Human Ecology is literally a science of the ecology of human populations. Human ecology is the study of how human social systems relate to and interact with the ecological systems on which they depend. Human ecology is an educational philosophy that applies knowledge from multiple disciplines to address environmental and social problems.

Human Ecology

Human ecology is about how the relationship between the individual and the natural environment is mediated through society?

Human ecology is the branch of sociology that is concerned with studying the relationships between human groups and their physical and social environments.

Human ecology includes the study of the detrimental effects of modern civilization on the environment, with a view toward prevention or reversal through conservation.

By studying Human Ecology, the student will be able to understand Ecology and some of its basic principles, such as the life support systems of the planet, functions of ecosystems, first and second laws of thermodynamics, food webs, biological diversity, biogeochemical cycles, biological magnification and the greenhouse effect.

Exponential population growth and it’s implications for human and environmental health and how it can be stabilized. Limitations inherent in the consumption of finite resources like fossil fuels, uranium and metals. The value of biological diversity, the implications of species extinction and corrective measures.

The advantages and disadvantages of the various sources of energy, both renewable and nonrenewable. The sources, the impact, and the solutions of water and air pollution, as well as, solid and hazardous waste production.

Environmental ethics and “sustainable solutions”. The implications associated with human induced climate change and loss of stratospheric ozone, as well as, required solutions. The effective ways to bring about sustainable changes through social, political, economic policies and individual initiatives.

Michigan State University - College of Human Ecology - College of Human Ecology offers programs in the departments of family and child ecology, human nutrition and human environment and design - he.msu.edu/

College of Human Ecology at Kansas State University - humec.ksu.edu/

What is human ecology? - Human ecology is a representation of our position within a reality. In some ways this is a contradictory position. On the one hand, ecology is a small branch of human knowledge. On the other, ecology describes the interactions of animals and plants while considering humans as being animals. Perhaps animals with highly developed forms of communication and social behaviour, but animals in terms of our needs to breathe, to stay at a comfortable temperature, to drink, to eat, and to predict the actions required to acheive any of these things. - homepages.which.net/~gk.sherman/baaaaaay.htm

Human ecology is an educational philosophy that applies knowledge from multiple disciplines to address environmental and social problems.

The College of Human Ecology (HumEc) is a statutory college at Cornell University. Studies include consumer science, nutrition, health economics, public policy, human development and textiles, each part of the discipline of human ecology.

The new School of Human Ecology has been established at The University of Texas at Austin, a change in status for a long-standing department at the university. The conversion to school status brings human ecology to a competitive level with other stand-alone colleges and schools of human ecology across the nation.

Centre for Human Ecology is an independent organisation carrying out action, research and education for personal development, ecological sustainability and social justice. Humanity now stands on the cusp of significant environmental changes and is in throes of social, political and economic developments that offer both immense opportunities and serious challenges. CHE is rooted in Scotland while also being international. Our work is focused in the country that is our home; our achievements have far wider impact: directly and as we share experiences and insights with people and organisations across the world. What is Human Ecology?
Human Ecology is about uncovering and understanding the connections between personal action, social systems and the ecology of the planet of which we are part. The challenge is to critically examine the way things are and to ask why and how they could be different; to find new and better ways of arranging our lives, our businesses and our societies, ways that reduce poverty and inequality, reduce the amount of resources we use, restore the environment and improve quality of life for all now and for generations to come.

What's Human Ecology?
What exactly is human ecology? Here’s the short answer: it’s about us. Humans. What we need to be physically and emotionally healthy. How we care for our children, our older people, our families. How we design our living and working spaces. How we feed and clothe ourselves. How we gather and celebrate. How we keep our bodies healthy and strong. Basically, anything that helps people lead better lives is human ecology. It's a varied field with a rich history and a fantastic future. Although the past century has seen incredible swings in what we value as necessary and important, one basic truth is timeless: Human beings have needs that are neglected to our peril. The field of human ecology is concerned with these needs and how we as individuals, families and organizations meet those needs. - humec.k-state.edu/about/what-is-he.php

Human Ecology - Basic Concepts for Sustainable Development - Gerald G. Marten
"One would be hard-pressed to find a clearer, more complete, and more usable introductory text for the application of systems concepts to human ecology. Covers a wealth of ideas and concepts in a relatively short text. [It] would make an excellent backbone for a high school- or college-level introduction to human ecology, providing an explanation of concepts, which an educator could supplement with specific issues that are most relevant to the students."
-- Journal of Applied Environmental Education and Communication
"A highly original contribution to the literature of human ecology.the first introductory human ecology text to offer students a systematic framework. A useful tool for helping students to understand the extremely complex interactions between humans and their environment.clear and precise. Simple, straightforward language, vivid illustrative examples, and maximum use of figures to illustrate key points." - Human Ecology Review

