Selection 6 The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis
Lynn White, Jr.
In the “Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis” by Lynn White, Jr. the main argument put forward is the idea that change is inevitable in the world at the moment. White writes that “all forms of life modify their contexts” and uses the coral polyp to provide an example of this ongoing change (18). White also implies that humans have changed and impacted the environment ever since mankind began to grow drastically in size (White 18). Next Lynn begins to examine the idea of ecology which is actually a fairly recent addition to the English language being added in 1873 (19). He further examines the impact on ecology beginning in the middle Ages because technological and scientific movements got their start in this time period (20). By looking at the Middle Ages it is clear to the reader that things definitely begin to change throughout this period of time. Most notably is the use of a different more specialized plow which was more powerful and could cut into the Earth more effectively. In “The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis”, Christianity is somewhat singled out as a cause for Earths problems. It must be noted that “the victory of Christianity over paganism was the greatest psychic revolution in the history of our culture” thus proving the impact Christianity would have on Earth. Christianity puts humans above nature implying that humans are “made in God’s image” (White 21). Therefore White blames Christianity for many of the problems associated with our ecological crisis. As for a solution to the ever increasing problems, “The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis” points to the idea that their must be a relationship formed between man and nature. One of the most gripping parts of the piece comes when White writes that “hence we shall continue to have a worsening ecologic crisis until we reject the Christian axiom that nature has no reason for existence save to serve man” (22). Therefore in conclusion, it is important for society to realize that both man and nature are equal. Ultimately in order to reverse our ecological crisis that we must work with both man and nature to solve the problems of Earth.
White, Lynn Jr. The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Selection 7 The Tragedy of the Commons
Garrett Hardin
Garrett Hardin’s “The Tragedy of the Commons” examines the idea that group shared resources will ultimately get ruined. Firstly Hardin discusses the notion of problems having technical solutions. He writes that a “technical solution may be defined as one that requires a change only in the techniques of the natural sciences, demanding little or nothing in the way of change in human values or ideas of morality” (23). Essentially technical solutions are a welcome resolution to life’s problems. Unfortunately Hardin informs readers that there is a specific group of human problems in which there is not a technical solution for. Featured in “The Tragedy of the Commons” is the ongoing population problem. Tragedy of freedom in a commons was first written about in 1833 by William Forster Lloyd (24). The tragedy of the commons is a predicament in which a group of individuals act as individuals and put themselves before others. Eventually this leads to the destruction of a shared common resource even when it is known that it will not positively impact the resource and the people using the resource. Hardin uses the example of a shared pasture in “The Tragedy of the Commons” but also uses other examples such as the oceans and National Parks (25). Similarly a backwards action of the tragedy of the commons comes in the form of pollution where pollution is put into the water, air, and into the line of sight. Most importantly Hardin uses the tragedy of the commons to tackle the issue of population problems. He looks at the issue of how many children a family has and whether or not there should be a limit put in place. Although Hardin points to the United Nations as being a supporter of free choice of family size, he ultimately disagrees with this. Hardin writes that “freedom to breed will being ruin to all” which shows where his beliefs lie. Throughout “The Tragedy of the Commons” Hardin uses his examples of the visible tragedy of the commons to support the idea that the abandoning the freedom to breed is an important step needed to prevent another tragedy of the commons.
Hardin, Garrett. The Tragedy of the Commons. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Selection 11 Will Hurricane Katrina Impact Shoreline Management?
