Sunday, October 10, 2010

ENVR 2000 BLOG #2

Selection 6: The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis
            Throughout history humans have proved to be a significant element in our environment as we possess the ability to manipulate the environment to our advantage. Creating farmland, appropriate hunting grounds or using the forest’s wood to create ships are a few ways in which humans have changed both the ecology and “nonhuman nature” of the environment. A noteworthy event in history occurred four generations ago when Western Europe and North America combined the use of technology and science, providing a new outlook on ecology. The fusing of the two approaches created more advanced technology that begun to take a toll on the environment. Today the burning of fossil fuels is a common practice that is inflicting serious harm on the earth’s atmosphere and the human population growth doesn’t aid in the increasing consumption of resources and other goods. It is proposed we should change our frame of mind to the “wilderness area” mentality where we aim to restore the environment to how it existed before human technological advances.
            It is explained that our current technology and science have roots reaching back as far as into the 17th century, and that today all noteworthy science is Western. It was seen in early history that water and wind were harnessed to power industrial processes. As the years progressed, the expansion of technology allowed for machinery that enabled work to be completed using less time and energy. The history of an agriculture plow is explained, revealing how the advance in technology allows humans to exploit the environment. The early plows scratched the ground and required two oxen. Later, a larger plow equipped with a knife, a share to slice under the ground and a board to turn the ground over was invented that required eight oxen and could cultivate larger areas of land.
            The role of religion is influential in the way humans view nature and destiny. Religion has had such significance throughout history that scientists had to clarify their work from a religious view. Today we live in the post-Christian age, having the belief that humans are of the highest importance and everything is put on earth for our use. This anthropocentric view has distanced humans from the natural system leading to serious ecological issues. We must reexamine our current religion or adopt a new one in order to preserve the man-nature relationship necessary for a sustainable ecology. A substitute for the Christian religion was proposed by Saint Francis who believed there is equality among nature and man. However, this view failed to be accepted therefore threatening our ecology, as we continue to live in a society believing nature’s purpose is to serve man.

Selection 7: The Tragedy of the Commons
            The tragedy of the commons is a term describing the overuse of a common resource when used by many people, and is therefore an example of a problem with no technical solution. The commonly used example of an open pasture is explained, where herdsmen desire to have as many cattle on the land as possible, until eventually the land is degraded and is no longer usable. A positive component of adding another animal is the extra money the herdsman will receive from selling the cow, while the negative component doesn’t seem very imperative because the overgrazing affects the land of all the herdsmen. This provides insight into human nature, as an individual receiving some form of personal gain will overlook the consequences imposed on their society.
            There are many examples of this concept seen around the world, from overfishing the oceans to allowing limitless public access into National Parks. Because the earth isn’t privately owned by anyone, pollution is addressed as being an overlooked tragedy of the commons. The growing population also aids in the pollution problem, as larger populations make it harder for the natural system to exist. Laws or taxing incentives are necessary in order to encourage individuals to reduce their pollution. Population can also be regarded in another light, where the freedom to have as many children as desired is problematic, especially in impoverished countries. The United Nations declare that it is a human right to decide on your own family size, although this has sent many families into welfare states. Therefore, an individual must make the decision to refrain from undermining their society by listening to their conscience.
            Two concepts in order to “solve” the tragedy of the commons issues are mutual agreement and the recognition of necessity. It is essential for the people affected by the exploitation of a resource to come together in order to create a solution, such as the herdsman sharing the grazing land. As well, it is essential to recognize the issue at hand and make a change before a resource (or other mutual aspect) becomes depleted.

