Human Ecology
Human Ecology is the analysis and study of the connections and interrelations of humans with their environment, both natural and social as well as artificial, surroundings. This multidisciplinary domain includes all aspects of people’s actions, rituals, and cultural activities, as well as their biological interactions. It helps to understand intricate environmental issues and emphasizes sustainability for solving them. Some of the issues dealt with in human ecology are adoption of new technologies, the influence of population growth on the culture, and the integrative impact of human societies and life systems.
Understanding human societies and their actions and processes allows for conclusions about how urbanization, agriculture, and industrialization one society undertakes affect the ecosystem. It realizes that human societies form one integral ecological system. Any ecological alteration influences the rest of the network at different scales, from local to global. It calls for an interdisciplinary approach to solve intricate issues faced by the world’s society like environmental degradation and support for sustainability.
Pre-Existing Mental Model
Before engaging with the research, my mental model of human ecology was reductive. I acknowledge that there are a lot of anthropogenic impacts to the environment, and therefore, believe that the remedy to the problem lies in putting conservation measures to try to mitigate the impacts. It was certainly one-dimensional, emphasizing only the specific actions taken into consideration focus of the phenomena.
At first, I thought of environmental problems as separate issues that could be solved with specific actions like recycling, using renewable energy, or protecting wildlife. My view of sustainability was limited to individual and community efforts to lessen environmental impact.
Changed Thinking Based on New Information
After reading “Understanding Human Ecology: A Systems Approach to Sustainability” by Dyball and Newell (2023) and “The Future of Nature: Writing on a Human Ecology from Orion Magazine” by Lopez (2007), my perspective expanded to see the interconnected nature of these issues.
Systems Thinking
According to Dyball and Newell (2023), systems thinking is about understanding the relationships between different components of the ecosystem. They noted that a change in one part may produce effects on other parts. This understanding made me shift my focus from fragmentary actions towards planning and integration in terms of the overarching drivers of environmental problems from the ecological, social and economic perspectives for long-term sustainability.
Interdependence
Lopez, (2007) revealed the many connections between humans and the environment. It captured the emotional, social and cultural relationships with the surroundings and how salient these are to the development of ecological behavior. This perspective highlights the importance of community participation, respect for traditional ecological knowledge, and the use of narratives and education to foster environmental conservation.
Adaptive Strategies
The need for adaptable strategies to address changing challenges and uncertainties in the system is undebatable. This includes innovation in sustainability practices, participatory governance, and social and ecological systems strengthening. I learned how important it is to have solutions that address the changing opportunities and problems that are bound to emerge.
In summary, my research on this study has impacted my worldview. I started appreciating the interconnectedness of humans and the environments and went beyond rigid behaviorism. These findings and approaches also stressed the importance of considering systems that are interdisciplinary and adaptable for solving environmental challenges related to sustainability. The interdisciplinary nature of the problems and the solutions influenced my perspective on the relationship between humans and nature, hence the need for a rational strategy towards achieving sustainable development.
Reference
Dyball, R., & Newell, B. (2023). Understanding human ecology: A systems approach to sustainability. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Lopez, B. H. (2007). The Future of Nature: Writing on a human ecology from Orion Magazine. Milkweed Editions.
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Question 
Briefly summarize the human ecology topic from your research paper.
Discuss your pre-existing mental model (your opinion or thoughts on the problem or solution prior to your research) and if your mental model has been altered by the presentation of a different perspective based on factual information.

Human Ecology
- Dyball, R., & Newell, B.. Understanding human ecology: A systems approach to sustainability. New York, NY: Routledge.
- Lopez (ed.). (2007). The future of nature: Writing on a human ecology from Orion Magazine. Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed Editions. ISBN: 978-1-57131-306-5
- Human Ecology: Basic Concepts for Sustainable Development