Questions and Answers on Environment - Paper Example

What is environmental history?

Environmental history refers to the study of the human interaction with the naturally occurring environment over time. Unlike other forms of historical studies that establish the effect of the human's interaction with the environment, this particular study assesses the role of nature in influencing human behavior and activities over time. The study of environmental history seeks to establish how humans shape their surrounding environment and how this environment affects them in return. 1

What are some of the ideas, people, and events that contributed to the development of this historical field?

The historical field of environmental history is new and only came into being between 1960`s and 1970`s as a result of the growing awareness of environmental problems, for instance, environmental pollution, depletion of the ozone layer and increased greenhouse effect that is as a result of human activities. Environmental history is based on the search for the origins of the contemporary issues affecting the environment. Specialists who document environmental history use the knowledge of ecological concepts to analyze past environments whereas the knowledge of geography is used to assess the change in the face of the earth. The work of Rodrick Nash and McNeill and Thomas played a significant role in the development of environmental history through world scale studies and publishing of articles on the human societys impact on the environment in the Pacific Historical Review in 1972.

Do all environmental historians define the field in the same way?

Historians define history differently because it is an interdisciplinary topic and historical subject that deals with different environmental components as well as human characteristics. For instance, from time to time the concepts of natural science such as biology, forestry, and ecology are relied upon to enhance the human understanding of what happened in the past.

Theme #2

Does our history suggest that democratization incompatible with environmental stability?

Democratization has a significant effect on environmental stability. Democracy ensures a freedom of thought as well human freedom to do as they will. The democratization of environmental measures results in diverse views and priority amongst the leaders and the people who make it complex to implement the environmental procedures and laws agreed upon which can bring sustainability to the environment and correct climate change. International democracy plays a significant role in the development of environmental policies as well as measures. In the latest experienced obstacle of democracy on environmental sustainability was witnessed when Donald Trump pulled America from the Paris climate summit. This is a significant drawback regarding environmental sustainability. 2

Can we pursue our own economic and political self-interest and adequately maintain ecological health?

It is possible for the human race to pursue their economic and political self-interest and still maintain the health of the ecology through the establishment of climate restoration measures as well as the sustainable exploration of resources as well as the application of modern green technology in industries. However, these measures need to be regulated by strong measures and policies to make any significant contribution to the sustainability of the environment.

Does the American desire for freedom and comfort doom our environment?

The American desire for comfort and freedom will have a significant negative effect on the environment. America being a superpower is an example to the rest of the nations which follow the American culture and activities. Also, the huge population of the American people and industries should be well regulated and also adopt environmentally friendly policies to achieve any environmental sustainability.

References

Mannion, DR AM. Global environmental change: a natural and cultural environmental history. Routledge, 2014.

Winiwarter, Verena (ed.), Environmental History in Europe from 1994 to 2004: Enthusiasm and Consolidation, Environment and History, 10(2004): 501-530.