LIT BAI 3+4 Flashcards
What is the main theme explored in shorter works of fiction related to climate change?
Survival and man versus nature
What genre do the next two pieces after Jack London’s story belong to?
CliFi or Climate Fiction
What do the last four pieces of the content focus on?
The effects of climate change on the natural world
What common issue is highlighted across the poems regarding climate change?
Humanity’s lack of awareness
True or False: All pieces in the collection are devoid of hope.
False
What literary work by Jack London is discussed in the text?
To Build a Fire
In what year was ‘To Build a Fire’ originally published?
1902
What significant weather condition is described at the beginning of ‘To Build a Fire’?
Cold and grey
How does the man feel about the absence of the sun?
It does not worry him
What is the temperature mentioned in the story that indicates extreme cold?
Fifty degrees below zero
Fill in the blank: The man is described as a _______ in the land.
chechaquo
What does the dog instinctively know about the cold?
It is not a good time for traveling
What does the man’s lack of imagination prevent him from understanding?
His frailty as a creature of temperature
What happens to the man’s spittle in extremely cold temperatures?
It crackles in the air
What does the man use to keep his lunch from freezing?
A handkerchief against his skin
What does the dog do after it gets its forefeet wet?
It bites out the ice formed between its toes
What is the man’s primary goal during his journey?
To reach the old claim on the left fork of Henderson Creek
How does the man react when he senses danger on the creek?
He shies away in panic
What does the man do to protect himself from frostbite?
He rubs his cheeks and nose with his mittened hand
What is the significance of the sun’s position during the man’s journey?
It is too far south to clear the horizon
True or False: The man feels he has experienced such cold before.
False
What does the man plan to do at the forks?
Eat his lunch
What did the man do to warm his fingers after exposing them to cold?
He struck his fingers a dozen sharp smashes against his leg
This action was meant to stimulate blood flow to his numb fingers.
At what time did the man arrive at the forks of the creek?
Half-past twelve
This timing indicates the man’s progress and the urgency of his journey.
What mistake did the man realize he made regarding his lunch?
He forgot to build a fire and thaw out
This oversight contributed to his struggle with the cold.
What was the man’s initial reaction to the cold after he stopped moving?
He felt frightened and noted the numbness creeping into his fingers
This highlights the dangers of exposure to extreme cold.
What did the man use to start the fire?
Birch-bark
Birch-bark is known for its flammability, making it a good choice for starting fires.
True or False: The dog was concerned for the man’s safety.
False
The dog was primarily concerned for its own comfort and safety.
What temperature did the old-timer on Sulphur Creek warn against traveling alone?
Fifty below
This warning highlights the extreme conditions of the Klondike.
Fill in the blank: The man was forced to remove his _______ to build the fire.
mittens
Removing mittens in extreme cold increases the risk of frostbite.
What happened to the fire after the man built it under the spruce tree?
It was extinguished by an avalanche of snow from the tree
This illustrates the dangers of building a fire in a precarious location.
What was the man’s emotional response after losing the fire?
He felt shocked and then calm, realizing the gravity of his situation
This shift in emotion reflects his survival instincts kicking in.
What did the man do to keep his feet warm while trying to build a second fire?
He threshed his arms and beat his hands against his sides
This action was an attempt to stimulate blood flow and warmth.
What did the man struggle to do with his fingers when trying to use the matches?
He struggled to separate one match from the others
This demonstrates the effects of extreme cold on dexterity.
What did the man realize about the old-timer’s advice after his accident?
He appreciated the advice about not traveling alone in extreme cold
This moment reflects a learning experience and a shift in his perspective.
What did the dog do while the man worked to build the fire?
The dog sat and watched him with yearning wistfulness
The dog’s behavior shows its dependence on the man for survival.
Fill in the blank: The man’s feet were _______ when he began to build the fire.
wet
Wet feet in extreme cold significantly increase the risk of frostbite.
What did the man use to create a new foundation for the fire?
Dry grasses and tiny twigs from high-water flotsam
Gathering dry materials is crucial for successfully restarting a fire.
What was the man’s ultimate fate after building the second fire?
He was able to warm himself and dry his wet foot-gear
This outcome emphasizes the importance of fire for survival in extreme conditions.
What did the man use to try to light a match?
He used his teeth and scratched it on his leg
He struggled to light the match after multiple attempts.
What happened when the man successfully lit the matches?
