Activity
Saving Life on Earth by E.O Wilson
E.O Wilson provides a compelling lecture on the importance of exploring and researching the Earths biosphere. Wilson, a renowned biologist and naturalist advocates for the search of life forms yet to be identified, an increased understanding of biodiversity and its preservation. His enduring respect, appreciation and conservation efforts are inspiring. Wilson discusses how his upbringing lead him to become a myrmecologist-specialist on ants. He explores the reality that out of 1.5 million species, only 64,000 are known to science. Wilson refers to this unknown realm as “hidden diversity” such as bacteria where over 4 million species are unknown, which serve important symbiotic relationships with other organisms. He successfully brings the viewers attention to the importance of this mysterious aspect of the biosphere, what role do these organisms play? How do they interact with other organisms? Wilson continues speaking about how innovative technology and research has led to the discovery of numerous new species and organisms, including new two new species of whales. Wilson warns that that human activities such as habitat destruction and pollution are degrading the Earth's biosphere at alarming rates since the onslaught of the industrial revolution. Numerous species are driven to extinction due to exploitation and over-harvesting. If these unsustainable patterns continue species will be wiped out before we know of their existence. Since the knowledge of the Earth's biosphere is incomplete the author strongly states that we are “flying into our environmental future blindly”. To better understand the Earth's biosphere, Wilson promotes the “Encyclopedia of Life”. A web-based encyclopedia, with submissions from scientists worldwide, accessible to all. This tool would faciliate education and a deeper understanding of the biosphere, providing inspiration for its preservation. (GO Wilson Go!)
E.O Wilson Biodiversity Foundation http://www.eowilson.org/index.php
Summaries
Selection: 29 Environmental, Energetic, and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems By: David Pimental et al.
This article discusses the sustainability of organic farming technologies, including increased integrity of soils and health for populations. David Pimentel, an agriculture Proffesor outlines the numerous other positive results. Organic farming is economically viable, with profit margins comparable or exceeding those of conventional farming ones. Pimental outlines the major impact that conventional agricultural system have on our environment, including excessive chemical use and reliance on herbicides. Excessive nutrients poison bodies of water, contributing to dead zones. Results based on a 22 year trial farm, which compared organic and conventional farming techniques were based on criteria such as environmental impacts and feasibility. Although results varied among system and crops, the environmental benefits including reduced chemical output and water conservation were greatest in the organic system. Crop yields were comparable to conventional systems. Pimental advocates for integrated pest and nutrient management system that are environmentally sustainable and further, preserve the integrity of soil and water resources. This article promotes the adoption of organic technologies into conventional farms as it is a viable way of moving towards sustainability. In conclusion Pimental states the numerous benefits of organic farming based on the 22 year trial farm study. Benefits include higher soil organic matter aiding in the preservation of water resources, decreased fossil fuel use, reduction of soil erosion and pesticide use.
Selection 41: Womens Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation By: Vandana Shiva
Vandana Shiva, a renowned feminist and physicist explores how women's Indigenous knowledge is integral to the preservation of biodiversity. Shiva draws important parallels between the domination of nature and the domination of women through societal, patriarchal frameworks. In our current dominant system Nature is exploited for economic gain, thus destroying biodiversity at an alarming rate. This loss of diversity is driven by a patriarchal system that promotes monoculture and uniformity. Shiva promotes the view that women bare the knowledge of diversity preservation. Worldwide, practices that support livlihoods and sustainability are carried out by women, especially in the third world. As they tend cattle, vegetables, herd animals the preservation of biodiversity is imperative as this promotes the continuation of life. Globally women's work often remains invisible because the immense work of women often crosses "market-related" boundaries. Womens Indigenous knowledge is often the binding agent that maintains stability and productivity. Shiva examines the different world of women's biodiversity conservation including seed sharing that is deeply ingrained in culture. Biotechnology does not serve to secure life, but to produce profit. Shiva concludes by discussing the threat that GMO's have on biodiversity, including lack of full scientific understanding. Preservation begins by unearthing women's preservation knowledge, not by submitting to patriarchal transnationals such as Monsanto.
Section 9: Human Domination of Earth's Ecosystems By: Peter M. Vitousek et al
As the global population increases so do the mass by-products that we create opening the door to increased environmental degradation. Human influnce on Earth's systems has increased since the onslaught on the Industrial Revolution. Human influence and degradation is found globally, reaching far corners of our planet. This essay discusses the drastic effects humans are placing on the Earth's ecosystems. The authors outline land surface changes caused by agriculture, forestry and urbanization as being the most abundant anthropocentric change on the Earth's surface. In turn these changes cause substantial shifts in biogeochemical cycles and compromise the integrity of ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity is directly correlated with land transformation, as well as effecting local, regional climate and sediment runoff.