Selection 11: Will Hurricane Katrina Impact Shoreline Management?
            This selection examines the construction of buildings in coastal areas and why this federally funded operation should be terminated. The infrastructure damages due to Hurricane Katrina are first discussed which interestingly parallel the damages seen in the 1969 Hurricane Camille. Homes were swept away from their concrete pads, and the same dike of debris appeared. Katrina’s estimated 10 m wake wiped out nearly all proximate shoreline properties, as well as washing out oceanfront homes in Dauphin Island.
            The controversy of whether to rebuild Dauphin Island leads to the debate of whether beach replenishment is beneficial. It is interesting that real estate situated in a vulnerable area is increasing, resulting in a steady rise in coastal populations. When reflecting on Katrina, two opposing viewpoints have arisen concerning the future for beachfront communities. The National Shore and Beach preservation proposes the government should supply aid for beach restoration to help people and properties. However, the more prominent and discussed perspective, is that the U.S. should stop supporting coastal development as it is a counterproductive effort. Beach replenishment efforts create numerous problems including creating a false image of a stable environment when it isn’t, having no property damage mitigation as protection can’t be created to withstand a large storm, the pumping of sand which kills birds, fish and ecosystems and the use of tax payers money that will only benefit the residents of coastal areas.
            The selection then discusses the importance of distancing the U.S. from the most vulnerable coastal regions, which will saves billions in taxpayers money. Though it seems easy to select which areas should be rebuilt, many factors come into play. While rescue aid should be provided to impacted communities, the U.S. must not let emotions get in the way of refraining to rebuild what an area has lost and wants back. Another issue is the American mentality of never being conquered, and therefore residents would rather rebuild than relocate. Many argue that coastal development has a booming economy, although this is seen as being untrue as it contradicts the need for federal aid. Lastly, the U.S. has continued to evade coastal development regulations in order to keep their properties. It is possible for the U.S. to cut their ties with the most susceptible coastal regions, as an area’s weather patterns can predict what the future looks like. It is proposed that a commission should assemble and meet every five years to examine where to allocate federal assistance.
            The concerns with the restoration of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands and barrier islands are addressed. It is believed by many that Katrina’s impact would have been lessened by the restoration of the wetlands and the barrier islands would have mitigated the harm posed on the wetlands and property. However both the wetlands and barrier islands couldn’t withstand the storm’s force, so these are seen as false allegations. It is noted that to restore a wetland requires extensive engineering and federal funds should be invested in projects that have the highest success rates, which again suggests a movement away from wetland and barrier island restoration.

Selection 12: Ecosystems and Human Well-being
            The selection begins by explaining how over the past 50 years, humans have had a substantial negative impact on the environment. Although economic development and human well-being seem to be of the highest importance, ecosystem management is a critical issue that should be of our highest interest. The first factor involved in managing ecosystems concerns 60% of the ecosystem services outlined in the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment including air and water purification and the regulation of climate that are not being sustained. This is due to the world’s increasing demand of services (particularly food) and therefore the ecosystems are sacrificed in order to support the economy. Another problem is the irreversibility of change occurring in ecosystems, such as hypoxic zones in the ocean and altering regional climates. And finally, it is being seen that ecosystem devastation causes inequality among different regions of people, which is a key principle in poverty.
              The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment highlights four findings which outline actions needed to be taken in order to see sustainable ecosystems in the future. The first finding implies that humans have altered the ecosystems due to the growing demand for food, water, timber, fiber and fuel. This factor encompasses increases in cultivating systems, water withdrawals from rivers and lakes and the use of fossil fuels which has lead to the loss of 20% of coral reefs, an increase in the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide content, a loss of biodiversity, a homogenous distribution of species around the world, a loss of species (especially in freshwater ecosystems), and a decrease in genetic diversity. The second finding discusses that modifying earth’s ecosystems has lead to human benefits in the form of economic development and well-being. Agriculture is an example, as the land is completely converted into a form that can provide an individual with a profit. The third finding examines four futures with diverse interactions between ecosystems and humans. The scenarios are as follows: a globalized and passive society that has the greatest economic growth, a regionalized and passive society that has the lowest economic rates and highest population rates, a regionalized and proactive society with growing economic and population rates, and finally a globalized and proactive society that has a high economic growth rate and a steady population. It is noted that ecosystem management also requires progress in three of the MDGs; hunger especially in severely affected areas, child morality most commonly caused by undernutrition and water quality, and disease generated from human pathogens needs to be addressed.
            Human activities have unquestionably created factors that are deterring the international community’s Millennium Development Goals from being attained. With the increase in GDP, the unsustainable use of resources will quicken in pace, leading to more severe climate change and nutrient loading. The regions that will be most affected by the change will be poor rural areas where their survival is reliant on ecosystem services. We require the knowledge to modify the way we treat agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, water, and forestry as seen in the selection’s Box 2., and is therefore essential for governing institutions to be more accountable in overseeing changes. Because ecosystems are hard to substitute, we must adapt our views of population, technology, culture and economic growth in order to see healthy ecosystems in the future.

