I only have 7 responses, but I just asked a lot more friends, so hopefully I will get 15. The information I have so far is very useful, and I think I'll be able to construct a good essay.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SZ8JXDM
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRGTCW8
Monday, November 19, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Indigenous resistance and racist schooling on the borders of empires: Coast Salish cultural survival
The main purpose of this article showed how the Coastal Salish people were affected by decisions made by Canada and the United States. One decision that affected them was when Canada and the USA put up a physical border. Prior to the physical border, the Coastal Salish people commonly traveled back and forth for reasons such as ceremonies, but a border with customs no longer allowed this. The most alarming problem the Coastal Salish people experienced were the struggle they had with maintaining their culture while living under a government that was trying to rid them of their culture. There were laws put up against their traditions, and their children were punished for things such as using their native language in school. These two things show how common ethnocentrism is. It is so common for cultures and people of a certain ethnicity to believe that not only do their ways work for them, but that others should oblige to their ways as well.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Sustainability Issues in Romania
Farms in Romania are facing many sustainability issues. Only 3.7 million hectare out of 16 million hectare are sustainable. (1 hectare=10,000 m^2) There are many changes necessary to make more land sustainable, but certain objectives have been identified as the most important. One being that more farming products that do not have harmful chemicals need to be created and used. An obvious one, but one commonly forgotten, is that the preservation of natural resources should underlie every decision made. Also, the soil should be respected and preserved, because ultimately it is the source of all growth. Romania is facing the same problem as America, because many farms are placing productivity over proper techniques. The first step to sustainability is for farmers step back see the worth in slowing their production rate in order to protect the environment.
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.prox.lib.ncsu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=21352ad6-1d7a-42ce-b8df-b58269d026db%40sessionmgr114&vid=2&hid=124
http://ehis.ebscohost.com.prox.lib.ncsu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=21352ad6-1d7a-42ce-b8df-b58269d026db%40sessionmgr114&vid=2&hid=124
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
artifact 2
This picture represents a major environmental problem: littering. Not only does this show the harm it has caused on this specific animal, this animal symbolizes the harm done to all animal life in general. Also, littering causes damage to the Earth and plant life. Most who view this picture will gasp or look away, but that is the reality of the situation at hand. Our nonchalant actions of throwing a cup out the window are adding up and causing massive problems.
Artifact
This picture represents environmental ethics because it shows how much power humans have over the destiny of the Earth. It portrays human hands holding the Earth, and the picture makes a strong point by showing the hands as much larger than the earth. In reality, the Earth is clearly larger, but mankind has overstepped their power by destroying and causing havoc to the Earth.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Fracking
In Janna Palliser's article "Fracking Fury," she discusses the pros and cons of gas fracking. There are much more cons. The con that was also discussed in the Lustgarten and Kusnetz article is the contamination of drinking water which leads to deterioration of health of those living in the affected areas. Also fracking has been linked to causing harm to animals such as cows, goats and chickens. Although these animals are not glorified, and are far from being extinct- our economy still depends on their health. Also, gas fracking can cause pollution and has been linked to increasing the likelihood of earthquakes, which are clearly very dangerous and hazardous.
http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2df271d3-1b0a-4521-a6ce-3728a2944cb2%40sessionmgr14&vid=2&hid=6
http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2df271d3-1b0a-4521-a6ce-3728a2944cb2%40sessionmgr14&vid=2&hid=6
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Article related to class themes
http://search.proquest.com.prox.lib.ncsu.edu/docview/212223257
In this article, Bill McKibben further discusses the issues that arise surrounding the number "350." More specifically, 350 is the maximum amount of Carbon Dioxide that can be in the atmosphere while still being considered a safe amount. But our atmosphere already consists of 370 ppm of carbon dioxide, and is only continuing to rise. In order for this to be resolved, Bill McKibben is calling for society to realize all the things of our social structure that must be resolved to bring this number down. The first thing that must be done is for America to stop burning fossil fuels. But this will damage the job market and economy, so green jobs must be created in order to prevent major damage. Then after America has cut down on fossil fuel use, international action can take place. America should work out international agreements with foreign countries for them to cut down on fossil fuel use. Because it is so heavily used, military force may be the only way to stop them. Monetary bribes would simply be too expensive. Bill McKibben starts this article addressing the president. The purpose of this is to show how important this crisis is. The fact that our atmosphere is above the limit is already showing in the fact that the arctics are melting, and global warming is increasing. Once things reach a certain point, there is no turning back. But this has to be a large movement involving essentially the entire world to attempt to balance out the atmosphere we have damaged.
