E.S.P.N Table
In geography, especially Human Geography, the four main impacts an event, or course of action
can have are economically, socially, politically, and Environmentally. Obviously these four may not be
applicable in all cases, but the basic format can be retained. The E.S.P.N (Economic, Social, Political,
Natural/eNvironmental) table is a good way of organizing thoughts and ideas relating to the different
impacts. Yes, the accronym is a rip off of the Sports network, but also serves as a way to remember the
four major impacts.
When asking for the impacts one of the things to consider is that, depending on the topic, some
categories are going to be a lot easier than others to fill out. The example below on building walls at
borders, for example, is fairly easy for Economic, Social, and Political, but requires more thought to come
up with as many natural impacts. It is recommended that students try to come up with 3-4 impacts for
each category. This allows students to address the easy or obvious responses, but then stretch their
thinking to come up with more impacts.
The E.S.P.N chart is a great way for students to organize their thoughts as a possible outline for
an essay, set up a discussion, or just get students thinking about a particular topic. It can be used as a
collaborative, Think-Pair-Share, or individual assignment. Just like with an other graphic organizer it all
depends on how the teacher uses it and integrates it as part of the lesson.
Located below is the basic format for the E.S.P.N chart and then an example filled out E.S.P.N
chart is on the next page. The format can definitely be changed as needed to fit the needs of the teacher
and students.
Basic E.S.P.N Chart Format
Topic
Question:
Economic:
1.
2.
3.
Social:
1.
2.
3.
Political:
1.
2.
3.
Natural:
1.
2.
3.
E.S.P.N Table
Example E.S.P.N Chart Responses
Demarcation and Building of Border Walls E.S.P.N
Question:
For each of the categories listed below, discuss a consequence faced by countries
as a result of walls or other barriers established along their borders.
Economic:
1. Cost of construction, maintenance, staffing
2. Creates jobs: construction, maintenance,
staffing
3. Reduction in flow of illegal goods
4. Reduction in flow of illegal labor and
potential savings in social costs
5. Loss of job opportunities for those excluded,
less money earned/sent home, reverse
remittances
6. Loss of cheap labor
7. Increased cost of smuggling (humans, drugs,
other goods)
8. Reduced seasonal migration
Social:
1. Reduced face-to-face interaction between
people of neighboring countries
2. Increased virtual communication between
people of neighboring countries
3. Generates increased creativity in terms of
how to get past the barriers
4. Reduced seasonal migration
5. Increased isolation (reduction in the diffusion
of culture)
6. Stigmatizing of excluded population (either
internally or externally)
Political:
1. Increased protection/security from either
real or perceived threats
2. International censure
3. Separation of families, friends, relatives,
cultural groups
4. Promotes nationalism, reduces foreign
influences, increases xenophobia
5. Illegal crossing of the border becomes more
dangerous
6. Increased tension between neighboring
countries or among citizens within a “walled”
country (e.g., East Berlin)
Natural:
1. Interrupts the migration of various species
(plants or animals or both)
2. Impact on natural habitats as a result of
barrier construction or new smuggling routes
through pristine areas, or both
3. Visual scarring on the landscape (aesthetics,
urban blight)
