People and the Land through Time: Linking Ecology and History

by Emily W.B. Russell

All ecosystems have a history of past human impacts, some obvious, others subtle, Emily Russell contends in this fascinating exploration of historical ecology. To understand the lingering consequences of human history on current ecosystems and landscapes, and conversely to understand the role that changing environments have played in human history, the author urges an interdisciplinary approach. Different disciplines working together can develop information that none alone can provide. History matters for all manner of ecological and environmental studies, both theoretical and applied, says Russell, and integration of these disciplines can assist us in dealing responsibly with our role in the biosphere.

Genres: History, Ecology, Environment

326 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book about how humans affect ecology and how to measure and use the interactions between them. I thought the most interesting piece was the description of methodologies for how to piece together clues about what happened, how that changed things, and how to measure patterns of new ecological systems. The book was still pretty Euro/North American centric, but very interesting.