In this article, Bill McKibben further discusses the issues that arise surrounding the number "350." More specifically, 350 is the maximum amount of Carbon Dioxide that can be in the atmosphere while still being considered a safe amount. But our atmosphere already consists of 370 ppm of carbon dioxide, and is only continuing to rise. In order for this to be resolved, Bill McKibben is calling for society to realize all the things of our social structure that must be resolved to bring this number down. The first thing that must be done is for America to stop burning fossil fuels. But this will damage the job market and economy, so green jobs must be created in order to prevent major damage. Then after America has cut down on fossil fuel use, international action can take place. America should work out international agreements with foreign countries for them to cut down on fossil fuel use. Because it is so heavily used, military force may be the only way to stop them. Monetary bribes would simply be too expensive. Bill McKibben starts this article addressing the president. The purpose of this is to show how important this crisis is. The fact that our atmosphere is above the limit is already showing in the fact that the arctics are melting, and global warming is increasing. Once things reach a certain point, there is no turning back. But this has to be a large movement involving essentially the entire world to attempt to balance out the atmosphere we have damaged.
Education according to Richard Kahn
In Richard Kahns "Towards Ecopedagogy: Weaving a Broad-based Pedagogy of Liberation for Animals, Nature, and the Oppressed People of the Earth," he makes several points about America's current environmental education system. He reports that while most Americans support environmental education in the school system and workplace, there is still many problems. "For example, the same studies that revealed Americans’ overwhelming support for environmental education programs reported a variety of findings that demonstrate that most Americans continue to have an almost shameful mis- understanding of the most basic environmental ideas." One of these ideas is that 45 million Americans think the ocean is a source of fresh water. So in reality, no matter how much support society gives to the idea of environment education, the reality is, is that support is useless if no one is actually knowledgeable about the environment. He then goes on to say that education is not where we can stop, because changing the environment will call for total mind and heart transformations of people.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
EPA: Natural Gas Fracking Linked to Water Contamination
Sydney Wilkinson
Synthesis of Gas Fracking
Abrahm
Lustgarten, Nicholas Kustnez and ProPublica discuss of form of environmental
abuse that draws a connection to the a few of the points made in Richard Kahn’s
“Toward Ecopedagogy.” In this
article, it is the environment versus EnCana, a gas company that owns the wells
in Pavillion, Wyoming. But more
so, it is the environment versus productivity. Research has been done, and the results have lead the EPA to
conclude that gas fracking in this particular area of Wyoming is leading to
contamination of the water. After
gas fracking has taken place, many residents have complained of their water
quality dramatically lessening, because it would turn brown. In 2008, and the confirmed in 2010,
water samples were taken and Hydrocarbon and other contaminants were found in
the water. Residents were then
told it was not only unsafe to drink the water, but that possible explosions
could occur after showering if there was not proper ventilation for the methane
from the water to be released. And
in November 2011, the EPA drilled 1,000 feet underground and found carcinogenic
substances, one commonly used in fracking.
Perhaps,
the most disturbing part of this environmental issue is the response of the
spokesperson representing EnCana, the gas company responsible for the fracking
in this area. His response was a
condemnation of the lack of evidence, and the inconsistent results found in the
EPA’s findings. Although, the EPA
did acknowledge that there could be other sources leading to the contaminated
water, they still strongly believe gas fracking is a heavy factor. And this company’s mindset is so
twisted, that their economical benefits and productivity outweighs the possible
endangerment of not only the environment but mankind as well. People were told that their house could
explode; yet the company shows no desire to investigate the danger of gas
fracking themselves. The attitude
of Doug Hock, the spokesperson, conveys one of indifference towards the
threats. His main concern was defending
his company and refuting the claims, not the fact that lives were at
stake. While our cultural mindset
of growth and productivity is lifting others up, the process of getting there
is becoming a hostile one where one must step on fellow mankind to rise there.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Visual Rhetoric
Visual rhetoric is simply the recognition that pictures have the ability to communicate deep messages rather than just be valued for their visual appeal. These messages can be political, religious, and in this case environmental. This image plays on a common quote "the wonders of the sea" and portrays waste in a "school" formation. The message being portrayed here is that hoe beautiful the wonders of the sea are no longer the main concern, the concern is the survival of the sea. Technology has become so mainstream, that it has the power to communicate environmental concerns to the mass in a financially efficient and timely manner. Also, it is very useful for targeting the younger generations who have the reputation of being unaware to the world around them, because they so happen to be the generation who uses technology the most as well.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Turtle Island Themes
In "By Frazier Creek Falls," Snyder focuses on the endless supply of wonder the earth has for us. He starts out with strong imagery, placing the reader standing on a rock looking out. He then appeals to the sense of sight with descriptions of forests, appeals to hearing with the description of limbs and twigs rustling. All of these descriptions combined create and overwhelming feel of how small man is in comparison to nature. Nature moves all around us, and even through us. Snyder ends with saying mankind could live off nature alone, no manmade items such as clothes and tools are even needed. But what lies hidden between the lines, is that mankind does not appreciate the wonders of the earth, instead humans abuse them. This limits what the earth can do, and jeopardizes it's survival.
