Environmental anthropology applies anthropological methods and theories to understand the dynamic relationship between humans and their environment.

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Its domains of application include:

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Examining how indigenous and traditional societies understand and interact with their environments. This includes their knowledge of local ecosystems, resource management practices, and sustainability.
Conservation and Natural Resource Management: Assessing the impact of human activities on the environment, such as deforestation, climate change, and resource extraction. Anthropologists work with communities, governments, and NGOs to develop sustainable practices and conservation strategies.
Environmental Justice: Investigating how environmental issues disproportionately affect marginalized communities, highlighting social inequalities related to access to resources, pollution exposure, and land rights.
Climate Change and Adaptation: Studying how different cultures adapt to environmental changes, including climate change. This involves understanding how societies perceive, respond to, and mitigate the effects of environmental shifts.
Development Projects and Sustainability: Evaluating the socio-cultural impacts of development projects, such as dams, agriculture, or infrastructure, on local communities and environments. Anthropologists work to ensure that these projects are sustainable and considerate of local cultures.
Human-Animal Interactions: Examining relationships between humans and animals, including domestication, hunting practices, and cultural perceptions of animals. This field explores how these interactions shape both human societies and ecosystems.

By exploring these domains, environmental anthropology contributes valuable insights into understanding the complex interplay between humans, cultures, and the environment, aiming to find sustainable solutions to contemporary environmental challenges.