Human Domination of Earth's Ecosystems - Section #9
This section focuses on the impacts that humans generate on ecosystems, including land, oceans, and biogeochemical cycles. It centers around the idea of human functions causing change on the earth, resulting in a loss of biodiversity. This piece argues that the most substantial human change to the earth is land transformation, which ultimately influences all other aspects of the land system. Land transformation is linked to local and regional levels of climate change. The authors suggest that land transformation needs to be looked at on a broad scale in order to promote positive land transformation practices. Ocean systems are also touched on, pointing out the large scale and destructive practices of the fishing industry. Fisheries often fish predator species, or over fish the resources, which both lead to imbalances in marine ecosystems. This reading emphasizes that humans are responsible for the impacts on earth's ecosystems, and in a sense humans are holding the planet's future in their hands. Finally, the reading points out that the negative results from human activities are issues that society needs to confront now and efficiently.
Could Food Shortages Bring Down Civilization? - Section #25
This article from the textbook discusses the risks of food shortages on a variety of levels, while looking at the impacts of environmental decline and the lack of intention to restore the environment. Author Lester Brown highlights the case of failing states (nations), determining that states fail when the national government cannot provide fundamental security. Brown emphasizes that when a state fails it becomes increasingly dangerous since they threaten political stability on both a local and global scale. When a state fails there is often an increase in terrorism, drug use and trafficking, weapon distribution, and refugees. The case of a failed state is tied to the issue of food shortages. When a state or nation cannot produce or import enough food for its people then it begins to loose stability. Also related is the inflation of food prices, if a food product increases in price less wealthy states cannot afford to buy, and therefore leads to the case of a failed state. Another issue that Brown focuses on is the consumption of freshwater for irrigation purposes. He points out that water is being depleted and cannot be replenished quick enough to sustain food systems in today's world. Through a series of shocking examples Brown is able to emphasize the negative impacts of modern food production and how these practices are not sustainable. Ultimately, Brown provides a variety of solutions that can help reduce the impacts of shortages for the future.
Women's Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation - Section #37
This reading is a small portion taken from a larger compilation by author Vandana Shiva. Shiva identifies the connection between women and diversity, emphasizing that both enable each other. A part of this reading focuses on the evolution of monocultures and uniform production, which Shiva argues hinder biodiversity. She makes it clear that nature's diversity is not accepted, and therefore it is exploited and degraded. Shiva uses examples to compliment her arguments, without creating a bias opinion. A strong example that she uses is the displacement of indigenous people in third world nations through the practices of progressiveness and technology. A Westernized view is being pushed on these groups and they are not being given the option to accept it or decline it. Instead they are stripped of their rights and forced to adapt to a foreign lifestyle. Shiva highlights that it is the women in indigenous tribes that maintain the biodiversity of the natural world, contributing to dairy, forestry, and plant and food production. Since women's values are being disregarded the biodiversity is disregarded as well. Shiva suggests that to preserve biodiversity women must be valued, and for women to be valued biodiversity must be preserved.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Blog Reflections Blog #2
Question #1: Can parks meet its dual mandate of access and protection?
I do not believe that the dual mandate is a possibility. I feel as though by allowing access to parks, where wildlife and natural landscapes exist, degradation will occur. Although some people are respectful of parks and the wildlife that is present, there is a large portion of people who abuse these natural places. To me the protection of parks is far more important than the access. Unfortunately, I am not sure that this is an option since there is such high demand from people to experience natural places and see wildlife in its natural environment.
Question #2: How can this be achieved in Wapusk?
If protection of the natural environment in Wapusk is to continue then access should not be allowed. Currently, limited access is granted on certain conditions, but to some extent this still poses a strain on the natural environment. In order to preserve Wapusk, limited access must be sustained. An even better solution would be no access to any point of the park.
Question #3: What future would you like to see for the Alberta Tar Sands?
My opinion for the future of the tar sands is to stop development entirely. The Tar Sands are a toxic project that degrade the natural environment, and waste valuable resources such as water. I see no point in putting more resources into a project that does not offer an equal or better return. To me the negative factors far exceed the positive ones. I feel as though the money could be spent on the development of sustainable energy sources that we will have to depend on in our near future. Another factor that fuels my opinion is the increased health risks of the people who reside near the tar sands and the tailings ponds. It is not a healthy environment to be living near or working in. I believe that the Canadian government needs to take responsibility and set an example by stopping production of the tar sands. If a change like this can occur I believe it will attract better opportunities for Canada than the fight over our dirty oil.
