Reading Summaries
Selection 42: Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
   Jared Diamond a renowned Environmental historian explores the factors, choices and variables that lead past societies to either thrive or collapse. Utilizing historical evidence and speculation Diamond explores the idea that past collapses may have in part been in part triggered by environmental degradation, societies that depleted essential resources necessary for the persistence of life perished. Many societies that persisted utilized sustainable practices like the Tikopian Islanders. Societies that collapsed did so based on differing variables and choices. Diamond draws a parallel between past societal collapses and present day deterioration of societies such as Rwanda. The author carefully states that examining the past will not likely yield simple solutions to present day problems. Diamond continues that with the careful examination of  past societies, their choices and responses may prove helpful with modern day issues such as food shortages and starvation, only if applied properly. Diamond introduces a five point-framework that attempts to explore factors that contributed to environmental damage and most importantly a societies response to these problems. Diamond outlines that importance of choice and response to both past and present day environmental problems. Will modern day societies choose to ignore the degradation and depletion of natural resources? Will we thrive or will we collapse? Diamond encourages environmentalists to challenge pre-conceived ideas, to make choices that will benefit future generations, such as engaging with the most powerful and wealthiest industries to help bring forth understanding and clarity of key environmental issues.

Selection 38: Human Carrying Capacity
             In this article Joel Cohen examines the intricate issues involved with defining the earths carrying capacity.  Based on the dating of agricultural sites and human occupation Cohen outlines the rise and fall of the Easter Island civilization over a twenty century period. With the clearance of land and the rise of agriculture came unchecked human population growth. As population increased, pressure on natural resources ensued. The carrying capacity was no longer sustainable and decline in population continued.
         In this article Cohen challenges the notion that the answer to the earths upper carrying capacity can be definitively defined.  Cohen proposes that a complex and intricate model would be needed to measure the earths upper carrying capacity and this carrying capacity would only be an indicator. Cohen presents the idea that carrying capacity is dependent on variables in populations and activities around the world and since these variable are constantly shifting a definitive answer would prove over time irrelevant. The author uses an analogy of a man lying,standing, walking and running to exemplify changes and shifts in human populations over time, stating that we do not remain at a static state.  Cohen states that we have moved through different stages of equilibrium with the rise of agriculture and the industrial revolution. As humans continue to manipulate and transform the earth at a constant rate it would be useless to define the "human carrying capacity" as we are ever changing. Cohen encourages the reader to remain aware of our impact on the earth, the negative effect of population growth and our depletion of resources rather than defining the earth's carrying capacity as these pose  threats to  future generations integrity and sustainability.


Selection 7: The Tragedy of the Commons
    Garrett Hardin a professor of biology and human ecology  pioneered the controversial term "The Tragedy of the Commons". Hardin is referring to a deliberate change in values or morality when no technical solutions are available for such environmental issues such as over-population and resource depletion. Hardin explores the process of the tragedy of the commons as being one where individuals work out of personal interest, as social stability is sought, negative consequences mount (such as soil degradation and erosion on a pasture) and become the tragedy. Hardin explain that individual are compelled to increase production, extraction etc. "without limit in a world that is limited" (Hardin, p.24). Another example is the limitless use of National Parks which is limited within itself, this limitless use will lead to excessive degradation. Hardin makes a case for coercion, a collective or mutual coercion agreed upon by those affected. A shift in our values and morality is needed. Hardin promotes challenging the status quo, can we continue degrading the environment? Can we put our personal interests aside and see  negative consequences for what they are and how they affect our population? Hardin stands strong in his belief that we must recognize necessity, most importantly the necessity of "abandoning the commons of breeding." The author goes on to state that since there is no technical solution to overpopulation we must adjust our values and morals to avoid "the tragedy of the commons."

Reflections

   Welcome and thank you readers for perusing my blog. Let me start off by saying I am grateful to have a space to share my reflections. What an invaluable tool this will prove to be, a creative way to improve communication skills, share ideas and a place to challenge preconceived ideas and notions.
      Since the beginning of this course I have been reflecting on my lifestyle and questioning how can I take my passion and respect for Nature and the environment to the next level? How can I inspire my family, my community? These have become important endeavors. Maintaining curiosity, knowledge seeking and (the big one)... ACTION has been dancing around my head. I've started dreaming up my Environmental Action plan, I would like to discuss issues around the Beaconia Marsh as I have spent a large portion of my life down the road. Lack of protection, preservation and an increase in erosion and water quality are some of the issues that I have been giving thought to. 

