George F. Clark

Introduction to Human Ecology is a reader designed to accompany the course of the same name at Rutgers University and similar courses offered elsewhere. It provides articles illustrating basic human ecological concepts such as ethnocentrism, the commons, and cost-benefit analysis, offers a sample of environmental issues and problems, and does so using a diverse array of culture, disciplines and viewpoints. It is designed to give foundational knowledge, some new tools with which to think critically, and to stimulate thought via differing perspectives.

Population continues to be important and dynamic - and thus an ever-fascinating topic. It has major consequences for all in terms of transportation (e.g., congestion and environmental impacts - Route 18 and Route 1), planning facilities for the future (e.g., schools or dormitory space at the University), socially (e.g., residential segregation by age, social class, etc.), and politically (e.g., the state versus municipalities). This is but one small example. Issues such as abortion, legal and illegal immigration, health care and others are almost constant topics of debate. Individually, locally, regionally, nationally, and globally, population's impacts are numerous, diverse, and crucial.Students will leave Population, Resources and Environment: 2018-2019 with an appreciation for and an understanding of these facts.