Other Comments
On a lighter note, I really enjoyed watching the film Fresh in class this week. I think that it gives a really honest look into the farming industry and emphasizes the negative impacts of conventional farming. I myself already eat organic and local foods, but found it interesting to think of other peoples reactions in the class. While watching this film I found a feeling of anger inside me due to the treatment of the animals and the ignorance of people in the industry. I feel as though this film, and the book I read for the position paper, The Value of Nothing, complimented each other well and followed many of the same concepts. Overall, I hope that this film can continue to make an impact on others as it has on me.
I do not believe that the dual mandate is a possibility. I feel as though by allowing access to parks, where wildlife and natural landscapes exist, degradation will occur. Although some people are respectful of parks and the wildlife that is present, there is a large portion of people who abuse these natural places. To me the protection of parks is far more important than the access. Unfortunately, I am not sure that this is an option since there is such high demand from people to experience natural places and see wildlife in its natural environment.
Question #2: How can this be achieved in Wapusk?
If protection of the natural environment in Wapusk is to continue then access should not be allowed. Currently, limited access is granted on certain conditions, but to some extent this still poses a strain on the natural environment. In order to preserve Wapusk, limited access must be sustained. An even better solution would be no access to any point of the park.
Question #3: What future would you like to see for the Alberta Tar Sands?
My opinion for the future of the tar sands is to stop development entirely. The Tar Sands are a toxic project that degrade the natural environment, and waste valuable resources such as water. I see no point in putting more resources into a project that does not offer an equal or better return. To me the negative factors far exceed the positive ones. I feel as though the money could be spent on the development of sustainable energy sources that we will have to depend on in our near future. Another factor that fuels my opinion is the increased health risks of the people who reside near the tar sands and the tailings ponds. It is not a healthy environment to be living near or working in. I believe that the Canadian government needs to take responsibility and set an example by stopping production of the tar sands. If a change like this can occur I believe it will attract better opportunities for Canada than the fight over our dirty oil.
Other Comments
On a lighter note, I really enjoyed watching the film Fresh in class this week. I think that it gives a really honest look into the farming industry and emphasizes the negative impacts of conventional farming. I myself already eat organic and local foods, but found it interesting to think of other peoples reactions in the class. While watching this film I found a feeling of anger inside me due to the treatment of the animals and the ignorance of people in the industry. I feel as though this film, and the book I read for the position paper, The Value of Nothing, complimented each other well and followed many of the same concepts. Overall, I hope that this film can continue to make an impact on others as it has on me.
Reliance on Fossil Fuels - Activities Blog #2
After thinking about the extent to which I rely on the fossil fuels I decided that I am comfortable with my reliance on them at this point. This question got me to thinking about my future and how much I might rely on fossil fuels then. Although I am currently okay with my reliance, I am positive that I want to reduce my use of fossil fuels in the near future. I am not entirely certain that my reliance on fossil fuels will be sustainable for the next 10 years, and this prompts me to make changes. Up to this point in my life I have been conscious and aware of the impacts of fossil fuel use, but recently I have learned to look at my impacts of using fossil fuels. When I first started to think of the changes I would have to make in order to reduce my fossil fuel consumption it was overwhelming. After considering it over a period of time I have come to the conclusion that I do not have to change my life drastically to make improvements. By making small changes one at a time I can eventually achieve a more sustainable reliance on fossil fuels, and hopefully become independent of fossil fuel use in my future.
Ted Talk: Transition to a World Without Oil / Rob Hopkins - Activities Blog #2
Summary
This was a video surrounding the issues of peak oil and a transition away from an oil driven world. Rob Hopkins discusses how society has discovered a non renewable resource, oil, and has based an entire way of life around it. He presents how society's well being is directly related to oil, and how there will not be this luxury in the near future. Hopkins offers the solution of taking a "realistic approach" in order to move forward and face the current situation. He makes it clear that change cannot be based on technology alone. In order to improve the above issues the concept of "Transition Response" is proposed. Hopkins describes this concept as looking at the issues that society faces, and responding with integrity and adaptability. He touches on the idea of resilience versus sustainability, saying that resilience focuses on reorganizing the function of basic processes, and in turn this reorganization will create a more resilient society. Hopkins closes his discussion by saying that society does not have to change everything right now, but society needs to work with the current changes. Overall, this video was able to highlight the current issues surrounding peak oil, and offers realistic solutions for the societies that are ready to implement change.
My Impressions
I feel as though this video does a great job of emphasizing the current issues of oil use without forcing it in my face. To me Rob Hopkins is a great speaker, and he is able to draw his audience in with the use of humour and intelligence. I like the comparison between resilience and sustainability, and feel as though the concept of resilience described by Hopkins is achievable. I found the data presented to be quite informative. I was interested to learn that there are 98 oil producing nations, and that 65 out of the 98 have already reached peak oil. Another great part of the video was the insight into Hopkins Transition Response organization. Hearing about the differences that people are creating all around the world gives me a sense of hope, and also compels me to become involved. I enjoyed this video and the positive changes that is is promoting.
