The Routledge Handbook of Environmental History

This book provides a comprehensive overview of environmental history research, engaging with emerging approaches and discussing current debates and controversies. It features a diverse range of authors from different backgrounds and encourages conversations about global (in)justices and power disparities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Environmental history is a rapidly evolving field that provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and methods of studying the relationship between humans and the natural world. This field encompasses a wide range of topics, including climate change, resource management, conservation, and environmental justice.

One of the key strengths of environmental history is its ability to bridge the gap between the social sciences and the natural sciences. By integrating insights from history, sociology, anthropology, ecology, and other fields, environmental historians can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationships between humans and the environment.

One of the current debates in environmental history is the question of whether humans are inherently destructive or whether we have the capacity to live in harmony with the natural world. Some scholars argue that humans have always been destructive and that our impact on the environment is inevitable. Others argue that we have the ability to change our behavior and live in a more sustainable and ecologically responsible way.

Another important debate in environmental history is the question of how to balance the needs of human populations with the needs of the environment. This is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, which has the potential to have significant impacts on human societies and ecosystems. Some scholars argue that we need to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to a more renewable energy economy, while others argue that we need to adapt to the changing climate and find ways to live in harmony with it.

Environmental history also explores the ways in which different cultures and societies have interacted with the natural world over time. For example, some indigenous communities have a deep reverence for the natural world and have developed sustainable practices that have been effective in preserving their ecosystems and cultures. Other communities, however, have engaged in destructive practices, such as deforestation, overfishing, and pollution, that have had negative impacts on the environment and human societies.

In addition to these debates, environmental history also raises important questions about the role of government, corporations, and other institutions in shaping environmental policies and practices. Some scholars argue that these institutions have been primarily responsible for the destruction of the environment, while others argue that they have played a critical role in promoting sustainability and conservation.

Overall, environmental history is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that provides a valuable perspective on the relationship between humans and the natural world. By engaging with a range of topics and perspectives, environmental historians can help us to better understand the past and present, and to develop more effective strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation in the future.

Environmental history is a rapidly evolving field that provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and methods of studying the relationship between humans and the natural world. This field encompasses a wide range of topics, including climate change, resource management, conservation, and environmental justice.

One of the key strengths of environmental history is its ability to bridge the gap between the social sciences. Some scholars argue that humans have always been destructive and that our impact on the environment is inevitable. Others argue that we have the ability to change our behavior and live in a more sustainable and ecologically responsible way.

Another important debate in environmental history is the question of how to balance the needs of human populations with the needs of the environment. This is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, which has the potential to have significant impacts on human societies. Some scholars argue that we need to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to a more renewable energy economy, while others argue that we need to adapt to the changing climate and find ways to live in harmony with it.

Environmental history also explores the ways in which different cultures and societies have interacted with the natural world over time. For example, some indigenous communities have a deep reverence for the natural world and have developed sustainable practices that have been effective in preserving their ecosystems and cultures. Other communities, however, have engaged in destructive practices, such as deforestation, overfishing, and pollution, that have had negative impacts on the environment and human societies.

In addition to these debates, environmental history also raises important questions about the role of government, corporations, and other institutions in shaping environmental policies and practices. Some scholars argue that these institutions have been primarily responsible for the destruction of the environment, while others argue that they have played a critical role in promoting sustainability and conservation.

Overall, environmental history is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that provides a valuable perspective on the relationship between humans and the natural world. By engaging with a range of topics and perspectives, environmental historians can help us to better understand the past and present, and to develop more effective strategies for promoting sustainability and conservation in the future.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032003597