Humans are heavily altering marine ecosystems by destroying coastal wetlands, over-fishing, fostering habitat damage by using harmful fishing practices such as dredging. The essay outlines major changes that anthropocentric development is having on biogeochemical cycles. Excess nitrogen from fertilizer use is creating toxic algae putting marine fisheries at serious risk. Reduction of available water is decreasing drastically by an increase in agricultural irrigation. Human activities are creating consequences that can no longer be ignored. Authors suggest dramatically reducing our alteration rate. As well as increase our understanding of Earth' systems, to take responsibility for our actions so we can manage the planet in a sustainable way.
Class and Blog Reflections
This article discusses the sustainability of organic farming technologies, including increased integrity of soils and health for populations. David Pimentel, an agriculture Proffesor outlines the numerous other positive results. Organic farming is economically viable, with profit margins comparable or exceeding those of conventional farming ones. Pimental outlines the major impact that conventional agricultural system have on our environment, including excessive chemical use and reliance on herbicides. Excessive nutrients poison bodies of water, contributing to dead zones. Results based on a 22 year trial farm, which compared organic and conventional farming techniques were based on criteria such as environmental impacts and feasibility. Although results varied among system and crops, the environmental benefits including reduced chemical output and water conservation were greatest in the organic system. Crop yields were comparable to conventional systems. Pimental advocates for integrated pest and nutrient management system that are environmentally sustainable and further, preserve the integrity of soil and water resources. This article promotes the adoption of organic technologies into conventional farms as it is a viable way of moving towards sustainability. In conclusion Pimental states the numerous benefits of organic farming based on the 22 year trial farm study. Benefits include higher soil organic matter aiding in the preservation of water resources, decreased fossil fuel use, reduction of soil erosion and pesticide use.
Selection 41: Womens Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation By: Vandana Shiva
Vandana Shiva, a renowned feminist and physicist explores how women's Indigenous knowledge is integral to the preservation of biodiversity. Shiva draws important parallels between the domination of nature and the domination of women through societal, patriarchal frameworks. In our current dominant system Nature is exploited for economic gain, thus destroying biodiversity at an alarming rate. This loss of diversity is driven by a patriarchal system that promotes monoculture and uniformity. Shiva promotes the view that women bare the knowledge of diversity preservation. Worldwide, practices that support livlihoods and sustainability are carried out by women, especially in the third world. As they tend cattle, vegetables, herd animals the preservation of biodiversity is imperative as this promotes the continuation of life. Globally women's work often remains invisible because the immense work of women often crosses "market-related" boundaries. Womens Indigenous knowledge is often the binding agent that maintains stability and productivity. Shiva examines the different world of women's biodiversity conservation including seed sharing that is deeply ingrained in culture. Biotechnology does not serve to secure life, but to produce profit. Shiva concludes by discussing the threat that GMO's have on biodiversity, including lack of full scientific understanding. Preservation begins by unearthing women's preservation knowledge, not by submitting to patriarchal transnationals such as Monsanto.
Section 9: Human Domination of Earth's Ecosystems By: Peter M. Vitousek et al
As the global population increases so do the mass by-products that we create opening the door to increased environmental degradation. Human influnce on Earth's systems has increased since the onslaught on the Industrial Revolution. Human influence and degradation is found globally, reaching far corners of our planet. This essay discusses the drastic effects humans are placing on the Earth's ecosystems. The authors outline land surface changes caused by agriculture, forestry and urbanization as being the most abundant anthropocentric change on the Earth's surface. In turn these changes cause substantial shifts in biogeochemical cycles and compromise the integrity of ecosystems. Loss of biodiversity is directly correlated with land transformation, as well as effecting local, regional climate and sediment runoff.
Humans are heavily altering marine ecosystems by destroying coastal wetlands, over-fishing, fostering habitat damage by using harmful fishing practices such as dredging. The essay outlines major changes that anthropocentric development is having on biogeochemical cycles. Excess nitrogen from fertilizer use is creating toxic algae putting marine fisheries at serious risk. Reduction of available water is decreasing drastically by an increase in agricultural irrigation. Human activities are creating consequences that can no longer be ignored. Authors suggest dramatically reducing our alteration rate. As well as increase our understanding of Earth' systems, to take responsibility for our actions so we can manage the planet in a sustainable way.
