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

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

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.

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

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