The book introduces the background to humanity's interactions with Nature and the forces at work in shaping today's world. Key issues are addressed in short, focused chapters, supported by a detailed thousand-year timeline based on the British Isles. It is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the nature of the global environmental crisis and how we got here. In particular, it will be a stimulating guide to students and teachers or lecturers from sixth form and college to university. It will also appeal to the ordinary wildlife enthusiast wishing understand the past, and to gain insight into what might be in store for the future.