World Environmental History and Economic Development
Author(s)
Richards, J. F.
Abstract
Improving our understanding of environmental change in the early-modern and modern worlds has a singular urgency. The cumulative effects of human activity upon water, soils, and vegetation throughout the world have drastically accelerated, setting in motion a physical process of change that may be irreversible. In addition, it is important to consider the extent to which the development of the modern economy has relied upon the consumption of nonrenewable natural resources. Analysis of the implications of this future exploitation of resources may suggest issues and questions for future human development.