"Front Lines" has a harsh and bitter tone, which contributes to the theme of how mankind is destroying Earth. Snyder starts in line one with the use of the word "cancer" as a word to describe what the humans in this poem are inflicting upon nature. He discusses how a chainsaw, logging trucks, realty companies, and bulldozers all combine to make a destructive group against the territory they are destroying. Snyder states that the line must be drawn, because this isn't just land being destroyed, it is a specific forest that leads to the Arctic and a desert that belongs to the Piute. No land is "just land," it is all unique and worthy of preservation.
Snyder has a aura of hope at the end of "For The Children" that he does not possess in many of his other pieces. He does not start with this hope, instead he starts with a contrast of the natural inclines of the earth and man's decline. But he then speaks of the next century, and how mankind can work to come to a peace with nature. Not only does he mean that is mankind's treatment of nature changes- the hills have a higher chance of still being in existence, but also that mankind can finally be in a peaceful covenant with nature and climb the slopes with ease rather than tension.
"Front Lines" has a harsh and bitter tone, which contributes to the theme of how mankind is destroying Earth. Snyder starts in line one with the use of the word "cancer" as a word to describe what the humans in this poem are inflicting upon nature. He discusses how a chainsaw, logging trucks, realty companies, and bulldozers all combine to make a destructive group against the territory they are destroying. Snyder states that the line must be drawn, because this isn't just land being destroyed, it is a specific forest that leads to the Arctic and a desert that belongs to the Piute. No land is "just land," it is all unique and worthy of preservation.
Snyder has a aura of hope at the end of "For The Children" that he does not possess in many of his other pieces. He does not start with this hope, instead he starts with a contrast of the natural inclines of the earth and man's decline. But he then speaks of the next century, and how mankind can work to come to a peace with nature. Not only does he mean that is mankind's treatment of nature changes- the hills have a higher chance of still being in existence, but also that mankind can finally be in a peaceful covenant with nature and climb the slopes with ease rather than tension.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Themes of Turtle Island
1) "Coyote Valley Spring" p15
In this poem, Snyder's theme is the beautiful innocence animals can possess, and also the power of of nature. The poem begins with a description of cubs tumbling in the damp leaves, which shows the relation of animals to human, and how both species enjoy playful time together. The power of nature is exemplified when Snyder refers to rocks crumbling, and the earth shifting things. Rockfalls and earthquakes are two powerful forces of the earth, and not only are they powerful, they're uncontrollable. And while one would think man would be in awe of the Earth due to the simple power of these tow forces, the word "slip" used in line 11 suggests differently. The fact that birds slip through the air, and Earth is constantly shifting with no effect on man, show how nature constantly goes unnoticed by man, which is perhaps why mankind has no problem with destroying it. Ayako Takahashi makes a relevant point in "The Shaping of Gary Snyder's Ecological Consciousness" when she says "In western civilization nature is often seen as an object to be conquered, to be used for healing, or to be exploited as the source of a mysterious experience--in any case, as the other." Because nature differs from man in many aspects, mankind has placed themselves above nature in the realms of the universe, instead of alongside it.
2) "The Wild Mushroom" p46
This poem's rhyme brings a sense of playfulness to a subject that can be very crucial to someone surviving of nourishment found in nature. The crucial aspect of this poem is that eating the wrong thing, in the case a Boletus, can lead to death. (line 8) But the theme of this poem is ironic. Because although mankind does know power lies within nature, one would not associate power within something as small as a mushroom. But although much smaller, less complex and most likely considered insignificant to man, a mushroom can determine a man's fate. Snyder's playfulness reflects the fact that he sees the humor in this irony, most likely because mankind fails to respect nature. George Perkins Marsh discusses in his article "Man and Nature," how mankind constantly consumes and even destroys plant and animal life, with no intentions of giving back or preserving nature. And although many would not consider one eating mushrooms for nourishment an offense against nature, it does reflect how the carelessness of mankind can lead to serious consequences.
