An Introduction to Human-Environment Geography: Local Dynamics and Global Processes

by William G. Moseley, Eric Perramond, Holly M. Hapke, Paul Laris

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781405189323
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	09/10/2013
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

William G. Moseley is Professor in the Department of Geography at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author of over 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, as well as four edited volumes. 

Eric Perramond is Associate Professor in both the Environmental Science and Southwest Studies programs at the Colorado College. He is the author of Political Ecologies of Cattle Ranching in Northern Mexico: Private Revolutions (2010) and a former Fulbright-García Robles fellow to Mexico.

Holly M. Hapke is Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at East Carolina University.  She has published articles in various journals and is a contributing author to World Regional Geography: Global Patterns, Local Lives, 5th edition (2010).

Paul Laris is Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography at California State University, Long Beach.

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Table of Contents

Notes on the Authors ix

Preface and Acknowledgments xi

Part I: Fundamentals of Human–Environment Geography 1

1 Introduction: A Geographic Perspective on Human–Environment Interactions 3

2 The Politics of Nature 31

3 The Biophysical Environment 47

Part II: Contemporary Perspectives in Human–Environment Geography 87

4 Cultural and Political Ecology: Local Human–Environment Interactions in a Global Context 89

5 Environmental History 111

6 Hazards Geography and Human Vulnerability 137

7 Environmental Justice: The Uneven Distribution of People, Pollution, and Environmental Opportunity 157

Part III: Thematic Issues in Human–Environment Geography 189

8 Climate, Atmosphere, and Energy 191

9 The Population–Consumption–Technology Nexus 227

10 Agriculture and Food Systems 255

11 Biodiversity, Conservation, and Protected Areas 285

12 Water Resources and Fishing Livelihoods 309

Part IV: Bridging Theory and Practice 341

13 Geographic Research 343

14 Conclusion: Making a Difference 375

Index 389

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"A first of its kind and in my opinion, a complete winner. An introductory textbook that presents in an engaging and accessible style, geography's unique approach to environmental issues. Highly recommended."
—Judith Carney, UCLA

"This is a refreshing and engaging book which focuses on the real core of geographical study - understanding the relationships between people and environment. The structure of the book is innovative for an introductory text, and students will particularly appreciate the many links which are drawn between theory and practice, and which are illustrated very effectively through an impressive range of case studies. The authors should be commended on producing a book which really does break new ground in its objectives, structure and content."
—Tony Binns, University of Otago, New Zealand

"A long-overdue textbook that is at once comprehensive while remaining accessible. The authors have done an impressive job at synthesizing an enormous amount of material and perspectives with a clarity that is refreshing and engaging. It will provide students with a guide to this dynamic sub-field and demonstrate how critical inquiry using this approach will enable them to address important and complex issues in the contemporary world. Including clear chapter objectives, critical questions, tables, and 'icebreakers', the book provides necessary background materials while also demonstrating how research is lived experience by those conducting it."
—Antoinette WinklerPrins, Johns Hopkins University

Editorial Reviews

"This is a great textbook, which introduces students to fundamental concepts in environmental geography and science. . . It is warmly recommended to bachelor students in human ecology and to master degree students in environmental sciences and geography." (International Journal Environment & Pollution, 1 October 2014)

"Contributes a much-needed geographic perspective to the burgeoning, interdisciplinary field of environmental studies.... Where many environmental science texts operate from the assumption that nature is a place without humans, this book demonstrates that even forests and soils have a human history.... Well-suited to beginning undergraduates. Chapters contain clear learning objectives, summaries, and end-of-chapter questions. Scientific and social scientific concepts are explained with a minimum of technical terminology. Geography students will find it provides a solid foundation for future studies in human-environment interactions... fills an important niche by adding a distinctly geographical voice to the environmental studies conversation." (Journal of Geography, September 2014)

"As a primer on the sort of ideas that should be considered, this is a useful addition." (Ecogeog, 1 May 2014)

"Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduate and graduate readers." (Choice, 1 May 2014)

From the Publisher