 Selection 15: More Profit with Less Carbon
            There is a common misunderstanding that both the environment and economy cannot be successful under the same conditions. This is untrue, as the advance in technology has created many energy saving products that are environmentally friendly and low-priced. It is estimated that Americans spend billions of dollars every year on wasted energy, when they could be reducing costs using climate controlling methods. The reasons why more people don’t convert is due to the fear of change, being unaware of the benefits, lacking the willingness to learn, and because the government creates an image of energy being inexpensive. As well as energy, decarbonizing our fuels is important in protecting the atmosphere.
            The selection elaborates on the notion that energy-efficient products are not as costly as they used to be. The Rocky Mountain Institute for example, used energy saving light bulbs and solar panels in the construction of their building, which paid for themselves in savings in only ten months. It is also more beneficial to utilize energy efficient technology throughout a whole building rather than in sectors, such as insulating an entire home so no heat can escape from one area.
            Transportation is extremely influential in adding to carbon emissions, and therefore investing in an energy efficient car is ideal. Car manufacturers continue to reinvent more efficient automobiles that use more than 13% of the fuel to propel the vehicle (unlike most modern vehicles) by using lightweight materials and aerodynamic designs. Ethanol and lower carbon gas are two greener fuel substitutes for the conventional oil that are becoming increasingly popular. It is proposed that if the U.S. could invest in energy efficient buildings, industries and vehicles, 28 million barrels of oil would be saved per day. Finally, a New Urbanist city design is mentioned as the closer neighborhoods are to each other, the less gas needed in order to drive from rural areas into the city. 
            Wind and solar energy are forms of renewable energy that is being explored worldwide. Germany receives 10% of its energy from harnessing wind power, which is remarkable and should be achieved more commonly elsewhere. This brings up an optimistic point of having the ability the slow global warming by implementing energy efficient technology and by using renewable energy wherever possible. Because global warming is “cheaper to fix than to ignore” the global economy should be inspired to change their customs and be responsible in revitalizing climate stability.
           
Selection 16: Reinventing the Energy System
            The current energy system relied upon by developed nations has far exceeded the expectations predicted by past societies. We have the luxury of living in air conditioned homes and have the ability to fly across the world at relatively low prices, making our energy supply seem infinite. However, with the environment in jeopardy the move away from fossil fuels and toward renewable and hydrogen sources has already begun.
            The combustion of fossil fuels creates serious health and environmental issues such as respiratory problems and being a significant source of air, water and land pollution. It is alarming that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are the highest in 160, 000 years, which will need to decrease by up to 80% in the future. Electronics and biotechnology are advancing which are aiding in the overconsumption of energy, and lightweight materials are being introduced in the chemic world and are used in wind turbines and insulation. Energy saving lighting is also becoming more popular as these bulbs use less electricity and last longer. As well, the wind and sun are being used in powering windmills and solar cells which decrease the need for conventional forms of energy.  
            Because there is a disproportion in the allocation of energy around the world, the shift to a solar-hydrogen economy would greatly benefit developing countries. The equality of energy would mean some countries would become exporters and some importers, depending on their resources. It is finally noted that while there must be a broadening of energy services, developed countries must shift their consumption patterns and way of life. This includes not only using energy-efficient technology but focusing on human well-being as a whole and regarding energy as being a luxury not a right.

