An Introduction to Human-Environment Geography

This introductory level text explores various theoretical approaches to human-environment geography, demonstrating how local dynamics and global processes influence how we interact with our environments. Introduces students to fundamental concepts in environmental geography and science Explores the core theoretical traditions within the field, along with major thematic issues such as population, food and agriculture, and water resources Offers an engaging and unique view of the spatial relationships between humans and their environment across geographical locations around the world Includes a variety of real-world policy questions and emphasizes geography s strong tradition of field work by featuring prominent nature-society geographers in guest field notes

This introductory level text explores various theoreticalapproaches to human-environment geography, demonstrating how localdynamics and global processes influence how we interact with ourenvironments.* Introduces students to fundamental concepts in environmentalgeography and science* Explores the core theoretical traditions within the fieldalong with major thematic issues such as population, food andagriculture, and water resources* Offers an engaging and unique view of the spatial relationshipsbetween humans and their environment across geographical locationsaround the world* Includes a variety of real-world policy questions andemphasizes geography's strong tradition of field work byfeaturing prominent nature-society geographers in guest fieldnotes

Notes on the Authors ixPreface and Acknowledgments xiPart I: Fundamentals of Human-EnvironmentGeography 11 Introduction: A Geographic Perspective onHuman-Environment Interactions 32 The Politics of Nature 313 The Biophysical Environment 47Part II: Contemporary Perspectives inHuman-Environment Geography 874 Cultural and Political Ecology: Local Human-EnvironmentInteractions in a Global Context 895 Environmental History 1116 Hazards Geography and Human Vulnerability 1377 Environmental Justice: The Uneven Distribution of PeoplePollution, and Environmental Opportunity 157Part III: Thematic Issues in Human-EnvironmentGeography 1898 Climate, Atmosphere, and Energy 1919 The Population-Consumption-Technology Nexus22710 Agriculture and Food Systems 25511 Biodiversity, Conservation, and Protected Areas 28512 Water Resources and Fishing Livelihoods 309Part IV: Bridging Theory and Practice 34113 Geographic Research 34314 Conclusion: Making a Difference 375Index 389