National Geography Awareness Week – Interview [AUDIO]

Utica, NY (WIBX) - It's National Geography Awareness.  Joel Sartore with National Geographic Magazine says it's more important than ever to encourage young people to take an active interest in the subject.

The freelance photographer, who has spend the last 21 years working for the iconic magazine, points to a recent study that found that many young people don't know basic geography. "Roper did a poll recently with Geographic as part of a literacy study that found that 50-percent of young Americans could not identify the State of New York on a map of the U.S.--that's a pretty important state--they should know where that it. It's shocking, but it's not surprising," he said.

He says the study reveals a slump in geography awareness. "And we think that's a tragedy, we think that life's more interesting if you know what's going on. You can make better choices going all through your life if you know what is where, and the cultures of different countries. And, that's kind of what we're about at the Geographic, is to get the word out and to get people to be aware of where they are in their world and their place in it," Sartore said. He adds that grasping basic geography can also impact a person's shopping habits. He says geographic knowledge can help one be a more conscience consumer. He says knowing where purchased goods and products originate from is very important because it can help everyone become a better steward of the earth.

Since 1987, National Geographic Magazine has worked to promote geographic education in schools and among the public. For tips and ideas on how you can celebrate National Geography Awareness Week, visit, www.geographyawarenessweek.org.