In The Emergence of Environmental Humanities, Emmett and Nye cite a line from an Australian coastal manager. They said “We do not manage the environment, only the behaviors that affect its structure and processes”. This shows one of the key ideas of the environmental humanities which is that we must see that environmental problems are at their core, human problems. This quote gets rid of the idea that people can control nature as if it is something that’s separate and it reframes the idea that if we want to see change it must be in OUR values, habits and institutions. 

The word “manage” usually means control or authority. By denying that we can “manage the environment” it means that we must shift our responsibilities from controlling ecosystems to understanding ourselves. We as humans are able to control our behaviors, consumption and culture that can shape our environmental outcomes. Emmet and Nye talked about the failed eco city near Shanghai and the Huangbaiyu village project. Both of these were technological solutions that collapsed because the planners ignored the local community. This shows us that environmental sustainability cannot be planned from “the top down” instead it requires cultural participation. 

The phrasing “structure and processes” is also super important. It brings out the scientific language but also links it to human behavior. It explains that the environmental humanities mission is to bridge scientific understanding with cultural interpretation. The problem is not lack of data or information about something such as biodiversity but it’s a failure to act on that knowledge. By emphasizing behavior, the quote brings more of an emotional and ethical response not just a technical one.    

This also shows that there can be limits when it comes to technological “fixes”. For example, Emmett and Nye say that we can design and build solar houses and energy efficient cities but convincing the public to build it or live in it is not a scientific issue, but a cultural issue. This is when the humanities comes in, it helps us understand desires and meaning. To “manage” behavior means we must engage in values and identities that make sustainable choses feel possible and worth something.  

This quote made me think about what environmental responsibility really means. It forced me to stop looking at nature as an object and start recognizing the connection between human actions and environmental change.​​ The environmental humanities emerge as a practical approach that’s grounded in empathy, communication and a collective self awareness.