What is it?

A way of studying the past that emphasises the changing relationship between humans and the natural world, seeing the environment as an active force in shaping human history.

Rather than focusing solely on human events, environmental history considers factors like climate, landscapes, and ecosystems as integral to understanding how societies have developed and how they interact with the world around them.

Why spotlight it?

To briefly summarise, by examining past interactions with nature, students can connect historical events to present issues, like recent floods in Spain and extreme hurricanes, deepening their understanding of cause and effect. This approach not only enhances historical knowledge but empowers students to think critically about sustainable solutions for the future