          I have been giving quite a bit of thought to the question "Is there a danger to a growing disconnect from nature?"   I believe there is grave danger that comes with increasing disconnection from Nature with implications that are often catastrophic. As an individual who has worked in childcare for over fourteen years I have seen a drastic disconnect take place before my very eyes. I have witnessed a decrease in the sharing and communication of Natural knowledge from older generations to younger. Curiosity for the Natural world next to non-existent in some older youth. As education becomes increasingly technologically based, our natural world is viewed through a screen with no scent of pines, no touch of bark, no sound of chickadees to invoke curiosity and a sense of adventure for exploring the Natural world in children. I see that this lack of connection fosters a lack of respect for Nature, which in later years CAN cause apathy towards environmental degradation and can also promote a relationship with the Earth that is characterized by domination, exploitation and extraction for monetary gain. Environmental education at a young age is crucial toward the developing a strong connection with Nature. Two great books I have found helpful in this regard are:  "Last Child in the Woods" by Richard Louv and "Let's go Outside: Outdoor Activities and Projects to get your Kids closer to Nature" by Jennifer Ward.  

    With increased disconnect brings forth increased threat of environmental degradation, exploitation, pollution etc. This disconnect is prompted by the mindset that we are not intrinsically connected and sustained by the Earths processes and resources. This growing disconnect has increased drastically since the inception of the industrial revolution, creating buildings with underground parkades and houses with attatched garages, spending little time outdoors but instead enjoying the comforts that technology brings. I strongly believe that this increased disconnect has led the way for our apathy and disregard for Nature flourish. Desire for money, material wealth has overshadowed our desire to understand ecosystems, habitats and our connection to Nature as human beings. I'm not saying that all people hold this perspective. I have a wonderful community of friends that make conscious efforts to live for and with the environment, not against it, to embrace it and stand up for the injustices that Nature is being bombarded with.
  I think about the plan-in-progress to build yet another oil rig off the Gulf of St.Lawrence and the implications another spill will have on the water quality, biodiversity, ecosystem integrity. How many more wake up calls and indicators can the Earth give us? Melting sea ice, eutrophication, dead zones, loss of biodiversity... we have some re-connecting to do. I consciously make an effort to connect with Nature, to learn and grow. For my spiritual and mental health I NEED to get out into the bush, clear my head, pay my respects to the Natural world around me. This is one thing I have learned that keeps me healthy, re-connecting with Nature. I have commuted via bike for the past six years and volunteer time to a community run bike shop in the summer that promotes active transportation, D.I.Y skill development for both children and adults. I see Nature all around me on my bike, although I am often surrounded by vehicle my eyes often scan the horizon, the tree line and the birds of the air.   I am presently taking a Native Studies course and we have spent much time discussing ancient aboriginal traditions of sustainability and environmental stewardship, primarily pertaining to the Plains Cree. The idea that life is a circle, cycling continuously, ebb and flow, seasons go seasons pass live with the ever changing cycles of Nature.  Here is a great place to "re-connect" with Nature at Room to Grow:  http://www.ofek.com/roomtogrow/
        I am very passionate about discussing this issue further and I have decided to put my passion into action. My action and intention is to pioneer a Womans Wilderness Community this month with intentions to re-connect women both young and old with Nature, with various activities including tackling environmental issues. I will post the site when it is up and running!

"How well does the media do in each of these areas?"
   When examining the medias coverage of environmental issues there is a vast spectrum in quality and solid reasoning. One only has to read an article that refers to the same issue but from different broadcasters (let's say CNN and CBC) to see this disparity. Why this disparity? Does it boil down to sponsorship and hidden agendas? Is coverage or lack of coverage socially, politically or industry driven? When I read environmental news I want scientific data that is not distorted, scientific authority that can validate claims, and coverage that is not laden with bias and can handle both sides of the story. As someone who does not own a television I listen to CBC and read up on issues on reputable (hopefully) sites such as:

http://www.sciencemag.org/ and http://www.enn.com/ to stay informed and up to date. I question what I read and often search for various sources that cover the same topic, to get a well rounded opinion. I find that when environmental issues are tackled in the main stream media the focus is usually on  natural disasters or cute animals that are easy to feel sympathetic towards.  Of course these catastrophes are important and are often indicators of the anthropogenic induced fast forward of biogeochemical cycles and natural processes.  I'm always  curious to read about other environmental issues that don't get much coverage from main stream media outlets.

