This past weekend I went snowshoeing on Lake Winnipeg with a great friend and my three dogs. What an adventure. We started at Beaconia Marsh which is located on the southern tip of the lake basin. My family has owned land down the road from the marsh for over thirty years. Since I was a child I have spent my summers connecting with this land and its various ecosystems. This is the land where I learned gardening technique from my grandparents and became fascinated with wildlife such as the coyote and the whippoorwill. This land has also promoted depth to the value I hold towards Nature. On our land we have two small dwellings with no electricity or running water, I love how it promotes an ancient way of knowing and being and brings into sharp relief how we take these resources for granted.
We traveled across the frozen marsh by snowshoe, willows and reeds were poking through the ice, dunes of snow dominated the landscape. We passed a beaver dam still visible amongst the frozen drifts. Ravens appeared every few minutes within the backdrop of an ever changing sky. What a contrast from the summer when the marsh is teaming with waterfowl, carp, turtles and aquatic plants. As we approached the frozen expanse of the lake my mentality shifted from suburban bombardment to natural rhythm. I truly embraced this shift, elicited by re-connection. Society pushes productivity, consumption, exploitation, a go-go-go approach to life, Nature reminds me this is not natural. As unaffected this ecosystem appears in the winter it is a different story come spring time. Eutrophication, pollution, fragmentation development are all threatening the integrity of lake Winnipeg and surrounding marshlands. My dad has written many letters to the Free Press and the Rural Municipality about the implications of ATV use on Beaconia
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/null-40073637.html
Action: Eastern Beaches Conservation Coalition: http://www.ebconservation.ca/
After two hours on the ice we made our way back, thankful for the change of scenery. With tired legs and exhausted dogs we said our thanks to the land and vowed that this land was too important to forget about....
Following this adventure I finally completed my Womens Wilderness Blog...my attempt at building community and re-connecting with Nature http://womenswildernessgroup.blogspot.com/
Reading Summaries
Selection 6: The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis
Lynn White Jr. explores the complex relationship between religion and how it has influenced our current ecological crisis. The author examines how Christian doctrine has promoted an anthropocentric lexicon that has justified the degradation of the environment. Further White examines how environmental values are conditioned by religion, namely Christian doctrine that provides justification for humans dominion and exploitation of Nature. White exemplifies how biblical teachings over the past 1700 years have influenced people to dominate land and animals. Throughout history humans have notably altered their environments, from clearing farmland to deforestation often lead by the anthropocentric view that nature existed purely to serve man. The Industrial Revolution brought new technology that prompted a shift from utilizing the land based on need to one of exponential growth and exploitation. White examines how increased technology promotes increased resource extraction and degradation, citing widespread chemical use and technology such as the atom bomb that has the power to decimate life. With the diffusion of Christian doctrine and technology from one region to another, the anthropocentric mindset spread. White heeds warning that these fundamentals need to be revised in order to approach our environmental crisis sensibly. He lays blame on dominant anthropocentric values that drive science and technological change that is exploitative and unsustainable. White cites Frances of Assisi as being one of the first individuals to actively rebel against exploitation driven by Christian dogma. The author concludes that unless we shift our fundamentals the equality of creatures will never be actualized and further environmental degradation will continue.
Selection 4: A Sand County Almanac By: Aldo Leopold
Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) preservationist and environmentalist paved the way for the Federal Wilderness Act in 1964. A Sand County Almanac explores the importance of an ethical relationship amongst humans and the land and creatures that encompass them. Ever so poetically Leopold describes the intricate relationships within a mountain ecosystem. In the early 20th century it was common in 'wildlife management' to eradicate wolves from mountain ecosystems as they were viewed as destructive and unnecessary. Poignantly Leopold describes how his view of 'managing' wolves shifted, realizing that the wolf played an integral role in maintaining balance on the mountain side. This excerpt echos the value system of the 1930s, this era lacked ethics that passed the scope of humans. Plants and animals were viewed as property with no intrinsic value placed on them. Leopold promotes the importance of the community concept, stating "that the individual us a member of a community of interdependent parts". Land ethic is an extension of this concept that includes the land and it ecological counterparts, we are inseparable from nature. Aldo places intrinsic value on the land, that it should be admired, respected and loved. This essay also explores the economic barriers that impeded the adoption of a land ethic. Worth was often found in urban centers not in fields and forests. A deeper understanding of ecological processes would be crucial for understanding the intricate relationships that exist within ecosystems. Aldo envisioned the land ethic as a social movement that would diffuse throughout communities, gaining momentum and intellectual integrity.
