable development goals

“…The SDGs are committed to social, economic, and ecological sustainability, and the promotion of SDGs is conducive to water, food, and energy security. The WFEE nexus is affected by climate change, and land-use change and involves SDG6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG7 (affordable and clean energy), and SDG15 (life on land), as well as others (Fu, 2020;Peng et al, 2020). For example, the acquisition of food and the production of energy both consume large amounts of water, and these processes are carried by ecosystems (Fu et al, 2019).…”