Theo Colborn and associates explore the widespread carcinogenic effects of synthetic industrial chemicals. Colborn has researched extensively for the World Wildlife Fund connecting numerous studies on the physiological problems that arise from exposure to industrial chemicals. This essay brings forth research data on the effects of more than 50 synthetic compounds and the negative implications of hormone disruptors. The authors highlight the common evolutionary history between humans and animals, both sharing similar hormone distribution. There is an ongoing debate whether humans will have the same fate effected wildlife from chemical contaminants. Scientists explain that synthetic chemicals scramble messages being sent by natural chemicals in the body. Through use of diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic hormone studies have shown that scrambling happens to species and humans alike. In the past decade research on endocrine disruptors has increased. Although full scientific data is currently unavailable, data from various studies has been compiled to aid in filling the gaps. Evidence suggests that just as animals are at risk humans are also at risk. Members from the scientific research community have concluded that hormone disruptors are jeopardizing human future. Effects include widespread embryonic development. Genital and reproductive abnormalities have increased over the past decade. Increased research is necessary and precautions over chemical control need to be established before there is a catastrophic human impact that is irreversible.
Selection 31: Living Downstream: An Ecologist Looks at Cancer and the Environment
Sandra Steingraber, biologist eloquently and passionately discusses the dire need for further research on environmental factors that contribute to cancer. This essay is comprised of excerpts from her book, Living Downstream. The author outlines the numerous carcinogenic chemicals such as benzene that are allowed to flow through our environment. Sandra begins by sharing the high rates of cancer amongst her family members, including herself. Researchers often equate cancer to heredity and tend not to focus on the correlation between families and their shared environments. The author points out the dramatic disparity in funding between the two. She shares compelling evidence of the effects of carcinogens, aromatic amines, used in many industrial processes. Steingraber conveys that the persistent release of carcinogenic chemicals in water systems and consumer goods is having a grave impact on cancer rates. Spare research ha been conducted as to the possible interactions of these chemicals. Many daunting questions remain, such as what are the risks of multiple exposures? Steingraber believes strongly that unchecked, unregulated exposure to these harmful carcinogens is a human rights violation. She also suggests that more funding be channeled towards environmental exposure and cancer rates. The author highly encourages the "principle of the least toxic alternative" that seeks safe alternatives from removing weeds to cleaning supplies. Must provide safe alternative and move away from current system of simply limiting use of toxic chemicals.
Selecion 34: Environmental Justice for All
The compelling article, Environmental Justice for All uncovers the history and environmental burdens placed on racial minorities and those economically disadvantaged. He begins by outlining the history of environmental justice, beginning in the early 1970's with a lawsuit binging to light the highly disproportionate number of landfills that were located in Black communities. Many other groundbreaking lawsuits followed including PCB dump sites located mostly in poor, Black neighbourhoods. These lawsuits fueled the Environmental Justice movement and policy legislation. These lawsuits also brought into light "environmental racism" issues where hazardous wastes were being dumped in minority neighbourhoods, never affluent ones. Bullard outlines the progress and success of many grassroots groups including "Citizens Against Toxic Exposure" which successfully lead the EPA to relocate hundreds of families away from a dioxin test site. Bullard discusses the difficulty in gaining support at the governmental level. Political terms create environmental shortsightedness. The Bush administration has eroded environmental policy significantly, allowing pollution to continue to spew into the environment at alarming rates. Bullard concludes that the same environmental protection applied to wealthy suburbia needs to apply to the economically disadvantaged and minority groups as this is a complete and absolute human rights violation.
Selection 10: Life and Death of Salt Marshes
This selection focuses on the invaluable salt marsh research compiled by John and Mildred Teal. The begin by expanding on the ecological importance, diversity, life and variations found within coastal marshes. Highlighting the variability of "Spartina" grasses dependent on tides and season. They expand on the disparity between the health of an undisturbed marsh and one that has been transformed by development. They refer to these marshes as sick marshes, which release the pungent scent of hydrogen sulfide. Through their extensive research, the ecological importance of marshes has led to conservation efforts to protect these diverse systems. Millard suggest solutions to the anthropocentric destruction of these integral marshes. They explain the importance of preservation and its benefits to the human population. For example, they suggest sustainable access points such as boat launches, to curtail destruction caused by numerous access points. The Millards believe that the federal government and developers need to work together to conserve these salt marshes as they play an integral role in the health of the planet, in turn the health of the human population.