Selection 26: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides scientific data pertaining to the causes, effects and implications of greenhouse gas-induced climate change. The IPCC was created in response to the growing concern over the "greenhouse effect" and its detrimental implications. As direct observations and historical evidence accumulated climate change theory became reality. Scientists covering a broad range of disciplines assess available climate change data and and provide policymakers with observational data and projections of future changes in climate based on data. The report states that since the onset of industrial revolution green house gases, such as carbon dioxide have increased substantially, in turn increasing atmospheric concentrations. Fossil fuel use and agriculture as primary sources of CO2. Ice core samples provide data exhibiting that CO2 concentrations exceed natural range for over 650,000 years. These concentrations are drastically accelerated by anthropogenic activities. With the presence of high concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the report suggests a high likelihood of long-term climatic changes such as increase in arctic temperatures, changes in precipitation, extreme weather and the intensification of tropical hurricanes. This report contains stronger evidence and empirical data to support the implications of climate change than did the previous TAR report. The report offers compelling climate change models and projections of future changes in climate if emissions continue at present levels. This report prompts the reader to take climate change seriously and to lobby to the government for appropriate action.
Selection 15: More Profit with Less Carbon By: Amory B. Lovins
Lovins promotes a transition from fossil fuel dependence to an energy system characterized by efficiency and renewable energy sources. He explores the fallacy that many policymakers and the general public use to justify their resistance to this transition, the idea that efficiency equals less. Lovins explains that it is a matter of doing more with less, and promotes using energy efficiently. He states that there are many longstanding societal habits and rules such as subsidized water that impede the efficiency movement. Although the efficiency movement has been slow to catch on, He promotes efficiency measures that use energy effectively such as implementing energy saving architecture, which in turn will save the U.S economy millions of dollars annually. The author supports new innovations in architecture that maximize energy usage optimizing large scale changes that produce multiple benefits such as proper insulation and window heat reflecting film on windows. Also explored is the need for improvements in automobile efficiency, namely building vehicles from lightweight durable materials that will aid in improving fuel efficiency. As sustainable communities, renewable energy sources gain momentum Lovins envisions a world that has transitioned away from carbon dependency. These cost effective shifts would promote climate stability as well as address political, social and environmental implications brought forth from fossil fuel dependence.
Selection 16: Reinventing the Energy System By: Christopher Flavin and Seth Dunn
The oil embargo of the early 1970s brought forth a collective concern over potential future petroleum product crisis. Fossil fuel deposits continue to be depleted by mass global extraction and peak oil projections are within the next 100 years. As the global population, and environmental degradation increases, it has become increasingly imperative to lay down foundation for the transition from unsustainable energy to sustainable sources. Flavin and Dunn promote the emergence of an energy system that is not defined by fossil fuel consumption. Shifting to sustainably sourced energy will aid in stabilizing CO2 levels. As technology, chemistry and science improve modified energy alternatives have begun to emerge, such as fuel cells. Flavin and Dunn underline that shifting to renewable energy would aid in meeting the needs of developing countries as well as stimulate development and economic growth as solar and wind can be harnessed in these regions where oil is often unavailable. A shift in values and lifestyle are imperative to the transition from fossil fuel dependent system to a renewable energy based system. This pursuit must be promoted by many facets of government, policymakers and the public in order to witness its emergence. Flavin and Dunn say that the time has come to shift back to a need based sustainable energy paradigm before a catastrophic energy crisis arises.
