This book arose from the need to develop accessible research-based case study material which addresses contemporary issues and problems in the rapidly evolving field of human ecology. Academic, political, and, indeed, public interest in the environmental sciences is on the rise. This is no doubt spurred by media coverage of climate change and global warming and attendant natural disasters such as unusual drought and flood conditions, toxic dust storms, pollution of air and water, and the like. But there is also a growing intellectual awareness of the social causes of anthropogenic environmental impacts, political vectors in determining conser- tion outcomes, and the role of local representations of ecological knowledge in resource management and sustainable yield production. This is reflected in the rapid increase of ecology courses being taught at leading universities in the fa- growing developing countries much as was the case a decade or two ago in Europe and North America. The research presented here is all taken from recent issues of Human Ecology: An Interdisciplinary Journal. Since the journal itself is a leading forum for cont- porary research, the articles we have selected represent a cross-section of work which brings the perspectives of human ecology to bear on current problems being faced around the world. The chapters are organized in such a way to facilitate the use of this volume either to teach a course or to introduce an informed reader to the field.

We are facing hugely complex challenges – from climate change to world poverty, our problems are part of an inter-related web of social and natural systems. Human ecology promises an approach to these complex challenges, a way to understand these problems holistically and to start to manage them more effectively. This book offers a coherent conceptual framework for Human Ecology – a clear approach for understanding the many systems we are part of and for how we frame and understand the problems we face. Blending natural, social and cognitive sciences with dynamical systems theory, the authors offer systems approaches that are accessible to all, from the undergraduate student to policy-makers and practitioners across government, business and community. Road-tested and refined over a decade of teaching and workshops, the authors have built a clear, inspiring and important framework for anyone approaching the management of complex problems and the transition to sustainability.

We are facing hugely complex challenges – from climate change to world poverty, our problems are part of an inter-related web of social and natural systems. Human ecology promises an approach to these complex challenges, a way to understand these problems holistically and to start to manage them more effectively. This book offers a coherent conceptual framework for Human Ecology – a clear approach for understanding the many systems we are part of and for how we frame and understand the problems we face. Blending natural, social and cognitive sciences with dynamical systems theory, the authors offer systems approaches that are accessible to all, from the undergraduate student to policy-makers and practitioners across government, business and community. Road-tested and refined over a decade of teaching and workshops, the authors have built a clear, inspiring and important framework for anyone approaching the management of complex problems and the transition to sustainability.

Every Culture, Irrespective Of Its Simplicity Or Complexity, Has Its Own Beliefs And Practices. It Is, Therefore, Important To Study In Depth The Various Social, Cultural And Ecological Determinants Affecting Status Of Underprivileged Groups. In A Tribal Community, The Treatment Of Disease Is Not Always An Individual Or Familial Affair. The Decision Regarding The Nature Of Treatment Might Be Taken At The Community Level. One Cannot Deny The Impact Of This Psychological Support In The Context Of Treatment And Cure Which Is Very Common In Tribal Communities. The Programmes Provide A Framework Within Which Students Can Develop Their Specialist Interests In The Application Of Sustainability Principles To Various Aspects Of Environmental Management Ranging From Local Community Involvement In Local Agenda 21 To Global Environmental Issues. It Aims To Provide A Sound Grounding In Policy Analysis, As Applied To A Wide Range Of Environmental Policy Areas, For Those Without A Social Science Background. Students Learn The Ability To Critically Review Policy Implementation And The Importance Of Monitoring And Evaluation Of Evidence.The Dissertation Provides A Focus For Application Of A Range Of Approaches To The Evaluation Of Sustainable Management Policy And Practice.

First Published in 2010. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Arguing for environmentally sustainable lifestyles, this envisages a new kind of consciousness based on the notion of the individual as an agent mediating between society and the environment.