Social ecology is a field of study that examines the relationship between humans and their environment, focusing on the social, political, and economic factors that drive environmental issues. Social ecologists aim to understand how human societies impact the natural world, and how social structures and interactions can either help or hinder efforts for sustainability and environmental conservation. This interdisciplinary field often draws on concepts and theories from sociology, political science, anthropology, and ecology to explore the complex interactions between humans and their environment. Researchers in social ecology may study topics such as environmental justice, sustainable development, climate change, and the role of communities in environmental governance.