Man and Nature
Encyclopedia
Man and nature; or, Physical geography as modified by human action is a book written by George Perkins Marsh
in 1864.
It is one of the first works to document the effects of human action on the environment
and it helped to launch the modern conservation movement. Marsh argued that ancient Mediterranean civilizations collapsed through environmental degradation
. Deforestation
led to eroded soils that led to decreased soil productivity. Additionally, the same trends could be found occurring in the United States
. The book was instrumental in the creation of Adirondack Park in New York
and the United States National Forest
. Gifford Pinchot
, first Chief of the United States Forest Service
, called it "epoch making" and Stewart Udall
wrote that it was "the beginning of land wisdom in this country."
The book is divided into six chapters.
George Perkins Marsh
George Perkins Marsh , an American diplomat and philologist, is considered by some to be America's first environmentalist, although "conservationist" would be more accurate...
in 1864.
It is one of the first works to document the effects of human action on the environment
Natural environment
The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth or some region thereof. It is an environment that encompasses the interaction of all living species....
and it helped to launch the modern conservation movement. Marsh argued that ancient Mediterranean civilizations collapsed through environmental degradation
Environmental degradation
Environmental degradation is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife...
. Deforestation
Deforestation
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of trees where the land is thereafter converted to a nonforest use. Examples of deforestation include conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use....
led to eroded soils that led to decreased soil productivity. Additionally, the same trends could be found occurring in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The book was instrumental in the creation of Adirondack Park in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and the United States National Forest
United States National Forest
National Forest is a classification of federal lands in the United States.National Forests are largely forest and woodland areas owned by the federal government and managed by the United States Forest Service, part of the United States Department of Agriculture. Land management of these areas...
. Gifford Pinchot
Gifford Pinchot
Gifford Pinchot was the first Chief of the United States Forest Service and the 28th Governor of Pennsylvania...
, first Chief of the United States Forest Service
United States Forest Service
The United States Forest Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands, which encompass...
, called it "epoch making" and Stewart Udall
Stewart Udall
Stewart Lee Udall was an American politician. After serving three terms as a congressman from Arizona, he served as Secretary of the Interior from 1961 to 1969, under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B...
wrote that it was "the beginning of land wisdom in this country."
The book is divided into six chapters.
- Introductory
- Transfer, Modification, and ExtirpationLocal extinctionLocal extinction, also known as extirpation, is the condition of a species which ceases to exist in the chosen geographic area of study, though it still exists elsewhere...
of Vegetable and of Animal SpeciesAnimalAnimals are a major group of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Animalia or Metazoa. Their body plan eventually becomes fixed as they develop, although some undergo a process of metamorphosis later on in their life. Most animals are motile, meaning they can move spontaneously and... - The Woods
- The WatersWatersWaters is a surname, and may refer to:* Alice Waters , American chef* Allan Waters , Canadian businessman* Anthony Waters , American football linebacker* Beau Waters , Australian rules footballer...
- The SandsSoilSoil is a natural body consisting of layers of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics...
- Projected or Possible Geographical Changes by Man