Environmental anthropology examines human-nature interactions by exploring how cultural beliefs, social structures, and economic systems shape and are shaped by the environment. It integrates ecological, historical, and political perspectives to understand how different societies interact with their surroundings, manage resources, and respond to environmental changes. Key areas of study include:
- Cultural Perceptions of Nature – How different societies interpret and value nature, influencing conservation, land use, and sustainability practices.
- Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) – Indigenous and local knowledge systems that guide sustainable resource management and adaptation strategies.
- Political Ecology – The study of power dynamics in environmental management, examining how policies, corporations, and governments impact local communities and ecosystems.
- Climate Change and Adaptation – How human groups experience, interpret, and respond to environmental changes, including resilience strategies.
- Sustainable Development and Conservation – Analyzing how conservation efforts and development projects affect communities, sometimes leading to displacement or conflicts.
- Urban and Industrial Ecologies – Understanding how human settlements, industries, and technological advancements reshape environments and human interactions with nature.
By using ethnographic methods, case studies, and interdisciplinary approaches, environmental anthropologists provide insights into sustainable practices, advocate for marginalized communities, and contribute to policy-making on environmental issues.