Environmental History

Unit 1 – Environmental History: Key Concepts & Methods

Unit 2 – Early Human-Environment Interactions

Unit 3 – Ancient & Medieval Environmental History

Unit 4 – The Columbian Exchange: Global Impact

Unit 5 – Early Modern Environment: Exploration & Resources

Unit 6 – Industrial Revolution: Environmental Impact

Unit 7 – Conservation and Romanticism in 19th Century

Unit 8 – Environmental History: Globalization & Pollution

Unit 9 – Modern Environmentalism & Policy

Unit 10 – Climate Change and Biodiversity Challenges

Unit 11 – Environmental Justice: Unequal Risk Distribution

Unit 12 – The Anthropocene: Human Impact on Earth

Unit 13 – Environmental History: Future & Sustainability

## What do you learn in Environmental History

Environmental History explores how humans have interacted with nature over time. You'll study the impact of climate change, resource exploitation, and conservation efforts on societies throughout history. The course covers topics like the Industrial Revolution's environmental consequences, the rise of environmentalism, and how different cultures have viewed and shaped their natural surroundings.

## Is Environmental History hard?

Environmental History isn't usually considered one of the tougher history courses. It's pretty interesting and relatable since we're all living through environmental changes right now. The main challenge is connecting historical events to environmental factors, which can be tricky at first. You'll need to get comfortable with interdisciplinary thinking, blending history with some basic science concepts.

## Tips for taking Environmental History in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Make connections between historical events and environmental changes
3. Pay attention to long-term trends in human-nature interactions
4. Watch documentaries like "An Inconvenient Truth" or "Before the Flood" for context
5. Read books like "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson to understand key environmental movements
6. Create timelines to visualize how environmental policies have evolved
7. Discuss current environmental issues and their historical roots with classmates

## Common pre-requisites for Environmental History

1. World History: Covers major events and developments across different civilizations. Provides a solid foundation for understanding global historical contexts.

2. Introduction to Environmental Science: Explores basic ecological principles and environmental issues. Gives you the scientific background needed to analyze historical environmental changes.

## Classes similar to Environmental History

1. History of Science and Technology: Examines how scientific discoveries and technological innovations have shaped societies. Overlaps with Environmental History in exploring human-nature relationships through a historical lens.

2. Cultural Geography: Studies how human cultures interact with and shape their environments. Offers a spatial perspective on many of the themes covered in Environmental History.

3. Environmental Ethics: Explores philosophical questions about human responsibilities towards nature. Complements the historical approach with ethical considerations of environmental issues.

4. Climate History: Focuses specifically on how climate has influenced human societies over time. Dives deeper into one of the key aspects of Environmental History.

## Majors related to Environmental History

1. Environmental Studies: Combines natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to understand environmental issues holistically. Students learn to analyze complex environmental problems from multiple perspectives.

2. History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events and their significance. Environmental History is often a specialized track within broader history programs.

3. Geography: Examines the relationships between people, places, and environments. Incorporates both physical and human geography, often touching on historical environmental changes.

4. Sustainability Studies: Concentrates on developing solutions for current and future environmental challenges. Draws on historical lessons to inform sustainable practices and policies.

## What can you do with a degree in Environmental History?

1. Environmental Policy Analyst: Researches and develops policies related to environmental protection and resource management. Uses historical knowledge to inform future policy decisions and understand long-term trends.

2. Museum Curator: Develops exhibits and educational programs about environmental history and conservation. Interprets historical artifacts and information for public audiences in museums or nature centers.

3. Environmental Journalist: Reports on environmental issues, often providing historical context for current events. Combines research skills with communication abilities to inform the public about environmental topics.

4. Sustainability Consultant: Advises businesses and organizations on sustainable practices. Applies historical knowledge to help clients understand long-term environmental impacts and develop sustainable strategies.

## Environmental History FAQs

1. How is Environmental History different from regular history? Environmental History specifically focuses on the relationship between humans and nature over time, while regular history covers a broader range of topics.

2. Do I need to be good at science to take this course? While some basic scientific understanding is helpful, the course is more focused on historical analysis than hard science.

3. Can Environmental History help me understand current climate issues? Absolutely! The course provides valuable context for understanding how we've reached our current environmental situation and what strategies have worked (or failed) in the past.

History

Environmental Science

1.4 Sources and Evidence in Environmental History

1.3 Key Themes and Debates in Environmental History

1.1 Defining Environmental History

1.2 Methodologies and Interdisciplinary Approaches

2.3 Early River Valley Civilizations and Environmental Management

2.2 Agricultural Revolution and Its Environmental Impact

2.1 Paleolithic and Neolithic Transitions

3.3 Environmental Aspects of Non-Western Civilizations

3.2 Medieval Europe: Forests, Agriculture, and Urban Environments

3.1 Classical Civilizations and Their Environmental Legacies

4.3 Environmental and Social Impacts of European Colonization

4.2 Agricultural Transformations in the Old and New Worlds

4.1 Biological and Ecological Exchanges

5.3 Scientific Revolution and Changing Perceptions of Nature

5.2 Plantation Economies and Environmental Transformation

5.1 Global Maritime Empires and Resource Extraction

6.3 Environmental Consequences of Industrialization

6.2 Urbanization and Public Health

6.1 Technological Innovations and Energy Transitions

7.3 National Parks and Protected Areas

7.2 Romantic Movement and Nature Aesthetics

7.1 Emergence of Conservation and Preservation Movements

8.3 Global Environmental Challenges: Air and Water Pollution

8.1 World Wars and Environmental Degradation

8.2 Post-War Economic Boom and Consumer Culture

8.4 Green Revolution and Agricultural Intensification

9.1 Environmental Awakening of the 1960s and 1970s

9.2 Key Environmental Legislation and International Agreements

9.3 Environmental NGOs and Grassroots Movements

10.1 Science and Politics of Climate Change

10.2 Causes and Consequences of Biodiversity Loss

10.3 Sustainable Development and International Environmental Governance

11.3 Global Environmental Justice Issues

11.1 Origins and Principles of Environmental Justice

11.2 Case Studies in Environmental Inequity

12.1 Defining and Debating the Anthropocene

12.2 Human-Induced Changes in Earth Systems

12.3 Cultural and Ethical Implications of the Anthropocene

13.2 Technological Solutions and Their Environmental Implications

13.1 Emerging Themes and Methodologies in Environmental History

13.3 Envisioning Sustainable Futures

Browse all Environmental History Key Terms

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

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