This was a video surrounding the issues of peak oil and a transition away from an oil driven world. Rob Hopkins discusses how society has discovered a non renewable resource, oil, and has based an entire way of life around it. He presents how society's well being is directly related to oil, and how there will not be this luxury in the near future. Hopkins offers the solution of taking a "realistic approach" in order to move forward and face the current situation. He makes it clear that change cannot be based on technology alone. In order to improve the above issues the concept of "Transition Response" is proposed. Hopkins describes this concept as looking at the issues that society faces, and responding with integrity and adaptability. He touches on the idea of resilience versus sustainability, saying that resilience focuses on reorganizing the function of basic processes, and in turn this reorganization will create a more resilient society. Hopkins closes his discussion by saying that society does not have to change everything right now, but society needs to work with the current changes. Overall, this video was able to highlight the current issues surrounding peak oil, and offers realistic solutions for the societies that are ready to implement change.
My Impressions
I feel as though this video does a great job of emphasizing the current issues of oil use without forcing it in my face. To me Rob Hopkins is a great speaker, and he is able to draw his audience in with the use of humour and intelligence. I like the comparison between resilience and sustainability, and feel as though the concept of resilience described by Hopkins is achievable. I found the data presented to be quite informative. I was interested to learn that there are 98 oil producing nations, and that 65 out of the 98 have already reached peak oil. Another great part of the video was the insight into Hopkins Transition Response organization. Hearing about the differences that people are creating all around the world gives me a sense of hope, and also compels me to become involved. I enjoyed this video and the positive changes that is is promoting.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Reading Summaries Blog #2
A Sand County Almanac - Section #4
This selection is taken from Aldo Leopold's writings based on nature. This piece focuses on the evolution of ethics from the past to the present during his lifetime. Leopold describes ethics in two themes, an ecological standing and a philosophical standing. He states that ecologically, ethics are a limitation on freedom, and philosophically, ethics are the difference between social and anti-social. Through these theories Leopold discusses how ethics currently try to relate the individual to society instead of nature. This in turn shows that land has no ethical standing which leads to the lack of obligation in preserving or respecting the land. Leopold strives to improve land ethics by highlighting that land is an extension of communities. Therefore, people should respect the land as they would their communities. Leopold states that education is the key to the improvement of land ethics and that in order to make progress the notion that economics controls all land-use must be abolished.
The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis - Section #6
This reading by Lynn White Jr. discusses how changes in human ways often effect non-human nature. The reading offers a variety of examples which emphasize how humans effect nature indirectly. White looks at human change in a historical sense and identifies that through the evolution of technology and science humans have altered the natural environment. He goes into detail about the lack of technological power before 1850 and describes the level of which humans have destroyed the planet in such a short period of time. White says, due to the massive increase in population, which increases garbage, sewage, and urbanism, the degradation of the environment has been accelerated. Another focus of the article touches on the influence of Christianity on man's relationship with nature. White states that current technology and science stems from a Christian background, and creates an image of human superiority over nature. The reading ends with White's views regarding solutions of environmental crisis, stating that society cannot expect a solution derived from current technological or scientific practices since they are so heavily rooted in Christian ideologies. Instead White proposes that in order to improve the situation society needs to re-evaluate its current religious views if a change is ever to occur.
A Path to Sustainable Energy by 2030 - Section #13
This report by Mark Z. Jacobson and Mark A. Delucchi focuses on the need for sustainable energy in the very near future. Jacobson and Delucchi propose a plan for the full use of sustainable energy by 2030, as evident in the title. They suggest that this plan is possible, but it is more likely to see a full shift within the next 50 years. In order for this plan to become a reality Jacobson and Delucchi state that through the combination of wind, water, and solar energy this plan can be achieved. They are aware that the changes will be drastic, but fully believe in this technology. Jacobson and Delucchi state that the world energy system change will rely on three factors: 1- technologies chosen; 2- availability of critical materials; and 3- economic and political cooperation. These factors can have barriers associated with them, such as the ability to obtain critical materials for installation. Although there are some hurdles, Jacobson and Delucchi remain confident that this plan can be put into motion. A key role in keeping the wind, water, and solar energies running is the utilization of recycling within the energy system. If materials can be recycled this will lead to a greater success and minimize waste even further. Jacobson and Delucchi provide solutions to implement this plan as quickly as possible. They state that all nations will need to be willing to cooperate and invest in the energy system if it is to be carried out efficiently. Overall, Jacobson and Delucchi strive for the transition from an "old, dirty, inefficient system, to a new, clean, efficient energy system".