3) "Dusty Bones" p75
The theme of this poem is Snyder expressing his anger towards the men before him that did damage towards nature that had lasting consequences. Nine Bows is a common term used to describe enemies in Egypt, which is what Snyder expresses towards his ancestors. George Perkins Marsh discusses the same issue in his piece "Man and Nature," when he disccusses that man's damage to earth takes a long time to heal, and the healing cannot begin until he completely "withdraws the arm that gave the blow" (Marsh, 172).
Marsh, George Perkins. "Man and Nature."Organization Environment. (2002): 170-177. Web. 8
Sep. 2012.
Takahashi, Ayako. "The Shaping of Gary Snyder's Ecological Consciousness." Comparative Literature
Studies. (2002): 314-325. Web. 8 Sep. 2012.
In this poem, Snyder's theme is the beautiful innocence animals can possess, and also the power of of nature. The poem begins with a description of cubs tumbling in the damp leaves, which shows the relation of animals to human, and how both species enjoy playful time together. The power of nature is exemplified when Snyder refers to rocks crumbling, and the earth shifting things. Rockfalls and earthquakes are two powerful forces of the earth, and not only are they powerful, they're uncontrollable. And while one would think man would be in awe of the Earth due to the simple power of these tow forces, the word "slip" used in line 11 suggests differently. The fact that birds slip through the air, and Earth is constantly shifting with no effect on man, show how nature constantly goes unnoticed by man, which is perhaps why mankind has no problem with destroying it. Ayako Takahashi makes a relevant point in "The Shaping of Gary Snyder's Ecological Consciousness" when she says "In western civilization nature is often seen as an object to be conquered, to be used for healing, or to be exploited as the source of a mysterious experience--in any case, as the other." Because nature differs from man in many aspects, mankind has placed themselves above nature in the realms of the universe, instead of alongside it.
2) "The Wild Mushroom" p46
This poem's rhyme brings a sense of playfulness to a subject that can be very crucial to someone surviving of nourishment found in nature. The crucial aspect of this poem is that eating the wrong thing, in the case a Boletus, can lead to death. (line 8) But the theme of this poem is ironic. Because although mankind does know power lies within nature, one would not associate power within something as small as a mushroom. But although much smaller, less complex and most likely considered insignificant to man, a mushroom can determine a man's fate. Snyder's playfulness reflects the fact that he sees the humor in this irony, most likely because mankind fails to respect nature. George Perkins Marsh discusses in his article "Man and Nature," how mankind constantly consumes and even destroys plant and animal life, with no intentions of giving back or preserving nature. And although many would not consider one eating mushrooms for nourishment an offense against nature, it does reflect how the carelessness of mankind can lead to serious consequences.
3) "Dusty Bones" p75
The theme of this poem is Snyder expressing his anger towards the men before him that did damage towards nature that had lasting consequences. Nine Bows is a common term used to describe enemies in Egypt, which is what Snyder expresses towards his ancestors. George Perkins Marsh discusses the same issue in his piece "Man and Nature," when he disccusses that man's damage to earth takes a long time to heal, and the healing cannot begin until he completely "withdraws the arm that gave the blow" (Marsh, 172).
Marsh, George Perkins. "Man and Nature."Organization Environment. (2002): 170-177. Web. 8
Sep. 2012.
Takahashi, Ayako. "The Shaping of Gary Snyder's Ecological Consciousness." Comparative Literature
Studies. (2002): 314-325. Web. 8 Sep. 2012.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Turtle Island Poems
Turtle Island Poems
"Without"
The theme of this poem is the power of nature. Many people believe the word power automatically denotes strength and overbearing. But the power of nature lies within its peacefulness. Nature has the ability to cause stillness in one's soul, and also the ability to heal. It is up to humans whether or not they embrace this power by spending time appreciating and meditating in this power.
