Human-Environment Relationship Research from a Multidisciplinary Integration Perspective in Geography

Abstract

The human-environment relationship, as a core research area in geography, profoundly reflects the complex interactions and dynamic evolution between human society and the natural environment. Based on a literature review methodology, this paper systematically traces the theoretical evolution of human-environment relationships from environmental determinism and possibilism to sustainable development theory, with a focus on examining the pivotal role of multidisciplinary integration in geographical research. The findings reveal that this integration manifests in several key aspects: Firstly, the convergence between geography and "closely related" disciplines (e.g., ecology, economics, sociology) or "distantly related" fields is deepening, introducing novel concepts (e.g., resilience) and technical approaches (e.g., GIS, RS) that provide multidimensional analytical perspectives. Secondly, the internal sub-disciplines of geography-including human geography, physical geography, economic geography, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-are increasingly converging to form more comprehensive research frameworks. Concurrently, application domains continue to expand, covering critical areas such as resource management, urban-rural planning, environmental protection, and disaster prevention. Furthermore, research methodologies and technologies are continuously advancing, evidenced by the application of spatial statistics, complex system modeling, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI). The study also identifies significant challenges in multidisciplinary integration, including theoretical and methodological disparities between disciplines, barriers to resource consolidation, and practical difficulties in achieving sustainable development goals. Looking ahead, deeper integration can be realized through technology-driven innovation, the construction of cross-disciplinary research platforms, theoretical and methodological innovations in interdisciplinary studies, and problem-oriented research addressing global issues like climate change. These efforts will facilitate a more comprehensive and profound understanding of the complexities within human-environment systems, providing robust scientific support for addressing global environmental challenges and advancing regional sustainable development.