Selection 28: Food Scarcity: An Environmental Wakeup Call By Lester Brown
Lester Brown, founder of the World Watch Institute explores the reality of global food scarcity that has been accelerated by population growth and environmental degradation. With population increase, per capita food and water resources steadily decline. As agribusiness continues to flourish demand on water for irrigation increases leaving less water for communities. U.S. and China, leaders in grain production are facing mass aquifer depletion. Unsustainable and exploitative practices are threatening the global economy as seen with the collapse of the cod fisheries and arable land engulfed by desertification. As these practices increase the global population the risk of water and food shortages is becoming a reality. Food scarcity, rising grain prices provide a wakeup call to re-think policy and shift to a sustainable food production paradigm. To secure the integrity of future generations Brown identifies that stabilizing climate and population are the most important factors. Brown also promotes a shift in reproduction behaviour, shift to sustainable energy, reduce carbon emissions and increase environmental stewardship.
Blog Reflections
1. Where do your environmental ethics lie?
My environmental ethics lie within the cocentric framework. Although my ethics are still emerging and evolving I deeply connect with ecocentric principles. Ecocentrism is a Nature centered value system, coined by conservationist, ecologist environmentalist Aldo Leopold. He strongly believed that humans and nature are interrelated in our evolution and life processes and that we are all connected to earth’s living energy. On the end of the spectrum lies anthropocentrism, placing humans at the centre of the universe. This framework promotes exploitation and conquest of the Earth, as well as its systems and resources. Anthropocentrism has promoted unsustainable practices, environmental degradation and justification for controlling and dominating the Earth. I place value on ecocentrism because it recognizes living and non-living systems, placing importance on the integrity of interactions and interconnectedness. It looks beyond individual organisms to a broader scope of ecosystem composition and ecological processes. The integrity of life depends on an interconnected web, preservation of connections and functions. National Geographics Wolves: A legend Returns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG9XxgRRRTk exemplifies the importance of these connections in Yellowstone National Park. Removal of wolves created mass imbalance of ecosystems in the park. Anthropocentrims has a strong grip across social, political, economic and environmental structures worldwide. How long can we carry on existing with the mindset that humans are at the centre of the universe?
As ecocentric ethics become more prominent in my life I am compelled to take inventory of my lifestyle, actions and connections with nature. For me this mean rejecting the "American Dream", a syndrome of over-consumption and apathy. Live more with less, personally connect with Nature and promote the importance of this connection to the broader community. I do experience ecocentrism in my community of friends. I see promoters of community gardens, local food initiatives and the uprising of community run bike shops. Let's step lightly on this Earth, honoring and respecting the integrity of its connections.
Humankind has not woven the web of life.
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
~ Chief Seattle, 1854 ~
We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
All things are bound together.
All things connect.
~ Chief Seattle, 1854 ~
As a child my family traveled to numerous National parks across Canada. I tended to place Parks Canada on a pedestal for maintaining pristine wilderness, conservation measures and protection of wildlife. As an adult my view of Parks has drastically shifted. I personally believe that increased access is impeding protection and caused unprecedented stressors on the ecological landscape. Take for example the popular Banff National Park with millions of people visiting annually. I have witnessed development and fragmentation rapidly spreading across the Bow Valley region, further infringing the migratory routes of large carnivores. Large carnivores such as wolves and grizzly bears use valleys to migrate from one alpine region to another, with further human "access" we are diminishing migratory habitats as well as increasing the likelihood of human-animal encounters. Highways and railways increase animal-mortality rates. Numerous connecting corridors have been built in BNF, attempting to reconnect fragmented habitats, promote biodiversity as well as reduce mortality rates. Some designs have proved to be more effective than others, bridge type corridors have been used more readily by elk, grizzly and wolves than have the tunnel designs. Parks Canada can meet its dual mandate of access and protection but the real question is at what price? Do buffer zones need to be implemented around National Parks to account for increased habitat loss? Is it necessary to develop golf courses and large scale resorts that further fragment the landscape? Or can we do without? A holistic approach to conservation need to be implemented, ones that
take into consideration ecosystems in their entirety.Current practices are not sustainable because there is a lack of funding and ecological knowlege, crisis is mounting for Canada's National Parks.
