Geography in 2050—the Vision of Ukrainian Scientists

Abstract

In this article, the Ukrainian Geographical Journal provides readers the opportunity to become familiar with the opinions of individual scientists from Ukraine on the prospects of geography in 2050. We are discussing the prospects of geography and how it is envisioned in 2050 in the process of its ongoing evolution. In modern society, the primary function of science is the formation of new knowledge or its refinement, which is used to develop a worldview, enhance health, improve technological functions, and increase understanding of processes and phenomena occurring in the natural environment. The forecast of scientific development is a highly complex issue. It is influenced by many circumstances, both external and internal to a particular science. As for modern geography, scientists currently lack clarity in defining and understanding the subject. In the above thoughts regarding Geography-2050, a single statement prevails: geography is a spatial science. This is precisely where its advantages lie. The published vision of Geography-2050 testifies to the understanding of the ­methodological foundations of the unity of natural and social geography. Both branches of geography have an everyday object—the Earth’s shell, which contains the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. The issue of choosing the directions for further development on planet Earth remains the primary concern for chorological geography in the coming years.