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

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Make connections between historical events and environmental changes
Pay attention to long-term trends in human-nature interactions
Watch documentaries like "An Inconvenient Truth" or "Before the Flood" for context
Read books like "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson to understand key environmental movements
Create timelines to visualize how environmental policies have evolved
Discuss current environmental issues and their historical roots with classmates

Common pre-requisites for Environmental History

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

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.
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.
Environmental Ethics: Explores philosophical questions about human responsibilities towards nature. Complements the historical approach with ethical considerations of environmental issues.
Climate History: Focuses specifically on how climate has influenced human societies over time. Dives deeper into one of the key aspects of Environmental History.

Environmental Studies: Combines natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to understand environmental issues holistically. Students learn to analyze complex environmental problems from multiple perspectives.
History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events and their significance. Environmental History is often a specialized track within broader history programs.
Geography: Examines the relationships between people, places, and environments. Incorporates both physical and human geography, often touching on historical environmental changes.
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?

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