Geography is not just a spot on a map, it’s the 6.6 billion people who inhabit the planet, the 25,000 polar bears who are in danger of extinction and the 140 million square miles of ocean that cover the Earth’s surface — geography addresses everything from urban planning to environmental justice.
Cause for celebrationLearn more about geography with the
SDSU Department of Geography as it celebrates
Geography Awareness Week from Nov. 13 – 19. The purpose of the nationally celebrated Geography Awareness Week is to educate members of the public about what geography is and why it’s important.
“Because most people think that geography involves knowledge of where capital cities are located, this is an annual opportunity for us to share with the greater SDSU and San Diego community about the importance of geography in moving our world forward,” said Diana Richardson, lecturer in geography at SDSU.
Getting involved
During Geography Awareness Week, SDSU geography students are involved in outreach to local schools, where they educate younger students about what geography is and how important it is in moving the community toward a sustainable future.
Featured campus events for Geography Awareness Week include:
- A photo contest with categories of physical and urban landscapes, and cultural snapshots
- A lecture by San Diego City Councilmember Sherri Lightner at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17, in West Commons, room 230
Lightner will address gray water, rain water collection and the issue of changes in the water supply due to climate change. The event is open to the public and students are encouraged to attend.
About Geography Awareness WeekGeography Awareness Week was established in 1987 and is celebrated annually during the third week of November throughout North America. It is sponsored by the National Geographic Society and other geographic organizations at the national, state and local level.
Geography Awareness Week allows the public to participate in educational workshops and open houses nationwide and aims to be a fun experience that prepares the public to participate in global activities and to make decisions regarding people, places and environments.
For more information, visit the
Geography Awareness Week website.