 

For this reflection I have chosen an article from the CBC archive from 2005.  

VANCOUVER - A conservation biologist is urging an all-out assault on the American bullfrog in British Columbia this spring, saying the amphibians are a threat to aquatic ecosystems.

Stan Orchard says the bullfrog has a varied diet. Snakes, turtles and birds have been prey. Even cats aren't safe from the invaders, which can grow to the size of a dinner plate.
The American bullfrog was imported as a delicacy for the dinner table, but now they're doing the dining in increasing numbers. They'll eat just about anything that will fit into their mouths.
At greatest risk are other species of frogs and small ducks. The bullfrogs are blamed for wiping out the Cranberry Lake duck population.
"There's no question about the ecological impact of bullfrogs on the region," Orchard says. "It's going to change water chemistry in some areas, and it's certainly going to remove some species from the local ecosystems."
For years, local biologists have studied the population boom; now Orchard says it's time to act.
"We don't have the luxury of time to really get numbers on the population. What we'll be doing is what's called the removal technique – you simply keep removing them and removing them until your numbers drop off to zero."
Once the ice thaws, Orchard hopes to get to work, zapping the frogs with an electrical charge to stun them and make trapping easier.
Local governments have chipped in cash, but so far, Orchard says it's not nearly enough to win the war. 

Clarity: The writer (and editor!) have missed the most important standard of critical thinking...clarity. The author makes a very general statement that the American Bullfrog is a "threat to aquatic ecosystems"...is this the only threat? Are there other contributing factors? 

Accuracy: The writing style and lack of scientific evidence made me doubt whether the statement was true. Persuaded me to look for more information to fill in the gap if possible. Turns out this statement seems to be true, jut poorly executed. 

Precision: The detail that is provided is quite general, more specific information is required to take this article into serious consideration. "We don't don't have the luxury of time to really get numbers on the population" is an alarming statement...has an environmental assessment been carried out? Has the effect that will take place on the ecosystem after  the frogs have been removed considered? 

Relevance: The writer provides very weak examples and carries out a poor discussion of bullfrogs population explosion being a  threat to the  "aquatic ecosystems". Does not discuss whether or not there are other contributing factors to the decline in local ecosystems?

Breadth: The writer of this article struggles with tunnel-vision. Only one side of the story is shared, that is that that the overpopulation of bullfrogs are 'ecologically impacting the region' and without a full environmental assessment they need to be removed. The author offers no alternate view points or opinions from other biologists, conservationists or the general public as one might expect.

Depth: The suggested solution of electrically zapping the frogs so they can be trapped easily seems  not only an inhumane but also a band-aid solution. Will these bullfrogs be released somewhere else or will they be killed? If there isn't a proper population count, how would they know how many to catch or needed to be caught? How will the absence of these frogs effect the ecosystem? How long have these bullfrogs been present? How many species rely on them for sustenance?  This article lacks appropriate depth to the complexity of the issue at hand

Logic: This article is laden with contradictions. "The bullfrogs are blamed for wiping out the Cranberry Lake duck populations" did they eat the population? Did they effect the water quality? Did they remove their food source? The article also states that the population of bullfrog has been studied for years and it is time to act by removing the frogs to a population of zero, the writer provides no concise or logical evidence that would persuade the reader that this is a scientifically, well researched solution.

   Although this is only an example of one media story, unfortunately I have read many environmental articles such as this that lack solid reporting and poor execution of logic and reasoning. CBC does cover many environmental issues often with excellent reporting and offers a wide range of television shows, podcasts with an emphasis on the environment. One I found informative was from the CBC show, "The Age of Persuasion: Green Marketing" found at http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/pastpodcasts.html?93#ref93