Southeast Asia: An Environmental History (Nature and Human Societies)

Introduction -- Before and after the arrival of humans -- Early agriculture and the metal ages -- Fifth to fifteenth centuries -- Climatic trends and fluctuations -- General overview and population growth -- State and economy -- Environmental causes and effects -- Political, demographic, and agricultural developments -- Exploitation, management, and conservation of natural resources -- Demographic, economic, and agricultural growth -- Depletion of natural resources, pollution, and environmental awareness -- Conclusion.;"Ever since the first humanlike creatures arrived some 80,000 years ago, Southeast Asia?s varied and challenging environment has helped shape the course of human destiny. From the importance of its spices to 17th-century Europeans to the jungle canopies that sheltered Communist insurgents throughout much of the 20th century, the region?s environment has often proven decisive in human affairs. Packed with key facts and analysis, Southeast Asia provides an expert guide to the complex interplay between human societies and the environment from Burma to the Philippines and from Vietnam to Indonesia. How has the environment helped shape politics, trade, and religion? What are the likely consequences of ongoing deforestation for Southeast Asia?s people and animals? This work charts the region?s environmental history from prehistory to modern times and is essential reading for students and experts alike." From Angkor Wat to Agent Orange, Southeast Asia An Environmental History tells the story of some of the most dramatic effects humans have had on the natural and developed environment anywhere in the world and examines the ways in which environmental factors have helped shape the culture, politics, and societies of the region. Ever since the first humanlike creatures arrived some 80,000 years ago, Southeast Asia's varied and challenging environment has helped shape the course of human destiny. From the importance of its spices to 17th-century Europeans to the jungle canopies that sheltered Communist insurgents throughout much of the 20th century, the region's environment has often proven decisive in human affairs. Packed with key facts and analysis, Southeast Asia provides an expert guide to the complex interplay between human societies and the environment from Burma to the Philippines and from Vietnam to Indonesia. How has the environment helped shape politics, trade, and religion? What are the likely consequences of ongoing deforestation for Southeast Asia's people and animals? Part of ABC-CLIO's Nature and Human Societies series, this work charts the region's environmental history from prehistory to modern times and is essential reading for students and experts alike. Ever since the first humanlike creatures arrived some 80,000 years ago, Southeast Asiais varied and challenging environment has helped shape the course of human destiny. From the importance of its spices to 17th-century Europeans to the jungle canopies that sheltered Communist insurgents throughout much of the 20th century, the regionis environment has often proven decisive in human affairs.Packed with key facts and analysis, Southeast Asia provides an expert guide to the complex interplay between human societies and the environment from Burma to the Philippines and from Vietnam to Indonesia. How has the environment helped shape politics, trade, and religion? What are the likely consequences of ongoing deforestation for Southeast Asiais people and animals? This work charts the regionis environmental history from prehistory to modern times and is essential reading for students and experts alike. Includes The Following Countries: Myanmar (burma), Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, And The Philippines. Introduction -- Before And After The Arrival Of Humans -- Early Agriculture And The Metal Ages -- Fifth To Fifteenth Centuries -- Climatic Trends And Fluctuations -- General Overview And Population Growth -- State And Economy -- Environmental Causes And Effects -- Political, Demographic, And Agricultural Developments -- Exploitation, Management, And Conservation Of Natural Resources -- Demographic, Economic, And Agricultural Growth -- Depletion Of Natural Resources, Pollution, And Environmental Awareness -- Conclusion. Peter Boomgaard. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. An in-depth, historical encyclopedia of Southeast Asia, with coverage from prehistoric times to the end of the 20th century for each country in the region. Colonial playground ... hotbed of communism ... exotic tourist destination ... nexus of terrorism and the drug trade