Selection 26: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis
            Human growth over the past couple of centuries has caused devastating effects on the environment, particularly greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The levels of carbon dioxide are the most significant change which has resulted from fossil fuel combustion. As well, the addition of methane and nitrous oxide have contributed to the overall greenhouse effect. The selection examines the current effects of global warming due to the greenhouse gases such as the increase in global temperature and the rising sea levels, as well as the long-term effects which include changes in precipitation and wind patterns.
            If anthropogenic gases continue to increase, the earth’s climate will continue to warm (as seen in the Multi-model averages and assessed ranges for surface warming graph) in different scenarios. Evidence is presented to support global climate change and the frightening notion that seal level rise and warming will continue even if we cease to decrease our greenhouse gas emissions today.

Offline activity
            This past week with the gorgeous October weather I made it a goal to spend at least an hour outside. Having lived in Winnipeg my whole life I realize how fast the winter months are approaching and how the drastic shift in temperature keeps me habitually indoors. Therefore I thought it necessary to enjoy perhaps the last of the jacketless weather and soak up some vitamin D.
            Monday through Friday I set aside at least an hour to take my dog Charlie to the dog park or for a walk through our favorite park. These places are rather secluded so it is nice to spend time enjoying the little things in life, especially during a season change like the transforming tree colors and migrating geese. As Charlie and I go for at least three walks a week, I realize the benefits of getting outdoors and appreciating nature. I find the air helps to clear my head and put me in a relaxed state, which is necessary during the stressful school year. I fully believe these walks improved mine and Charlie’s overall happiness and admiration for the environment, making me strive to get outside as much as possible.  

Reflection: Environmental ethics
            I think it’s important to reflect on your environmental ethics to analyze your way of thinking and type of lifestyle. Personally I agree with the biocentrism perspective of the environment. I believe that both living and non-living components make up a successful ecosystem and therefore are of equal importance. When looking at food webs for example, the grass that provides food for a grasshopper is as significant as a hawk at the top of the food chain. For this reason, everything within the earth is connected in some way and the degradation of one resource or species is of equal significance. The biocentric perspective is characteristic of a person who respects the environment and believes they are one with the earth. I feel strongly that more people should feel this connection between themselves and the environment, which would lead to a brighter future for the environment.
            Contrasting the biocentic perspective, the vast majority of people in Western society live an anthropocentric lifestyle. While I believe this is the most destructive and irresponsible way of thinking, I find myself being influenced by society and living an anthropocentric life. This perspective of humans being the most significant entities is reflected by my every day actions from not recycling paper products to driving an environmentally unfriendly jeep. I also find the way in which our society eats to be a key evaluator in where our ethics reside. Not only can we ingest food from anywhere around the world, but we can obtain these foods in any quantity we desire. This leads to issues such as overfishing, as the human demand is of the highest concern rather than sustaining resources. It is interesting to note that while we too are animals, of the thirty million species currently identified, we are the only species causing extensive environmental damage. This type of thinking leads to all other forms of environmental degradation as humans believe everything is ours for the taking, which I believe is a wrongful way of viewing our place in the environment. However, I am guilty of living with every luxury at the expense of the environment and should be more conscious of my actions.

            When I first thought about the meaning of anthropocentrism, a picture from the Simpson’s television show immediately entered my mind. It depicts that humans are at the highest level on the food chain and can obtain whatever we desire.  

Image retrieved September 25, 2010 from http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs38/f/2008/315/8/c/Simpsons_Food_Chain_by_SpacePlatypus.jpg

