Exam 1 Flashcards
Define the notion of the “Anthropocene’
i. A geographical epoch marked by the significant human impact on Earth’s geology and ecosystems.
Describe at least 3 of the human-environmental changes that are seen as being characteristic of the anthropocene
Climate Change, Biodiversity loss, Alteration of natural cycles,
Identify at least two strengths of the notion of the “Anthropocene.”
Strengths: powerful metaphor, rallying point in talking about orgins, debate and critical perspectives
Identify two potential critiques of the notion of the
“Anthropocene.”
ii. Critiques: Small percentage of the world is actually responsible, marginalized groups will be affected the most
How do different ways of telling the story of the ‘Anthropocene’ shape different ideas about possible solutions? Please discuss this by clearly defining the Anthropocene and with reference to the at least two differences in the arguments surrounding the Anthropocene made by Pulido and Crutzen.
Crutzen: technological and global interventions, emphasizes a collective human responsibility.
Pulido: need to address deep rooted social inequalities that contribute to climate change. Technological vs social change- very different ideas about potential solutions
Thinking with your readings on both Hope, please reflect on why the stories we tell about how humans and their environments matter?
The stories we tell about how humans and their environment interact shape our behaviors and policy decisions. Dominant narratives often view nature as separate from humans, leading to exploitative practices.
On the readings about hope, discuss
contrasting dominant storylines with possible alternatives, highlighting at least
three things that alternative storylines have helped to reveal?
Alternate storylines highlight interconnection between humans and ecosystems.
i. Changing the stories we tell about ourselves
ii. Creating memories that account for change and complexity
iii. Recognizing that we already have the power that we need
What are two similarities in the ways Rebecca Solnit and Mariame Kaba discusses the significance of hope within contemporary politics and life?
Similarities: Hope is a call to action (active and collective), Hope amid uncertainty (Solnit- hope lies in the recognition that outcomes are unknowable, Kaba- social change is unpredictable, collective action is important)
What are two differences in the ways Rebecca Solnit and Mariame Kaba discusses the significance of hope within contemporary politics and life?
Differences: Solnit reflects on the past as a way of hope for the future, Kaba is focused on the present moment (radical structural changes currently)
3 steps of situated sustainability (Sze)
i. How the term sustainability is functioning
ii. What is the context in which sustainability is contextualized
iii. Ask why, for whom, and how these are sustainable
How do the efforts of communities in North Philadelphia (Chapter 3) or the
Menominee Nation (Chapter 6) reflect these insights that work to advance
sustainability?
Rotating students and members of the community, changing from green roof to solar panels
Community-driven sustainability initiatives: environmental degradation AND social inequities. (sustainability of their livelihood and the environment) Not a one size fits all, indigenous knowledge is important in adapting to climate change. Multidimensional. Importance of collaboration. Grounded in culture, important for future generations
Discuss another example of situated sustainability that inspires to you, and provide at least three reasons why you believe it aligns with the notion of situated sustainability put forward by Sze (2018)?
Working with the CRP
What does the notion of wilderness refer to and how does wilderness thinking continue to guide contemporary conservation efforts according to Fletcher et al (2021)?
Wilderness thinking suggests that nature exists separate from human influence and is pristine. It leads to the exclusion of Indigenous peoples and reinforcing a nature-culture divide.
describe at least two problems associated with thinking about nature as a “wilderness.”
i. Many biodiverse landscapes are products of human management
ii. Fuels colonialism, displaces Indigenous and local communities
Why is it as important
to think about Denver as being as natural as the rainforests of Borneo, Indonesia?
a. Urban landscapes can host biodiversity and ecosystems (urban wildlife)
b. Rainforests are known as untouched wilderness, ignoring Indigenous management and human interaction. An ecosystem is not simply what is there, it is what sustains it. Managed just like Denver is.
Define biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life across all levels, from genes to ecosystems
three approaches for biodiversity conservation that target distinct “scales” or “levels” of biodiversity.
Genetic, species, and ecosystem scales
What are two reasons existing protected areas have failed to conserve biodiversity
i. Disproportionately targets ecosystems that that are historically more valued than others (monuments)
ii. Too small or poorly connected
what are two propositions for improving protected area’s capacity to conserve biodiversity?
i. Creating corridors to connect isolated reserves.
ii. Engaging local communities/ Indigenous people
two of the social practices and conflicts that affect gray wolf recovery
i. Ranching practices (Compensation programs may help this)
ii. Safety of homeowners
two potential benefits of gray wolf reintroduction and recovery
i. Restore ecosystem balance (wolves- elk- willows- soil-erosion
ii. Boost tourism
