Changing priorities in physical geography: Introduction to the Special Issue. (16th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tadaki, Marc; Slaymaker, Olav; Martin, Yvonne
• Is Part Of: Canadian geographer. Volume 61:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 4
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2017-02-16
• Subjects: physical geography -- discipline -- interdisciplinarity -- science; Geography -- Periodicals; 910
• DOI: 10.1111/cag.12357
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-3658

Abstract

Abstract : This Special Issue evaluates the utility of Geography as a container for both understanding and interrogating changing priorities in the geosciences. The contributions to the Special Issue explore diverse drivers of change—from theoretical developments and empirical concerns to methodological fashions and political projects—and consider what a geographical tradition might add to (or gain from) these developments. Reflecting upon this Special Issue as an experiment in disciplinary discourse, we argue for collective attention towards disciplinary reproduction. While an intellectual case can continue to be made for the utility of physical geography for understanding planetary problems, if we do not produce new physical geographers who identify as geographers and who reinvest into geographical institutions, then physical geography as an intellectual tradition will cease to exist. Rather than being passive recipients of change in the geosciences, we can utilize disciplinary forums to critically examine our scientific priorities and build necessary alliances to affect the direction of these changes. Key Messages: The disappearance of the sub‐discipline of physical geography is both notable and regrettable. This Special Issue provides a forum to describe changes across the environmental sciences, and Geography provides a set of values with which to evaluate these changes. For physical geography to continue to exist, we must produce physical geographers who identify as geographers and who engage in geographical discourse.