Why is it important to learn the connection between the physical geography of the Eastern Hemisphere and it's influence on our present day world?

By physical geography, let's assume that that includes natural resources, as "physical geography" deals with natural features and processes. The physical geography of the Eastern Hemisphere influenced the spread of people and animals to ideal locations, leading to the growth of cities and civilizations with a huge impact on the world today. Additionally, the aforementioned natural resources, borne of varying physical geography, are consumed and traded or moved throughout the world for mass benefit.