Nature's Evil: A Cultural History of Natural Resou rces

This book explores the history of humankind through the lens of natural resources, highlighting their impact on trade, wealth, inequality, and political institutions. It emphasizes the fragile pact between people and nature and the need to understand how the world works in order to address climate catastrophe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Polity Press

This captivating and comprehensive book delves into the intricate tapestry of human history, examining the profound relationship between natural resources and our collective journey. It explores the diverse ways in which we acquire, utilize, appreciate, trade, and exploit these invaluable assets, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that have shaped our world. Within this narrative, peat and hemp, grain and iron, fur and oil emerge as the central characters, each with its unique tale to tell.

The uneven distribution of available resources serves as the driving force behind trade, fostering the accumulation of wealth, the escalation of inequality, and the proliferation of societal ills. The diverse nature of raw materials carries distinct political implications, giving rise to distinct social institutions. When a country transitions its reliance from one commodity to another, it often sparks conflicts and revolutions, resulting in significant transformations in the interplay between matter, labor, and the state.

However, these crises do not go unnoticed, as they catalyze profound changes in the relationships between nature, labor, and the state. Our world is the culmination of a delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. As we face the imminent threat of climate catastrophe, nature has aligned itself with our struggle to discern between good and evil. In the face of our collective failure to alter the course of our world, it is imperative that we gain a deeper understanding of its workings.

This book serves as a valuable guide, offering insights into the complex interplay between natural resources, human societies, and the broader global landscape. It encourages us to reflect on our past actions and consider the transformative potential of sustainable resource management. By embracing a more holistic and responsible approach to resource utilization, we can pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 227 x 168 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509547593