Reflection: Parks and Wapusk National Park
            Today many national parks are governed by the idea that environmental and wildlife conservation can only exist with the exclusion of people. Though this ideology has the best intentions of maintaining a healthy environment, it creates many social problems. I believe all parks, even the isolated Wapusk National Park can meet its dual mandate of access and protection, and think that the benefits associated with public interaction outweigh the negative effects.  
            It can be regarded that National Parks are an example of the tragedy of the commons, as “the values that visitors seek in the parks are steadily eroded” (Easton, 2009, p.25). This is understandable as visitors don’t want buildings or other unnatural additions to the park obstructing a pristine environment. However, I don’t agree with this notion because I believe a park can be left in its natural state with little human influence. This means no campgrounds or unnecessary buildings should be built in parks. The first price of denying people access into parks is not providing an environment that can be observed and appreciated. Witnessing the beauty of nature instills a responsibility among the public to preserve the earth so future generations have the chance to enjoy the same experience. As well, people shouldn’t be deprived of a learning opportunity, and the amount of knowledge that can obtained from exploring a park can vary from species information, the local history of the environment, or conservation techniques. The mentality of the public being only a nuisance to parks needs to change, as the involvement of the community and tourists can be beneficial. The participation of more workers/volunteers allows for a higher productivity rate resulting in enhanced management of the park. As well, visitors and tourists bring in revenue which can then be allocated towards sustaining and bettering the environment. There is no reason for this disconnect, as people deserve to experience their land in its natural state and prove to be beneficial components to parks.
            Because parks are sites of high biodiversity and are responsible for the protection of threatened species, it is essential to create an environment where people can’t cause disturbances. While I believe people should be permitted to view both the landscape and wildlife, precaution needs to be taken. Secluded areas where the public can’t enter, designated walkways and viewpoints need to be taken into consideration for the safety of the public and wildlife. I think security officials should be active during all hours of public operation to ensure the area is being respected and left in its natural state. If the proper etiquette is practiced by the public while in a park, there should be no more of a threat posed to any species than would occur outside a park.
            Wapusk is a National Park currently closed to the public as there is concern of humans disturbing the “true wilderness” (“Wapusk National Park,” 2007).  Like any park, I think it should become more human-oriented to provide the benefits listed earlier. As the northern environment is especially unexplored and unfamiliar, the park would attract many people wishing to discover the diverse terrain and native caribou, polar bears and beluga whale species. Because many large animals inhabit this area, humans should only be allowed to observe from a safe and unthreatening distance. Specifically, this park provides a popular denning site for polar bears, therefore spacious enclosed areas separating the public from the animals would be necessary. I can envision Wapusk National Park as being a hot tourist spot in the future, providing a great experience for visitors as well as ensuring the protection of its species and environment.  

Easton, T. (2009). Environmental Studies: Third Edition. Ney York: MccGraw-Hill Companies

Wapusk National Park. (2007). Retrieved September 30, 2010, from http://www.greatcanadianparks.com/manitoba/wapusnp/index.htm

Reflection: Alberta tar sands
            There is no question the development of the Alberta tar sand industry is booming and becoming more popularly viewed as the solution to the peak oil crisis. However, consumers often overlook the environmental degradation and externalities involved in creating the world’s dirtiest hydrocarbon. The tailings ponds that leak toxic waste into the Athabasca River and kill many forms of wildlife, the large quantity of water extracted from the Athabasca River during production, and the abundance of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere are only a handful of ways harm is inflicted on the environment.
            I don’t think it is a plausible notion that the industry will cease production any time soon due to the large revenue being brought in. Therefore I believe this project can continue but only if many modifications are made. Primarily, a responsible management force needs to be implicated which currently does not exist. Routine reports on pollution levels and the progress made in order to make this a greener project needs to be taken into account. It will be extremely difficult, if possible at all, to change many aspects of the production process such as clearing vast areas of land used for open-pit mining, or using the massive gas-guzzling trucks used to move the tar sand material. Nevertheless an improvement in all other sectors is necessary such as controlling gas emissions, implementing a better system for the tailings waste and obtaining water from better sources than a natural river.
            Another significant alteration needed to make this a sustainable project is putting a limit on the amount of oil being exported to the United States. Extensive highways and pipelines have been created in order to export 70% of Alberta’s oil directly south, meaning the U.S. is exploiting the Canadian environment in order to fuel their overconsumption habits. If there was a cap on the amount of oil produced every day, the industry would cause less harm to the environment and be better suited to make predictions for the future of the project.   

           


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