Summary for Policymakers: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis - Section #23
This selection is an analytical study centered on climate change over time. The study suggests that recent climate changes are due to anthropogenic activities and increases in greenhouse gas emissions. Data determined from ice cores shows the massive increases in atmospheric gases in the recent past. This data helps to reinforce the theories of anthropogenic climate changes. Through a series of examples the study highlights the impacts of climate change on a global scale, and what issues will develop in the future. The data and examples are given in figures and tables, which allow the reader to visualize the content. The main climate change issues focused on in the study are heating and cooling. The study states that heating is due to carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and cooling is due to aerosols, such as sulphates, black carbon, and dust particles. A projection from the study states that heating in the future is expected to be greatest over land. The study finishes with a list of future implications of climate change, and makes it clear that even with the reduction or stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions climate change will persist for centuries.
This selection is taken from Aldo Leopold's writings based on nature. This piece focuses on the evolution of ethics from the past to the present during his lifetime. Leopold describes ethics in two themes, an ecological standing and a philosophical standing. He states that ecologically, ethics are a limitation on freedom, and philosophically, ethics are the difference between social and anti-social. Through these theories Leopold discusses how ethics currently try to relate the individual to society instead of nature. This in turn shows that land has no ethical standing which leads to the lack of obligation in preserving or respecting the land. Leopold strives to improve land ethics by highlighting that land is an extension of communities. Therefore, people should respect the land as they would their communities. Leopold states that education is the key to the improvement of land ethics and that in order to make progress the notion that economics controls all land-use must be abolished.
The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis - Section #6
This reading by Lynn White Jr. discusses how changes in human ways often effect non-human nature. The reading offers a variety of examples which emphasize how humans effect nature indirectly. White looks at human change in a historical sense and identifies that through the evolution of technology and science humans have altered the natural environment. He goes into detail about the lack of technological power before 1850 and describes the level of which humans have destroyed the planet in such a short period of time. White says, due to the massive increase in population, which increases garbage, sewage, and urbanism, the degradation of the environment has been accelerated. Another focus of the article touches on the influence of Christianity on man's relationship with nature. White states that current technology and science stems from a Christian background, and creates an image of human superiority over nature. The reading ends with White's views regarding solutions of environmental crisis, stating that society cannot expect a solution derived from current technological or scientific practices since they are so heavily rooted in Christian ideologies. Instead White proposes that in order to improve the situation society needs to re-evaluate its current religious views if a change is ever to occur.
A Path to Sustainable Energy by 2030 - Section #13
This report by Mark Z. Jacobson and Mark A. Delucchi focuses on the need for sustainable energy in the very near future. Jacobson and Delucchi propose a plan for the full use of sustainable energy by 2030, as evident in the title. They suggest that this plan is possible, but it is more likely to see a full shift within the next 50 years. In order for this plan to become a reality Jacobson and Delucchi state that through the combination of wind, water, and solar energy this plan can be achieved. They are aware that the changes will be drastic, but fully believe in this technology. Jacobson and Delucchi state that the world energy system change will rely on three factors: 1- technologies chosen; 2- availability of critical materials; and 3- economic and political cooperation. These factors can have barriers associated with them, such as the ability to obtain critical materials for installation. Although there are some hurdles, Jacobson and Delucchi remain confident that this plan can be put into motion. A key role in keeping the wind, water, and solar energies running is the utilization of recycling within the energy system. If materials can be recycled this will lead to a greater success and minimize waste even further. Jacobson and Delucchi provide solutions to implement this plan as quickly as possible. They state that all nations will need to be willing to cooperate and invest in the energy system if it is to be carried out efficiently. Overall, Jacobson and Delucchi strive for the transition from an "old, dirty, inefficient system, to a new, clean, efficient energy system".
Summary for Policymakers: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis - Section #23
This selection is an analytical study centered on climate change over time. The study suggests that recent climate changes are due to anthropogenic activities and increases in greenhouse gas emissions. Data determined from ice cores shows the massive increases in atmospheric gases in the recent past. This data helps to reinforce the theories of anthropogenic climate changes. Through a series of examples the study highlights the impacts of climate change on a global scale, and what issues will develop in the future. The data and examples are given in figures and tables, which allow the reader to visualize the content. The main climate change issues focused on in the study are heating and cooling. The study states that heating is due to carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and cooling is due to aerosols, such as sulphates, black carbon, and dust particles. A projection from the study states that heating in the future is expected to be greatest over land. The study finishes with a list of future implications of climate change, and makes it clear that even with the reduction or stabilization of greenhouse gas emissions climate change will persist for centuries.
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