"The Bath"
In this poem, Gary Snyder depicts a bathing scene where he is giving his son a bath at first, and then he watches as his wife bathes his son. The theme is the beauty of the human body. At first Snyder is describing his son's body, giving focus to his genitalia, simply because the genitalia are the most beautiful part of the human body due to their reproductive ability. As he washes his son, he reflects are how their bodies are the same, Kai's is just not developed. Then his wife comes in and finishes the bath, and he reflects on the beauty of her body. And how her body is both beautiful and important to him and Kai, but for different reasons. For example, her nipples are a source of nourishment to Kai, but a source of sensual pleasure to himself. But both Kai and himself treasure Masa'a nipples, and the rest of her body as well.
"Pine Tree Tops"
The theme of this poem is not simply nature, but how man reacts to nature. This poem appeals to many of the senses. It appeals to sight with the glowing sky, smell with the pine tree tops, and hearing with the creak of boots. This poem gives detail to parts of nature that are easily overlooked. It ends with an interesting question, that could easily mean many things. One possible answer could be that nature is unpredictable and will never be fully understood by man. But the power of nature lies in the unknown of it.
"For Nothing"
The theme of this poem is that nature is all around us, and all nature does is give, while never taking in return. Snyder depicts how nature is found in flowers, phloxes, and even the minuscule salts of the earth. He describes the flower as a glimmer and color, but then simply forgotten. This reflects how mankind uses and appreciates the earth at times, but when nothing is to be gained, mankind abuses and neglects the earth.
"Without"
The theme of this poem is the power of nature. Many people believe the word power automatically denotes strength and overbearing. But the power of nature lies within its peacefulness. Nature has the ability to cause stillness in one's soul, and also the ability to heal. It is up to humans whether or not they embrace this power by spending time appreciating and meditating in this power.
"The Bath"
In this poem, Gary Snyder depicts a bathing scene where he is giving his son a bath at first, and then he watches as his wife bathes his son. The theme is the beauty of the human body. At first Snyder is describing his son's body, giving focus to his genitalia, simply because the genitalia are the most beautiful part of the human body due to their reproductive ability. As he washes his son, he reflects are how their bodies are the same, Kai's is just not developed. Then his wife comes in and finishes the bath, and he reflects on the beauty of her body. And how her body is both beautiful and important to him and Kai, but for different reasons. For example, her nipples are a source of nourishment to Kai, but a source of sensual pleasure to himself. But both Kai and himself treasure Masa'a nipples, and the rest of her body as well.
"Pine Tree Tops"
The theme of this poem is not simply nature, but how man reacts to nature. This poem appeals to many of the senses. It appeals to sight with the glowing sky, smell with the pine tree tops, and hearing with the creak of boots. This poem gives detail to parts of nature that are easily overlooked. It ends with an interesting question, that could easily mean many things. One possible answer could be that nature is unpredictable and will never be fully understood by man. But the power of nature lies in the unknown of it.
"For Nothing"
The theme of this poem is that nature is all around us, and all nature does is give, while never taking in return. Snyder depicts how nature is found in flowers, phloxes, and even the minuscule salts of the earth. He describes the flower as a glimmer and color, but then simply forgotten. This reflects how mankind uses and appreciates the earth at times, but when nothing is to be gained, mankind abuses and neglects the earth.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
McKibben podcast and Bioregional Quiz
McKibben makes many valid points in his podcast, and many of his points are ones that people don't seem to notice. One point being that people focus more on day to day problems rather than major problems such as the decaying Earth. Some effects of this problem are already showing, in the form of Global Warming, and some will come out in time. The title of McKibben's book spells earth, "Eaarth" in order to point out that the planet is drastically different now compared to the beginning of the world. Another point made is that people in current society do not pay attention or give care to nature like people in the past did, part of this is simply due to more time during childhood is now being spent indoors watching TV or on the internet. Lack of knowledge to the questions in the Bioregional Quiz supported McKibben's claim. There are many environmental facts and issues specific to places on the Earth, but most of these facts and issues go unknown to the citizens of that place. Another topic discussed in the Mckibben podcast is the fact that our population is beginning to outgrow the resources available on the Earth. This once again shows the narrow mindset of people, because instead of focusing on those who are suffering from hunger and relieving their problems, people continue to reproduce if economically possible.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Environmental Issue- Air Pollution
Sydney Wilkinson
Air Pollution
English 101
Among
the many environmental issues our planet is experiencing, air pollution is one
that is getting worse over time.
Many different things contribute to air pollution, and many different
problems arise from it as well.
