Geographic Connections: Language, Power Relations, and Relevance

Abstract

The interrogation of language is crucial in all sub‐fields of geography and in related disciplines. This paper interrogates the terms nature, environment, sustainability, and resilience, given their importance in connecting geography with other academic pursuits and with people and organisations that make our discipline relevant. The paper explores how geography may be seen as ‘relevant’ while maintaining a constructively critical approach. It does so through the example of Sydney's metropolitan strategy/plan that was released in December 2014. The concept of resilience as defined and used in this new metropolitan plan fails to address transboundary issues such as climate change, raising concerns about sustainability. As such it serves the needs of political interests aligned with a growth agenda. This is one example highlighting that a challenge for many geographers is to maintain critical thinking while being relevant. It is an important challenge that geographers should relish.

Rethinking Geographic Thought in the Digital Space; A Review of the Arguments for Sustainability and Resilience

“…Additionally, the intricate interplay between sustainability, vulnerability, and socio-economic factors in urban areas calls for comprehensive analysis that utilizes appropriate methodologies (Buzási et al, 2022). Furthermore, the concept of resilience in urban planning should encompass transboundary issues like climate change to ensure the long-term sustainability of urban environments (McManus, 2015). Lastly, in the context of China, sustainability transition faces challenges due to contentious institutional arrangements and the imperative for policy interventions involving multiple stakeholders (Li, 2020).…”

“…However, it's important to acknowledge that the de nitions and usages of resilience, much like sustainability, remain somewhat ambiguous and vary across different disciplines and subdisciplines (Geoff, 2017). The critical analysis of terminology, encompassing terms such as nature, environment, sustainability, and resilience, holds signi cant importance in fostering connections between geography and other academic disciplines, as well as with individuals and organizations (Phil, 2015;.…”

Transitioning to a more sustainable residential built environment in Sydney?

“…With 664,000 new homes expected in the next 20 years, there is significant opportunity for Sydney to integrate sustainable residential buildings into both greenfield developments and higher density infill developments located near transport infrastructure (NSW Department of Planning and Environment ). With this scale of growth predicted, appropriate measures are needed to ensure the sustainability of urban development (McManus ). This includes measures taken in regard to urban planning, the construction of new buildings and the retrofitting of existing structures (IPCC ).…”