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.