Chapter 17 Earth and the Human Denominator

Borrowing (and paraphrasing) from text discussion -progressing into the 21th Century, we hold unprecedented power to impact and alter the physical environment, even to the point of environmental destruction -at the same time, mankind is more dependent on resources than at any time in history … and this is true for both the LDCs and MDCs … in an increasingly “globalized” world very little takes place in a spatial vacuum

In a future of systemic relationships the text asks, Who speaks for Earth? … more pragmatically, Who should speak for the Earth? Text also presents us a statement for which I would be interested in your reaction: “People, when informed, generally favor environmental protection and public health progress over economic interests.” (p. 564) --- What is your “take” on the statement? --- What have you given up for the environment?

Expanding the author’s quote some of his topics “People, when informed, generally favor environmental protection and public health progress over economic interests.” (p. 564) An Oily Bird – we know the environmental destruction of the Exxon Valdez spill and our inability to remediate its damage …? the current outcry against petroleum and global shipping? [or is it against high gas prices] …? have you given up your auto, yet

Worldwide Oil Spills Figure 17.6

“People, when informed, generally favor environmental protection and public health progress over economic interests.” (p. 564) 2005—A Year for the Record Books—Lessons Learned? Did we learn any lesson? What lesson should be learned anyway? ? That hurricane incidence will increase with global warming [2005 – 7 named hurricanes impacted NA; ?; ?; are we living a conundrum] ? That we should not live in storm-prone coastal areas? [well, guess what?]

The Human Count and the Future -We frequently hear that the Earth is over populated and that this over population is a root of our environmental and pollution problems. --- Is the Earth really over populated? --- Is it a problem of distribution and equity? --- Is it a problem of consumption? [therefore inevitable] I = PAT

Human Population Growth Figure 17.4

The Need for International Cooperation -Our world is systemic, it follows that its problems are bigger than the individual (or individual state) can correct -Further, because problems cross international borders, all states are threatened --- awakening of such thought processes emphasize internationalization of response to population and environment… but, can it work UN Commission on Women, Children, and Indigenous Peoples; CITES; Kyoto Protocol; Earth Summit 1 / 2; UN High Commission of Refugees; etc

Twelve Paradigms for the 21 st Century 1.Population increase is in LDCs 2. I = P · A · T 3.Feeding the world’s population 4.Disparities of wealth 5.Status of women and children 6.Global climate change 7.Energy supplies 8.Loss of biodiversity 9.Pollution of air and water, oceans and land 10.Persistence of wilderness 11.Globalization vs. cultural diversity 12.Conflict resolution

Who Speaks for Earth? Figure 17.10