One
cause of air pollution is the exhaust that leaks into the air from machineries
that contain engines such as cars, tractor-trailer trucks, and even
airplanes. Carbon Monoxide is one
of the main elements found in exhaust.
But engine powered machinery are only one of the many causes
unfortunately. Any buildings that
burn coal, natural gas, etc. are also a source of air pollution. This includes factories, home
residencies, and nuclear power plants.
And a third form of common air pollution is the use of pesticides; this
is especially harmful when farmers use pesticide in bulk to treat their crops.
Air
pollution comes along with many harmful side effects. To complicate matters further, air pollution harms both the
human race and the planet. Among
humans it can cause a range of respiratory problems, some which can become
fatal. Plants are also damaged by
air pollution, but an even more serious effect to the planet is damage done to
the Ozone layer. When holes form
in the Ozone layer, sunrays reach Earth easier which can be extremely damaging.
One
“place” that is noticeably affected by air pollution is Los Angeles, California. Air pollution is seen in the form of
smog, which is when fog mixes with chemicals in the air. It appears as a smoky fog, hence the
term “smog.” Los Angeles is more
heavily affected due to the high population of motor vehicles and factories.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Island Civilization Summary
Sydney Wilkinson
Island Civilization
Summary
English 101
In
this piece “Island Civilization: A Vision for Human Occupancy of Earth,”
Roderick Frazier Nash discusses his proposal of what the human race should do
in order to best preserve the earth and ensure its long life. He challenges humans to look beyond a
few years and consider the state of our earth now, and the future of our earth
in the fourth millennium if our lifestyles do not change.
Nash
first goes back into history to discuss how views on the wilderness have
changed over time. The destruction
of wilderness didn’t begin until humans made a distinct mental division of
“civilization” and “wilderness.”
Even as far back as biblical times, the wilderness has possessed a
negative reputation, for even God spoke badly about the wilderness. This lead to one of the first views
humans had on nature, which was to destruct and “tame” it. The European colonists found success in
conquering the land and looked down upon the Native Americans who had established
an equalitarian relationship with the wilderness. A shift in mindsets on nature occurred towards the end of
the second millennium when Henry David Thoreau and George Perkins Marsh
proposed widely publicized ideas about preserving the wilderness. It suddenly became evident to the human
race that their civilization of nature could in fact end up being destructive
toward themselves.
Due
to these authors and a United States Census that claimed there was no longer a
frontier, a movement favoring wilderness began. The motive behind the movement was purely to benefit the
human race. Towards the very end
of the second millennium, the movement favoring wilderness continued but the
motives changed. Humans began to
see that wilderness had an irreplaceable value and it should be preserved
simply because of that. For once
everything was not centered on mankind, preserving nature became a movement
solely centered around nature itself.
And as mankind continued to see the importance in nature, the issue of
preservation versus civilization eventually became a more, religious, and
ecological issue. Liberty Hyde
Bailey, a botanist, published a book claiming that God created nature as an
equal to humans, so rather than controlling nature, humans should respect and
reside among it. But eventually
this preservation mindset got pushed aside as the population grew rapidly, and
humans began conquering more and more land for habitation. Because of the carelessness and size of
the population, issues such as global warming, water, soil and food problems
are becoming a reality.
Looking
into the fourth millennium, Nash predicts four possibilities for our
planet. The first he tags “
Wasteland Scenario,” where the earth is wasting beneath our waste and trash,
simply rotting from poison and neglect.
The second scenario is “Garden Scenario” where mankind has occupied
every square inch of nature and molded it to benefit them. “Future primitive” is the third scenario
where humans revert back to the hunting and gathering way of life. And lastly he proposes his idea known
as “Island Civilization.” In this
scenario, civilization and nature are no longer separate spheres but civilization
adapts to become one with nature.
For this to occur, our world’s population would have to be at a maximum
of 1.5 billion. Humans would then
have to learn to live in smaller community spaces, rather than over occupying
the land as they’re used to. There
would be 100-mile closed-circle units each housing 3 million humans. Each unit is capable of supporting
itself for food, energy, and waste resources. On these units, nature will be impacted, but everywhere
outside these units will be left unchanged. Ideally, Nash’s idea of civilization depends on
teleportation because there will be no routes of travel such as roads that
alter the wilderness. Although
many humans would be against the idea, the harsh reality is that mankind holds
the key to the survival of the Earth, and the current civilization of the world
is slowly killing the Earth. But
there is always a possibility for change, leaving a possibility for hope.
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