Introduction

I am very pleased to introduce the second issue of the now biannual International Review of Environmental History. More than any other issue so far, the contributions to this one illustrate the global reach, richness and importance of environmental history. Geographically, the contributions range widely, from the Indian Ocean world, to Africa, Russia and New Zealand. They cover histories of marine and terrestrial environments, animals and microorganisms. Each contribution offers new historiographical perspectives: whether on global environmental history, animal introductions, shark–people history or the history of plague–human impacts and planning. Together, they illustrate the benefits of taking a global approach to environmental history