Orrin H. Pilkey and Robert S. Young
Orrin H. Pilkey and Robert S. Young use evidence from one of the most devastating hurricane’s ever; Hurricane Katrina to support the notion that the constant building and rebuilding of coastal areas is neither practical nor beneficial. Huge storm systems such as Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 have impacted coastal regions greatly by destroying almost everything in their paths. People living in the paths of these huge hurricanes continue to pick up the pieces after every pounding making Pilkey and Young question is it really worth it? Pilkey and Young use Dauphin Island, Alabama as a prime example to suggest whether the rebuilding of coastal areas is constructive. Dauphin Island “has a more spectacular record of recurring destruction than the Mississippi Coast” (Pilkey and Young 44). Pilkey and Young are quick to point out their view that “the US should systematically retreat from the oceanfront” (Pilkey and Young 44). In contrast they also look at the other viewpoint which encourages beach nourishment. Throughout the work Pilkey and Young do an excellent job looking at both sides of the issue but ultimately take the stand that its time to move back from the coast because nature is too strong of a competitor. Pilkey and Young point out that billions of dollars are essentially being wasted due to the constant building and rebuilding of the southern coastal areas and that number is only expected to rise with the number of hurricanes. Evidence also shows that the number of hurricanes along with the intensity is on the rise. To help solve problems associated with the coastal areas and hurricanes, the writers propose that a “national policy for the future, one that can be implemented with each storm” needs to put in place (Pilkey and Young 46). In addition concerns are addressed about the restoration of Louisiana’s wetlands and Barrier Islands, they question the extreme costs associated with the project and the mislabeling of the project as security against future weather disturbances (Pilkey and Young 46-47). All in all Pilkey and Young raise concerns about the practicality associated with building and the rebuilding of coastal areas after hurricanes. They firmly support rethinking the national coastal policy and hope the United States will come to terms that they cannot fight a continuous war against Mother Nature and hurricanes especially.
Pilkey, Orrin H., and Robert S. Young. Will Hurricane Katrina Impact Shoreline Management? Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Section 12 Ecosystems and Human Well-being
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005 titled “Ecosystems and Human Well-being” promotes the idea of making Earth more sustainable to eliminate degradation of ecosystems. The report uses many facts and an abundance of knowledge to push for sustainability on Earth. “Over the past 50 years, humans have changed these ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period of time in history” (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005 48). The report showcases three major problems with the mismanagement of ecosystems. Firstly it is shown that a majority of the ecosystems looked at are being degraded or misused which includes “fresh water, capture fisheries, air and water purification, and the regulation of regional and local climate, natural hazards, and pests” (Millennium Ecosystems Assessment, 2005 48). The second point, “there is established but incomplete evidence that changes being made in ecosystems are increasing the likelihood of nonlinear changes in ecosystems that have important consequences for human well-being” (Millennium Ecosystems Assessment, 2005 49). Lastly the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005 states that the negative aspects of ecosystem dilapidation are affecting the poor thus creating inequality and social inconsistency (49). These problems are major problems causing significant damage to ecosystems and come with very complicated solutions. Answers to problems would require “substantial changes in institutions and governance, economic policies and incentives, social and behavior factors, technology, and knowledge” (Millennium Ecosystems Assessment, 2005 49). Additionally the report presents four problems that need to be looked at, along with solutions to the issues. Problem 1 looks at how humans have ultimately increased Earths degradation over the last half century thus causing a loss of biodiversity (49). Problem 2 examines how degradation has benefited some groups but at the cost of the environment but on the flip side has crated hardships for others (50). The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment’s third problem looks at how the “degradation of ecosystem services could grow significantly worse” in the next half of the twenty first century (51). Lastly the test to undo the damage done to ecosystems is looked at, with potential solutions also examined (Ecosystems Assessment, 2005 52). The report concludes with the idea that humans need to be on board to make these changes a reality. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment has a drab optimism in the ability of mankind to band together to make the necessary changes happen.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-being. Ed. Thomas Easton, New York: McGraw Hill Higher Education, 2009.
Blog Reflections
Reliance
Consider one 30 minute period of your day yesterday.
How did you rely on the environment in physical ways?
I considered 30 minutes of my commute to work and looked at my reliance on the environment. Most importantly my car needs to be looked at. Without the environment and natural resources, driving a car would not be possible. Things like the gas, oil, the rubber tires, and even the metal components of the car were all once part of nature. Furthermore things inside the car such as my coffee was at one point were part of the environment. The road driven on is essentially a rough form of the environment lost inside a concrete jungle. Therefore the physical environment impacts our lives greatly and plays an integral role of many day to day activities.
Connect/Disconnect
What promotes human connection to nature?
What promotes disconnection from nature?
Human connection to nature can be promoted by spending time in nature and in the environment. Getting outdoors and connecting with an ecosystem is one of the greatest ways to create a connection with nature. Activities such as walking, hiking, gardening all help to promote and instill a sense of love of nature. Additionally I think anything to do with the environmental movement also helps promote a greater sense of nature. I also believe weather plays a motivating factor for a connection to nature. With nicer weather, a stronger connection to nature is encouraged. This is especially evident in Manitoba where winters are generally very cold and snowy while summers are typically more hot and dry.
