The rediscovery of Georges Perkins Marsh and the contribution of Man and Nature to Environmental Geography

Abstract

Georges Perkins Marsh (1801 - 1882) and his writtings, in particular his monumental work Man and Nature, are now considered a forerunner of environmental geography. His innovatory approaches and his conclusions ahead of his time are still valid in the study of the problematic relationship between humanity and his environment, even though they were forgotten about for several decades. The necessary analysis of the metodology that he applied and the topics he studied makes it clear that Geography in its role as an integrating discipline can make look to his approaches in order to find replies to the present challenges facing the human race in order to solve the problems arising as a result of an impact on the planet's environment.