The geographically informed person must understand that the study of geography is critical to understanding the world, now and in the future, and is not simply an exercise for its own sake. As the world becomes more complex and interconnected—as a result of globalization, improvements in transportation and communication technologies, changes in physical systems, and increased cooperation and conflict—the need for geographic knowledge, skills, and perspectives increases among the world’s people. While Standard 17 focuses on the importance of geography to understanding the events of the past, Standard 18 emphasizes the value and power of geography in comprehending current events and planning for the future in geographically-appropriate and sustainable ways.
Therefore, Standard 18 contains these themes: Using Geography to Interpret the Present and Plan for the Future, Changes in Geographic Contexts, and Perceptions of Geographic Contexts.
Knowing geography is a key to nations, peoples, and individuals being able to develop a coherent understanding of the causes, meanings, and effects of the physical and human events that occur—and are likely to occur in the future—on Earth. Consequently, the practical application of geography empowers students to participate as responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow. Creating effective, ethical, and lasting solutions to the world’s problems requires that today’s students mature into adults who can make skilled and informed use of geographic knowledge, skills, and perspectives to identify possible solutions, predict their consequences, and implement the appropriate solutions.
Students must understand that the world in which they live is dynamic and that actions they take, both as individuals and collectively, can help to shape the future in both positive and negative ways. They also should understand that their perceptions of geographic contexts influence their decisions. Students must continually pose and answer geographic questions about the world in which they live and the world in which they wish to live.
Geographic context plays an integral role in creating the world of the future. Understanding these themes enables students to solve significant problems, make informed decisions, and take positive action on a variety of issues.
1. Geographic contexts (the human and physical characteristics of places and environments) are the settings for current events
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Analyze geographic contexts in which current events and issues occur, as exemplified by being able to
2. Places, regions, and environments will continue to change
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Describe current changes in places, regions, and environments and predict how these locations may be different in the future, as exemplified by being able to
3. People’s perceptions of the world—places, regions, and environments—are constantly changing
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Explain how people’s perceptions of the world can change with new information and new experiences, as exemplified by being able to
1. Geographic contexts (the human and physical characteristics of places and environments) provide the basis for problem solving and planning
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Describe and analyze the influences of geographic contexts on current events and issues, as exemplified by being able to
B. Describe and analyze the influences of geographic contexts on the process of planning for the future, as exemplified by being able
2. Change occurs in the geographic characteristics and spatial organization of places, regions, and environments
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Describe and explain current changes in the geographic characteristics and spatial organizations of places, regions, and environments and predict how they may be different in the future, as exemplified by being able to
3. People’s perceptions of the world affect their views of the present, and expectations about the future
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Explain the role perception plays in planning for the present and the future, as exemplified by being able to
1. Geographic contexts (the human and physical characteristics of places and environments) provide the basis for analyzing current events and making predictions about future issues
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Explain and evaluate the influences of the geographic context on current events and issues to make informed decisions and predictions about the future, as exemplified by being able to
B. Analyze and evaluate the connections between the geographic contexts of current events and possible future issues, as exemplified by being able to
2. The current and possible future causes and processes of change in the geographic characteristics and spatial organization of places, regions, and environments
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Identify and explain the causes and processes of current and possible future changes in the geographic characteristics and spatial organization of places, regions, and environments, as exemplified by being able to
3. Multiple and diverse perceptions of the world must be taken into account to understand contemporary and future issues
Therefore, the student is able to:
A. Evaluate how perceptions vary and affect people’s views of contemporary issues and strategies for addressing them, as exemplified by being able to