Environmental archaeology is the study of how past human societies interacted with their natural surroundings. It examines artifacts, ecofacts, and landscapes to understand the relationships between people and their environment over time. This field often involves analyzing plant remains, animal bones, and soil samples to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and human activities. Researchers in environmental archaeology use various methods, including paleoecology and geoarchaeology, to gather data. By understanding how climate change, resource availability, and human behavior influenced past societies, they can provide insights into sustainability and environmental management for the future.