Additionally disconnection from nature is promoted by many urban landscapes in my opinion. Concrete jungles full of large building, sidewalks and ashpalt streets push people away from nature and the environment. Living in the city where greenspace is limited and the air is often polluted makes one feel further away from nature and the beauty of the natural landscape.
Purpose of Connecting
Is a deeper connection to nature likely to influence our decisions?
Management?
Resource use?
Waste generation?
Values?
Overall a deeper connection to nature will influence decisions greatly. By becoming closer to the environment, one won’t want to impact it in a harmful way. It will allow an individual to question their actions and push to be environmentally conscious as possible. In terms of management, a deeper connection to nature will help one to be more sustainable in their choices. Being closer connected to Earth will help cut resource use, and help push one to try to find alternative sources. For example one would try to use recyclable or renewable resources in a healthy manner instead of using nonrenewable resources. Having a closer relationship with the environment will also help with waste generation. When one is closer to the environment, it is possible to see the damages associated with waste. Not only will the effects of waste be noticeable but it will enable one to strive to create as little waste as possible. This is where the principle of reduce, recycle, and reuse comes into play. Overall someone with a deeper connection to nature will have stronger values and environmental ethics. It will help to enable the push to appreciate nature more. Therefore it can be stated that a deeper connection to nature and the environment is likely to influence our decisions is a positive way.
Environment Ethics
Where do your environmental ethics lie?
Anthropocentric?
Biocentric?
Ecocentric?
I’ll be totally 100 percent honest; my environmental ethics primarily lie in the biocentric sphere but with certain tendencies towards being anthropocentric. I really truly try to believe everyday that every form of life is similarly important and that everything has a place in Earth. However being human, I quite often find myself having anthropocentric thoughts. Sometimes having thoughts and beliefs that humans are at the centre of importance can’t be helped. Living life, we often put ourselfs first and foremost instead of things such as nature or animal.
Blog Activities
Review and Reflect on the art work of Andy Goldsworthy
Andy Goldsworthy’s art work using both natural and found objects is astonishing. The most striking part while viewing his art came when watching the documentary “Rivers and Tides” when Goldsworthy talks about Earth not needing him, but implying that he in fact needed Earth to survive. It implies that although Earth doesn’t rely on humans, that humans have a strong dependence on Earth. Andy Goldsworthy realizes how fragile Earth is and tries to minimize his dependence and effects greatly. This quote is fundamentally the essence of his art. Goldsworthy’s art relies on the Earth in an environmentally conscious way. For example his snowball piece and the leaf circle show his innovative way to use nature in art without harming the ecosystem. His artwork and installation pieces simply go away without time and leave no lasting impacts on the environment. Goldsworthy acts as an environmental role model for everyone to follow, using sustainable and environmentally healthy art to get his message across.
Additional Activies
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Selinger-confirms-commitment-to-east-Manitoba-UNESCO-site-63631422.html
While reading the Winnipeg Free Press on October 6 2009, an article with environmental aspects caught my eye. The article shows that Gord Selinger continues to push for support to protect the boreal forest on the eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg, an area full of ecological diversity. Along with making the area and UNESCO world heritage site, Selinger plans to help create sustainable job opportunities. The article also talks about a rather new term, eco tourism to showcase the greatness of the Boreal Forest. Hopefully Selinger is serious about the Boreal Forest and not just mainly looking for support to become the NDP leader and ultimately the new Manitoba Premier.
http://www.myfootprint.org/
Additonally I decided to take a quiz to figure out my ecological footprint. I first did this quiz in highschool, and also did it in Environmental Science 1000. Redoing it and after getting over the initial shock value of needing 4.56 Earths to live, I thought about the little things I could do to lessen the amount of Earths need to live. Things such as walking to school instead of driving, trying to recycle as much as possible or even shutting off lights as I leave a room will all add up. The quiz even made me think of bigger things that I can strive towards in the future such as trying to buy more organic and fresh local produce, looking at green solutions for housing and even considering a hybrid car. Hopefully by implementing little steps for now I can try to reduce my environmental footprint.
The above image is a creation of myself. The graphic is from www.freeclipartnow.com and is located in the free public domain.
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