Human Environmental Interactions

Cultural Ecology

Environmental Determinism

Regions can be defined by human-environment relationships → cultural ecology

Von Humboldt & Ritter:

Environmental Determinism- Cultures are a direct result of where they exist

Climate is a major determinant of civilization (NW Europeans are more productive because of moderate climate, whereas those in hot and arid become “lazy” and less productive)

-Led to major superiority/inferiority mindsets

Possibilism

Determinism rejected by modern geographers→

Possiblism- Environment may limit, but people have the ability to adapt and modify

-Choose which crop grows best in your climate (rice vs. wheat)

-Terracing/Air Conditioning

-Culture differences form as well as affect choices

HEI

Adaptation- When humans change something about themselves to fit into the environment.

-Ex: Longhouses in Malaysia, Homes in the Thar Desert, Warm Clothing in Cold Places

Modification- When humans change the environment to fit their needs.

-Ex: Terrace Farming, Three Gorges Dam in China, Farming in Saudi Arabia, Flood Preventions in the Netherlands, The Green Wall Initiative (regional level)