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.

retrieved from: http://www.webphotocms.blogspot.com/

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.

Retrieved from: http://media.monstersandcritics.com/galleries/1669266/0168395455085.jpg

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.

Retrieved from:http://www.phoinixgroup.net/pages/Duwamish033_jpg.htm

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.

Retrieved from: http://members.shaw.ca/cancerconspiracy/cartoon-clean.jpg

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/

Controversy at Love Canal- Beverly Paigen

Paigen  brings to light the denial of bureaucrats to admit health damage to residents of the Love Canal. Despite scientific studies and community's complaints, the state postponed measures and acted unethically towards the issue. Employers were demoted, transfered and harassed for addressing the health concern of residents of Love Canal. State officials manipulated health data and refused to release health facts to the public or scientists because this will entail the justification of other wrongly disposed hazardous waste  across the country and thus, more money need to be spent.

Retrieved from: http://www.pacificspirit.org/news/labels/alaska.html

Blog Reflection: What roles if any should zoos play in conservation/education? Is it ethical to keep animal in zoos?Do you enjoy visiting zoos?

The role of zoos in conservation and protection of endangered species is definitely crucial. For instance, many zoos nurse injured animals. However, when it comes to conservation, some zoos especially the profit-oriented ones are more inclined towards the capitalisation of public curiosity rather than sustaining the proper habitat of animals. More emphasis should be put on mimicking the natural habitat of the animals. A non-natural habitat for any animal, leads to stress and a disturbed psychology. Zoos are not for all animals. I believe that it is unethical to capture animals from a cold natural habitat and raise them in a warm climate. For instance, it is dreadful to have in capture a polar bear in a country like Mexico, or a kangaroo in Alaska. Therefore, all animals deserve the respect of being raised in their natural climate. Zoos play a big role, in educating people and zoo keepers about animals and biodiversity. However, it is important that we also educate people about the natural ecosystem of these captured animals. Many people today sees zoos as an entertainment without paying close attention to whether proper guidelines are followed by zoos. For instance, cages of certain zoos in Winnipeg, are not of a proper size for big animals such as bears. However, bears have been found to live longer in zoos than in the wild. Therefore, in order to maintain this trend, it is crucial that these animals are treated with due respect in accordance with their natural habitat. On the other hand, animals like elephants live less longer in zoos than in the wild. Therefore, it is important that zoos take into consideration these aspects before introducing animals in a non-natural habitat. Close monitoring of guidelines should be of uttermost importance by the government in order to ensure proper treatment of all animals. I personally do enjoy going to the zoo, however, I am disinclined to say that I have ever seen any animals looking happy or necessarily enjoying being where they are. According to me, all animals should have sovereign rights and thus be free to choose where is best for them to live. Therefore, zoos should be mainly focused on conservation and protection rather then public interest.
Retrieved from: http://www.whenwegetthere.com/tourist_attraction/land_tourist_attractions/zoos/4_154/top_rated_tourist_attractions.jsp

Blog Reflection: Consider your food system: What do you like and do not like about your food.

It is unfortunate today, that the drive for easy acquisition of capital under the excuse of an augmenting population has influenced coorporations to take over the natural way of growing food and animals. The manipulation of our food in order to produce more in a short period of time has rendered our food tasteless and unnutritiuos. Needless to mention that the environmental impacts associated with our food production are tremendously distructive. I dislike the high cost of nutritious food, especially living in a country like Canada, local grown food are not available all year round. The distance that our food travel in Canada is a factor that bothers me as well. Furthermore, the genetic modification of crops through biotechnology is poorly monitored. It deeply troubles me that companies like Monsanto has granted themselves the right to manipulate our natural crops and impose their evil commercial product on private farmers. However, I find that having a garden at home in the summer is a wonderful way of growing some of the vegetables that I love eating.  However, having more natural greenhouse plants all year round in Winnipeg would be very beneficial. The atrocious commercial ways by which our animals are treated are unhumane. I believe that it is our responsibilty as consumers to object  and take actions against the horrendous treatment of our animals. The government should support local farmers and natural agriculture in order to grant the right to every individual of this planet to nutritious food. Thus, hopefully we can reduce the atrocious disease caused by unnatural food and terminate our dreadful way of treating animals.