Summaries of Selected Works
ELEPHANT SEALS
As part of an ecology class, I went to Año Nuevo and got to see elephant seals. The experience was very touching. These creatures are very grand, not only due to their size, but because of their migration patterns. This report is partially reflective of my experience at Año Nuevo, while the other part is merely further research on the species. The elephant seal exemplifies the struggle of survival so beautifully. They were almost hunted to extinction, yet they have managed to continue on. However, humans as a destructive force within nature is exemplified within this case. Paradoxically, Año Nuevo showcases mankind’s attempt to right their wrong doings as action is being taken to protect this species.
REORGANIZING ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Using Bizzell’s discussion of contact zones, the discipline of Environmental Studies is reorganized around the principle of contact zones. Using Santa Clara University’s course descriptions of the core classes for the Environmental Studies major, two class sequences were generated using contact zones. This study aspires to show that science and the humanities do have separate ideas that when presented in usion, create a more integrated view of nature. Environmental Studies does not solely focus on the working of the Earth, but how humans impact it. By taking humanities and science classes together, the conflict between human dominion and the Earth’s well being is illuminated.
If mankind is to preserve the Earth, it is essential that current and future generations have a well rounded education that endows them with information that accurately depicts the human-Earth dynamic. Humans are the source of pollution, resource extraction, and deforestation; and this will continue. If the Earth is going to continue to be a stable source for natural resources, then it needs to be cared for for. This is not state that the Earth’s resources cannot be used, however, there is a sustainable manner to go about doing so. The class sequences in this report aim to create a sustainable approach to living on Earth as the fate of nature rests upon actions.
BURMESE PYTHON
This paper was originally written for my ecology class, depicting the issue of the Burmese python in Florida. The Burmese python is an invasive species, meaning it has been removed from its natural habitat and has adapted well to a new environment. Some invasive species have been displaced due to natural events, i.e. hurricanes. However, in other instances humans have relocated the species. The Burmese python was brought to Florida, yet there is much controversy over how the species got released into the wild. Irregardless, the species has become increasingly prevalent within Florida. This paper aims to analyze the damage that the Burmese python has caused within the Floridian ecosystem.
The case of the Burmese python emphasized how deforestation, pollution, ect., are not the only manner in which humans can cause havoc on the environment. It cannot be denied that physically destroying the environment harms ecosystems; humans have the power to disrupt its inner workings. Humans must be conscious of the flora and fauna they bring to a new habitat. Although, certain vegetation and animals may be aesthetically pleasing, they could be harmful to the environment. The aesthetic aspect nature is pleasing to the human eye and carries spiritual value, mankind must question how much they are willing to damage the environment for their self satisfaction.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND RELIGION
The purpose for this reflection piece was to analyze on Father Walpole’s discussion of sustainability. This piece notes that sustainability is much more than recycling or reusing. It would be naive to hold that conservation is a wholly scientific issue; there are emotional aspects to. Of course one must alter their day to day actions, but these actions are only physically internally. It is crucial to consider what drives one to make these change. Conservation is not entirely scientific in the respect that in order to carry out these changes one, according to Father Walpole, must be invested in the well-being of Earth for any meaningful change to occur. By doing a piece that incorporates a religious view,Father Walpole’s, of the environment,
In a Biblical sense, humans are given dominion over the Earth. As Warpole notes, mankind should view ourselves as advocates for the environment; living with the environment in mind rather than selfishly living for ourselves leaving the Earth to suffer. Mankind must view conservation from different lens in order to gain a true appreciation of conservation. This work notes how spirituality is another lens that should be considered when evaluating conservation. Spirituality, in this paper, reminds mankind to be humble to the Earth; the place that gives us life. Thus, this work emphasizes that conservation is not a black and white issue, and meaningful connection can be made with nature if the Earth is not merely viewed as a commodity, but a home.
SAVE THE BEES
A daunting task facing environmental conservation today is creating and enforcing legislation. In the economy due to its role in the production of crops. This project proposed three policy alternatives to ensuring the well being of bees in California. In order to develop these policies, I had to look at federal and state documents to see if firstly, if California was breaking any laws and secondly, if California was exempt from any laws. After analyzing Californian laws and state laws pertaining to bees, I expanded the scope of my project to see what other states were doing.
By viewing the policies of other states, I was able to develop frameworks that could potentially work in California. After research was conducted, I found that laws that endowed beekeepers and growers with more freedom were the most plausible. Laws that directly involve both parties, the growers and keepers, endow a sense of responsibility upon them. Thus, they will be liable for anything harm that comes to the bees. My proposal in this project attempts to remain democratic, as it gives citizens a chance to actively participate in conservation. However, the policies proposed by this report reprimand those who are not willing to adapt to the proposed laws. For instance, a fine of $500 would be placed upon every pair of growers and keepers that did not have a contract to ensure the well being of bees (i.e. banning the use of certain pesticides).
IS WRITING NATURAL?
Darwin presented the idea of evolution. Evolution is a process that results in behaviors and appearance of species to be altered as environmental pressures are presented. It would be naive to assume that a species is the same since its existence. Humans have evolved immensely. Mankind has created cities, technology, and laws; essentially mankind has created society. If documents such as the Declaration of Indepence are considered, writing has played an instrumental role in the organization and formation of society. Writing is a form of communication, that unlike the spoken word, can be documented without the further usage of technology such as a tape recorder.
However, whether or not writing is natural is a heavily debated. The pencils, pens, and other writing instruments that are used in the writing process can be considered to be technologies according to the piece Naming What We Know by Adler-Kassner and Wardle. Thus, if technology does not use writing, then its “naturalness” is questioned. This logic then labels technology as unnatural. Yet, the technological advancement is part of human evolution that is essential to the survival of society. Without writing, early communication would have been limited. Writing is a stepping stone that allowed mankind to create an organized society.