Selection 12: Ecosystem and Human Well-Being
This article focuses on the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA) that was put in place in 2001. The MEA focuses in ecosystem change and degradation and how these changes effect human well-being. This assessment includes available collaborative data on ecosystem change at a global scale. The article begins by addressing the substantial impact human have placed on ecosystem services over the past 50 years. Many of these practices including commercial water usage and fishing are carried out in an unsustainable fashion and are greatly effecting the well-being and livelihood of economically disadvantaged nations. The author explains MEA goals attempt to meet the triple bottom life with an emphasis on equality for women, access to safe drinking water, finding sustainable solutions to food security issues. The MEA targets are hard to reach when countries are unwilling to make substantial shifts in policy on the governmental and social behaviour level. Shifts towards sustainability must be made in order for these goals to be met. Degradation to ecosystem pose many great risks for human well-being which include loss of arable land, food security, loss of access to safe drinking water and resources for future generations. The report outline that positive outcome scenarios can only be successful with drastic policy changes. Sustainable management of ecosystem is integral to the health f the global population. Drastic shifts in governmental policy must be made to support ecosystem integrity before our current ecological problems reach catastrophic status
Activity: Carl Honore Praises Slowness
Carl Honore author of In Praise of Slow offers a compelling lecture on the importance of the slow movement. A movement that manifested itself out of concern for a world that is obsessed with speed and its implications on human health as well as the environmental health. Honore draws attention the negative implications of an exponentially speed up society. These effect are far ranging from burnout, mental health issues and environmental degradation. In our society time is money, speed is seen as productive and efficient we stuck on a hamster wheel trying to reach linear deadlines. Sadly the rate of children negatively effected by this trend is ever increasing. Children are following rigorous schedules, nearing burnout at young age. Honore offers an alternative to this chaotic and harmful lifestyle. A conscious effort must be made against the social taboo that slow equals lazy and unproductive. This is simply not the case. Many European countries have adopted the slow movement framework and have proved that less time working equals increased productivity, improvements in health and well-being for people as well as the environment. Horone urges us to slow down in order to enjoy life at its fullest, a task that requires substantial effort as it is no easy feat in our fast paced societies. I agree whole heartedly with this mindset. It find it a hard feat to accomplish as it takes patience, diligence and a certain "going against the grain mentality" and an increased sense of awareness. Being in university makes for a very chaotic, fast paced existence. I despise that feeling! It's difficult to draw balance and enjoy the roses sometimes but boy is it beneficial in the long run.
Save Our Lake-Nature of Things
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Shows/The_Nature_of_Things/1242300217/ID=1867857094
Reflection: Take some time considering your core values and how you might live according to these values more fully. I sat with this reflection for sometime, thinking about past and present life situations and circumstances that have shaped my core values. Many of my core values reflect my deep respect, gratitude, appreciation of Earth and the natural systems that are intrinsically connected. I have quite a few deep core values that I try to adhere strongly to because they drive me on this journey of mine. I value awareness, responsibility, creativity, community, stewardship and curiosity deeply. Awareness or introspection into self. When you know yourself deeply you start to realize your strengths, your power and can take responsibility for your actions because you realize that you are in control. Responsibility for my actions and my choices as a friend, as a consumer as an environmental advocate. I do not have to adhere to the 'american dream' that bombards us from all angles, I have the power, the ability to create a lifestyle, a family, a community a life that reflects deep respect and connection with other creatures on this earth be it human or be it chick-a-dee. Having less is truly having more. I grew up in a family that made the best out of what we had, there was no incessant shopping or focus on material wealth, if anything this was deeply frowned upon in my family through the generations. We spent a lot of time outdoors, we camped, we explored the woods, we were allowed to get dirty, climb trees, dig our hands into the soil. This was the base for some of my deepest core values of stewardship, preservation and bringing environmental/ wilderness education to the wider community. I have a very strong pull in me to follow these values and start to plant them in the community. I can live more fully according to these values in many ways. One way is by remaining aware of what these values mean and how I can play them out in meaningful ways, be it finding a job that is in line with my ethics or taking part in community initiatives such as a community bikeshop or spring clean up. There are so many opportunities available around me that are in line with my values and will aid in expanding and broadening them.My next step is to find a summer job that is meaningful, I would really like to have a position where I am guiding folks into the wilderness for excursions, I would love to be immersed in that setting and help bring greater environmental/wilderness education to the broader community.
Kahlil Gibran: Poet of the Ecology of Life
http://www.alhewar.com/Gibran_Eco.htm
Ecopsychology and the Nature Connection
http://www.ecopsychology.org/journal/gatherings8/html/spirit/spirit&action_tp.html
I am going to continue this blog as this class comes to an end. It has been a fantastic way to share my thoughts and reflections. It has helped to galvanize my passion for the Earth and that I seem to be on the right path. Feeling very thankful at this moment. Thanks for reading!
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