ABSTRACT

Now in its second edition and refreshed by a decade of new research, The Environment in World History uncovers the deep-rooted causes of interconnected climate, biodiversity, and ecological crises that have brought the environment to the top of the global political agenda in the twenty-first century.

Its expanded chapters and case studies explore a wide range of issues including the following: the hunting of wildlife and the loss of biodiversity across the globe; deforestation and the development of strategies to protect the world’s forests; soil degradation caused by worldwide agricultural expansion, one of the most profound ways that humans have altered the planet; the widening impact of urban-industrial growth and the deepening ecological footprints of the world’s cities; and the rising levels of air, land and water pollution as the trade-off for continued economic growth worldwide. Covering the last five hundred years, it offers an essential environmental perspective on well-known world history narratives of imperialism and colonialism, trade and commerce, technological progress and the advance of civilisation.

Clearly written and fully up-to-date, it is an invaluable resource for all students of world history and environmental studies.

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction

Environment and history

chapter 2|17 pages

The world hunt

chapter 3|23 pages

Forests and forestry

chapter 4|26 pages

Soils and irrigation

chapter 5|27 pages

Cities and the environment

chapter 6|6 pages

Conclusion

Beyond the limits?