The Department of Psychology and Human Ecology (Cameron) offer programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Psychology and Human Ecology. The graduate program awards the Master of Science in Behavioral Science with a specialty in Psychology or alternate. - cameron.edu/psych_human_ecology

University of Maryland Eastern Shore - The Department of Human Ecology prepares students for careers, graduate study, and leadership roles that will allow them to make contributions that will enhance the quality of life of individuals and families in diverse communities. Our focus is to empower individuals to cope with change, explore new technologies, and manage resources wisely. Providing exemplary education, outreach, and research programs that are integrative and ecologically focused is our commitment. Faculty are actively involved in professional organizations, ensuring that the curricula are progressive and applicable. State-of-the-art labs provide hands-on experiences for students in textiles, apparel construction, nutrition and dietetics, and child development. The department offers an undergraduate degree in Human Ecology with options in the following areas: Child Development, Dietetics, Nutrition, Family and Consumer Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and Fashion Merchandising.

Human Ecology - Basic Concepts for Sustainable Development - Gerald G. Marten
Overview: Understanding basic human ecology principles can help to map out and evaluate alternatives. Human ecology is the study of how human social systems relate to and interact with the ecological systems on which they depend.
Reviews
“A valuable step toward making human ecology a subject that everyone can and should understand….” Maurice Strong (Chairman of the Earth Council and Secretary General of the 1992 Earth Summit)
“'Extremely well written. Marten has the gift to explain complex concepts in a way that makes you feel like you understand the fundamentals.This book is a must for all students in human ecology and those watching the field.”
Human Ecology - An Interdisciplinary Journal
“A highly original contribution to the literature of human ecology...The first introductory human ecology text to offer students a systematic framework.”
Human Ecology Review
“filling a much needed gap in appreciating the relevance of human ecology to our concerns.”
Editor, Human Ecology Journal (Commonwealth Human Ecology Council)
"One would be hard-pressed to find a clearer, more complete, and more usable introductory text for the application of systems concepts to human ecology."
Journal of Applied Environmental Education and Communication
“Proficiently lays out the groundwork for human ecology as a scientific discipline...”
The Ecologist
“An interesting slant on conventional human ecology texts.”
TEGnews
“An important contribution to the science of human ecology. It's an excellent introduction for students from secondary school to university, as well as for general readers who want a guide to sustainable development…"
Positive News
"This book offers an interesting overview of human ecology and introduces a wide range of concepts.”
Geography
“A real contribution to human ecology...It should be compulsory reading for every student entering human ecology classes, courses or programs."
International Journal Of Environment And Pollution

Ecology Guide - Human Ecology Article - Understanding Human Ecology
Human ecology is the term that is used to describe the study of humanity. Human ecology involves every aspect of a person’s life from the way they eat to where they live. The study of human ecology has found ways to enhance homes, offices and design areas of recreation that will improve how you live and feel mentally, emotionally and physically. It has helped to improve the relationship between children and their parents by helping them understand each other better. The future generations depend on the study of human ecology to make the earth a better place for them to grow and thrive.

Advances in Human Ecology - ISSN: 1069-0573 Editor: L.Freese - emeraldinsight.com
This series publishes theoretical, empirical, and review papers on scientific human ecology. Human ecology is interpreted to include structural and functional changes in human social organization and sociocultural systems. These changes may be affects by, interdependent with, or identical to changes in ecosystemic, evolutionary, or ethological processes, factors, or mechanisms.
Three degrees of scope are included in this interpretation: (1) the adaptation of sociocultural forces to bioecological forces; (2) the interactions, or two-way adaptations, between sociocultural and bioecological forces; (3)the integration, or unified interactions, of sociocultural with bioecological forces.
The goal of the series is to promote the growth of human ecology as an interdisciplinary problem-solving paradigm. Contributions are solicited without regard for particular theoretical, methodological, or disciplinary orthodoxies, and may range across ecological anthropology, ecological economics, ecological demography, ecological geography, epidemiology, and other relevant fields of specialization.

New ecology and the theory of human ecology

Books on Sociology of Environment:

Sociology Index
Sociology Books 2013	Books, E-Books
Sociology Topical Subject Index