Blog Activity: Alex Steffen sees a sustainable future

Alex Steffen argues that reducing humanity’s ecological footprint is incredibly vital now, as the western consumer lifestyle spreads to developing countries. I found Steffen's talk very positive and inspiring. It is crucial  that developed countries provide green examples to developping countries. However, based on this video, it seems to me that green technologies and system are getting more widespread in third world countries than in the first world countries. Numerous systems are permeating in developping societies in order to devise and innovate solutions without the need of unreasonable high amount of capital. Therefore, if the South can recategorise itself and create such green radical systems, the North having more capital and power, should have gone a long way into creating green systems. It is true that a lot has been done in developed countries but unfortunately, it seems like it is hard to get certain people out of their comfort zone in order to make a change in their lifestyle. I find that most people around me do not make environmentally sound choices unless they assess the benefits they gain from doing so. I think it is important that we change this attitude and open our eyes to the positive and innovative sustainable options that are available to us. I was very impressed with the innovation of green design around third world countries, such as a roundabout that pumps water as children play. Therefore, If we all contribute and collaborate globally and respect the environment with the choices that we make, We can move to a  more sustainable future.

Retrieved from: http://www.sustainabletoday.org/STTV.html

Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services-Boris Worm et al.

In this selection, Worm and co-workers devised experiments to study the effect of biodiversity loss on the stability of the ecosystem.  Several marine ecosystems were studied; coastal, large marine, marine reserves and fishery closures in order to assess the effect of specie richness and the rate of recovery from biodiversity loss. The results from the experiment show that marine species are being exploited at an alarming rate. Recovery of these species are thus impaired and consequently diminishes the marine's system ability to feed the human population. Thus, it is important that we develop sustainable fisheries management, protect and conserve essential habitats. Businesses should play a big role in maintaining the well being of the marine ecosystem since they pose a big threat to the marine water quality and the global food scarcity.

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At the Shrine of our Lady of Fatima or why Political Questions are not all Economic- mark Sagoff

In this selection, Sagoff believes that economic analyses alone does not justify environmental issues. Environmental degradation requires more understanding and close monitoring  than what economic values stand for. Sagoff believes that public policy does not address the real needs of individuals. We cannnot protect our environment merely under the principle of cost-benefit. Individuals need to be respected as an advocate of ideas and thus safety and workers' health must be regarded and treated  as a right.

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Life and Death of the salt marsh-John Teal and Mildred Tea.

In this selection, the authors describe the metamorphosis of salt marshes in the Eastern Coast of North America,  caused by human activities. The salt marsh does not look anything like it used to look like naturally, and thus marsh animals are unable to survive in a marsh that is now covered with salt water. Therefore, preservation of the whole salt marsh system is crucial. Wiser and more ethical decisions need to be made on the state level in order to stop industries from being developped in marsh lands.

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Living Downstream: An ecological looks at cancer and the Environment- Sandra Steingraber

In this selection Sandra Steingbar talks about the lack of funding and research on cancers caused environmentally. Despite the high percentage of cancers due to environmental causes monitoring of low level toxins are not being followed.  She explains that people who inherits cancer are more susceptible and vulnerable to carcinogenic toxins in the environment. Therefore, it is important that we put more effort in reducing the amount of toxins we use in the environment than focusing more on cancers that are inherited genetically.

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Restoring Rivers: Margaret Palmer and J. David Allen

The authors address in this selection the much needed measures for waterways and water sheds restoration in the United States to which minimum effort and understanding have been allocated. They point out several initiatives that can be undertaken to restore the ecological damage to the waterways and streams while criticising the federal agencies for a lack of standards adoption and tracking system. A national study and efficient use of existing funding are crucial in the restoration projects in order to see effective resolutions.

Retrieved from: http://www.restorationsystems.com/blog/page/2/