Crisis in Canada's National Parks: http://www.carleton.ca/JMC/cnews/02022001/n3.htm
I am glad to see that Parks Canada provides public access to their Environmental Assessment Registry http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/index_e.cfm
Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) "Freedom to Roam" Creative endeavor by various organizations and NGO's to promote connection between fragmented wild spaces
http://www.y2y.net/Default.aspx?cid=134&lang=1
How can this be achieved in Wapusk National Park? Currently Wapusk National Park offers limited access to visitors, mainly through commercial run operations that are commissioned to work in the park. These guided tours offer polar bear tours over various month as well as aerial views of Wapusk via helicopter tours. Information is offered online as well as at the Wapusk Park office in Churchill sharing he history and biodiversity of the Park. Wapusk is situated in a very remote region of Manitoba that encompasses polar bear range land especially in the summer months. Because of its remote tundra location and the hazards that come along with the region Parks Canada limits access and does not recommend travelling in the park without a professional, authorized tour guide. Not only are they protecting the tundra from harmful human impact but as well they are protecting humans from risk of harm or death. Wapusk contains a fragile ecosystem, with limited biodiversity that can be easily damaged by human impact. Wapusk does allow research and monitoring of both flora and fauna including Canada goose and permafrost monitoring. These research and monitoring programs are essential to understanding the rich historical, cultural and ecological areas of Wapusk as well as implementing proper management techniques. Traditional access is still permitted within the park. Since the Management Plan for Wapusk passed legislation in 2007 more activities will be introduced over time. I believe that Parks Canada should learn from their mistake of over-accessibility, keep Wapusk pristine. In my opinion I believe that Parks Canada can meet its dual mandate of protection and access, access being limited to reassure protection of humans as well as land and animals in this fragile ecosystem. More on Wapusk monitoring and research: http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/wapusk/plan/plan2.aspx
I am taking the train up to Churchill this weekend, I will share my photographs next blog!
3. What future would you like to see for the Alberta Tar Sands?
The tar sands are truly an environmental travesty, with environmental effects that are far reaching with a scope that are not fully understand. It was interesting speaking with other students openly in class about varying views and perspectives on the tar sands. I read The Big Thaw that only briefly touched on oil exploration in the arctic so I found it helpful to speak with other students who focused intensively on the oil sands. I personally have a strong belief that the oil sands must be phased out. The threat to the environment, humans, water supply and social implications are too potent to let continue. The list of environmental implications is lengthy including boreal forest destruction, mass water usage, high rates of rare cancers appearing in First Nation communities downstream, toxic tailings ponds, loss of habitat as well as the social implications that accompany a boom town such as Fort Mac. The Harper Government cannot continue to avoid curbing greenhouse gas emissions any longer, it is time for our government to take ethical action against the Alberta Tar Sands and invest money in efficient, clean and renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind and fuel cell technology. How will we meet the needs of the global population once fossil fuel deposits are depleted? The time to transition is now before we reach peak oil and crisis is unavoidable, we must function sustainably so future generations are able to subsist. As Canadians we cannot fall back into complacency and simply except these environmental travesties as 'normal' business. For me the real scary side of the tar sands is the lack of research and analysis into how they are effected water supplies, soil etc.
Top 10 renewable energy sources: http://listverse.com/2009/05/01/top-10-renewable-energy-sources/
Petropolis-Aerial views of the tar sands (Greenpeace) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJI4voG0w1I
Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) "Freedom to Roam" Creative endeavour by more than various organizations and NGO's to promote connection between fragmented wild spaces.
http://www.y2y.net/Default.aspx?cid=134&lang=1
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