Globalization and World views CHAPTER 3 – Assigned work Key Terms, Q. 2 To 4, 6 & 9

Question #2: Compare the Expansionist World View with the Ecological World view - the value of the world’s resources lies in their importance to society in the creation of wealth and other benefits for humankind - science and technology can control and tame nature for the benefits of humankind - nature is a resource to be used not preserved

Question #2: Compare the Expansionist World View with the Ecological World view - humans have a spiritual relationship with nature that can only be preserved if nature is protected against exploitation - all parts of the natural world are interrelated, so people must work within limitations with its resources as harming one part will have a ripple effect, ultimately have negative consequences for humanity - how people treat nature is a reflection of the state of human society

Question #3: The Gaia hypothesis What is the Gaia Hypothesis? Developed by James Lovelock in 1972 Idea that the Earth is a single, living, self-regulating organism From bacteria to humans, the Earth is one organism that is interconnected and that interacts with non-living matter to modify its environment in order to maintain balance and in order to survive

Question # 4: Limits to growth vs. cornucopian world views The Limits to Growth Thesis - States that there are limits to population growth because resources are finite (limited)and they can be over consumed and even renewable resources can be overused and damaged Based on Computer Models that predict that if current trends in population growth, economic development and resource use continue, within 100 years, Earth’s carrying capacity will be exceeded Carrying capacity: the maximum number of people that can be sustained by the Earth’s resources.

Limits to growth model

Question # 4: Limits to growth vs. cornucopian world views Cornucopian Thesis Earth’s resources are not finite because science and technology will continue to find new resources to replace old, depleted ones There need not be limits to growth as long as technological development continues

Globalization as Opportunity

Globalization as Threat

Question #8: How human interaction with the environment can bring about sustainable development Cycle A – Global Economy of the Past Wealth is accumulated via degradation of environment. Wealth = higher standard of living, more demand for “things” = higher rate of consumption, further exploitation of the environment.

Question #8: How human interaction with the environment can bring about sustainable development Cycle B – Current Global Economy Degraded environment from cycle A causes less wealth to be generated, creating a negative feedback loop where environment continues to be degraded. At some point, there is a realization that this negative behaviour is destroying our only home. (Are we there yet?).

Question #8: How human interaction with the environment can bring about sustainable development Cycle C – Future Global Economy Our relationship with the environment becomes symbiotic and a permanent, long term strategy is required in which stress on the environment is reduced through sustainable development.

“Internet use grows explosively”= Both! Question #9: Newspaper headlines – globalization, sustainability or both? “Internet use grows explosively”= Both! Globalization: Increasing contact among members of the “global village” due to better and more efficient means of communication Sustainability: Increased communication can lead to more awareness about the negative impact of our behaviour on the environment and increased sharing of ideas and technology to solve these problems

“Dangerous new forms of malaria appear in Africa” Question #9: Newspaper headlines – globalization, sustainability or both? “US forest industry opposes increased production in Canada” = Globalization Local production is affected by the policies of, and political pressure from, other countries. “Dangerous new forms of malaria appear in Africa” = Globalization Diseases are spread much more widely and quickly because of globalization (travel, etc. by air quickly carry diseases from place to place).

Question #9: Newspaper headlines – globalization, sustainability or both? “Governments struggle to meet needs of growing number of older citizens” = Both! Globalization Sustainability As populations in Seniors do not consume as developing countries many resources as younger grow older, immigration people so they live more will have to increase to sustainable lifestyles. Also, replace workers who are if death rate eventually retiring to generate taxes exceeds birth rate, smaller needed for pension populations will consume payment fewer resources.

“Rising oil prices threaten prosperity of developed countries” = BOTH! Question #9: Newspaper headlines – globalization, sustainability or both? “Rising oil prices threaten prosperity of developed countries” = BOTH! Globalization Sustainability Oil prices change As oil prices rise, alternative according to supply and fuels become more demand, OPEC pricing competitive. Also, rising oil policies and international prices cause travel costs to political situations, all of increase which can make which are beyond the people travel less. These control of individual behaviours reduces overall countries. Consumption and encourage research and development into other energy sources.

“China to allow more families a second child” Question #9: Newspaper headlines – globalization, sustainability or both? “China to allow more families a second child” = Both! Globalization Sustainability High global demand for More children will have a Chinese products creates negative effect on economic expansion and sustainability as more wealth. More affluent children increase pressure families can afford more on land and resources. children.

“Poor countries demand debt relief” = BOTH! Question #9: Newspaper headlines – globalization, sustainability or both? “Poor countries demand debt relief” = BOTH! Globalization Sustainability Debt relief is provided by When countries are poor developed countries and they may not focus on international agencies and the protection of the banks like the World Bank. Environment and the needs of future generations.