Class and Blog Reflections
As I sit here I realize how thankful I am for being enrolled in this class. The information I have obtained from this class has truly been a catalyst for me to put my ethics into action, to research and to be outspoken about my environmental ethics. I am especially interested in conservation and the implications that fragmentation has on various ecosystems and the inhabitants that reside in them. Over reading week I traveled by train to Churchill. The tundra is a beautiful place to be, the landscape initiates calm, curiosity and a love for stillness. The North has its own challenging environmental issues. It was interesting to see the pristine boreal forest interrupted by hundreds of feet of cut lines for transmission , the tailings ponds from nickel mines that littered the landscape, garbage and abandoned buildings, automobiles and sealed barrels filled with some unknown substance. It's too costly to remove "junk". I visited the garbage dump to spend some time at a raven roost near by, there was so much salvageable material to be had in that dump! Talking with locals there was a lot of apathy towards environmental issues, nobody could tell me if what happens with their recyclables..many people were under the impression that everything was thrown out...shipped off on a barge.
Maintaining Habitat Connectivity: http://www.natureconservancy.ca/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7701&abbr=on_ncc_&news_iv_ctrl=-1
Churchill Northern Studies Center: http://www.churchillscience.ca/
1. What role if any should zoos play in conservation/education? Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?
There are over 10,000 zoos worldwide. I question how many of these zoos are not properly monitored or regulated for ethical practices, how many animals perish due to forced living conditions that are grotesquely unnatural? I have great opposition to zoos in general, though they do provide 'conservation' and 'education' to the public I feel that the animals held in captivity pay the ultimate price. A life of constant display, repetition, distress and ultimately a life of unnatural consequences.
For many children including myself, the Assiniboine zoo provided an introduction to "wild" animals and a catalyst for curiosity. Unless attending with a group where you have access to zoo staff that facilitate education on the various animals I found and still find that the signage is severely lacking in appeal and does not address any of the issues that the animals face in captivity. How many people pay attention to these plaques? Instead I have witnessed on numerous occasions children yelling at the animals, and on one occasion a child hurling rocks at the black bear. A simple stroll through the zoo elicits despair for me. The state that many of the zoos that I have visited are in make me truly stand behind my belief that at present they are not ethical for animals. I think that many of the animals, especially the large mammals like the leopards and tigers have inadequate living quarters. These animals need space to roam, not to be confined to small spaces where they are constantly for the most part, visible to the public. In my opinion the thought of the Assiniboine zoo conjures up images of an outdated jail. Are zoos really aiding in conservation? Or is the money spent on advertising and infrastructure for human use and for profit? Are larger enclosures that resemble natural habitats out of the question? How natural is it for an animal to live on pavement? I think zoos are unethical because for the most part the animals seem severely unstimulated (take a stroll past the bear enclosure at the zoo). Life is pre-fabricated and predictable. I do think that zoos can play an important role in education, using increased multi-media, theatre that is child centered, fossils etc. I believe that animals such as bears and elephants with a strong migration drive need to be removed from zoos permanently and placed in sanctuaries (if possible) that resemble their natural habitat.
Preparing fresh moose meat in Churchill
2. Consider your food system. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it?
My food politics have really begun to evolve over the past few years. As much as I am a part and a consumer of the conventional food system that is presented to me (a system that is often inundated with health and environmental implications) I realize that I have healthy alternatives right here in Manitoba to choose from. I am deeply concerned about the conventional food system, about nutrition, safety, accessibility for low income families and the dramatic land transformation and degradation that conventional agriculture is having on our Earth. This environmental degradation will continue if we remain unconnected and apathetic to our current food system. Cheap food and convenience food from the supermarket is truly an illusion, the land, the animals, and exploited labour pay the ultimate price. Our current food system lacks transparency. I want to know WHAT is in my food, what food is GMO? Where did my food come from? Were people exploited?
Eutrophication from agricultural runoff is harming Lake Winnipeg, we need to look at our current system and move towards sustainability. We need to feed the world and it is time to seek alternatives that are sustainable, by implementing more organic and biodynamic farming techniques.
There are many alternative options in Winnipeg. Options that are sustainable, promote community connections and sharing. I am a huge advocate of gardening! It is a wonderful thing to grow your own food and to share the bounty. Some ideas to get involved with food system alternatives are planting a garden, attend free workshops at the U of M pertaining to gardening. Community gardens empower communities and provide a hand up instead of a hand out. Request a plot at a community garden. Attend farmers markets, make your own jam, can your own fruits and vegetables, dry your own herbs to use over the winter. Compost! I choose to eat as many home cooked meals as I can. Being a student I am on a very fixed budget but I still have managed to make delicious home cooked meals that often contain local produce, grains and poultry from organic, small scale farms. It is so important to learn how to grow your own food sustainably so we can pass down this knowledge to future generations, building community and giving back to the land is truly invaluable.
KNOW YOUR FARMER!
Buy Manitoba local grown and raised grain and meat here : West Central Local Food Buying Group https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dFE5aTAxdXNVenk2NnRneTRfTk1TWVE6MA#gid=0
Great information is available from Manitoba Alternative Food Research Alliance
Join the U of M Student Community Garden!
http://uofmgarden.pbworks.com/w/page/7862386/FrontPage
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