The matches flared into flame, but he had to avoid the fumes
The burning brimstone caused him to cough and drop the match.
What realization did the man have about traveling in extreme cold?
A man should travel with a partner after fifty below
This was a lesson he recalled from the old-timer on Sulphur Creek.
How did the man attempt to keep the fire alive?
He carefully laid dry grasses and tiny twigs on the flame
He had to manage this with his frozen hands.
What did the man contemplate doing to the dog?
He considered killing the dog to warm his hands inside its body
This was inspired by a tale he remembered about survival.
What prevented the man from killing the dog?
He realized he could not use his frozen hands
His hands were too numb to hold a knife or strangle the animal.
What feeling overcame the man as he realized his situation?
A certain fear of death, dull and oppressive
This fear turned into panic as he understood the severity of his condition.
What did the man think would help him survive?
Running to reach camp and the boys
He hoped that running might thaw his frozen feet.
What was the man’s physical condition as he ran?
He felt warm in his chest but had no sensation in his extremities
His frozen nose and cheeks remained numb despite feeling warm.
What did the man visualize as he began to succumb to the cold?
He pictured the boys finding his body the next day
This thought marked a shift towards acceptance of his fate.
What did the man think about death as he felt drowsy?
He thought it was like taking an anaesthetic
He began to see freezing as a less painful way to die.
How did the dog react to the man’s behavior?
The dog sensed danger and became suspicious
It did not approach the man when he called it.
What ultimately happened to the man in the snow?
He drowsed off into a comfortable sleep and did not wake
The dog eventually left to find the camp.
What significant life change did Jack London experience at age 14?
He quit school to seek adventure
This decision led him to various experiences, including being a hobo.
What notable work did Jack London publish in 1903?
The Call of the Wild
This novel established his reputation as a writer.
How many books did Jack London publish in the last sixteen years of his life?
Over 50 books
This includes notable works like White Fang.
What was Jack London’s birth name?
John Griffith Chaney
He was born on January 12, 1876.
What age did Jack London move to California?
22
What was the name of the literary magazine where Jack London first published his work?
Overland Monthly
In what year did Jack London publish his novel, The Call of the Wild?
1903
How many books did Jack London publish in the last sixteen years of his life?
Over 50
What were the names of Jack London’s daughters?
- Joan
- Becky
When did Jack London die?
November 22, 1916
What extreme conditions does the unnamed man face in the story?
Extremely cold temperatures
What does the term ‘chechaquo’ refer to in the story?
Newcomer
What symbol does the main Yukon trail represent?
Security and certainty
What is the main theme explored regarding self-reliance in the story?
The limits of self-reliance
What does the dog represent in contrast to the man?
Instinct and awareness of nature
Fill in the blank: The temperature the man experiences is __________.
Seventy-five below zero
What does the man mistakenly think about frostbite?
That it was never serious
What does the fire symbolize in the story?
Protection and the difference between life and death
What happens to the man’s fire after he begins to gather materials to rebuild it?
It is put out by an avalanche of snow
What lesson does the man realize about traveling alone in the wilderness?
That he should have had someone with him
What does the repetition of the word ‘cold’ throughout the story emphasize?
The danger and bleakness of the setting
True or False: The narrator provides a detached and impersonal tone.
True
What does the term ‘numbness’ signify in the narrative?
The man’s increasing loss of feeling due to the cold
What advice does the man remember from the old man at Sulphur Creek?
Not to travel alone in extreme cold
What does the dog’s behavior indicate about its understanding of the situation?
It knows that it is not safe to travel in such cold
What is the man’s attitude towards the advice of the old man?
He views it as ‘womanish’
How does the author contrast the man’s knowledge with the dog’s instinct?
The dog has a better understanding of the dangers than the man
Fill in the blank: The man’s fingers become __________ when he tries to build the fire.
Lifeless
What do the thick German socks symbolize in the text?
They symbolize being trapped and emphasize the cold, hard, and unbreakable nature of his situation.
The socks are described as being like sheaths of iron.
How are the shoelaces described in the text?
They are compared to rods of steel twisted and knotted as by some conflagration.
This simile amplifies the feeling of being trapped and contrasts with the destructive fire.
What does the snow falling from the tree symbolize?
It symbolizes the climax of the story, as it puts out the man’s fire and highlights the power of nature.
This moment is also an example of situational irony.
What does the protagonist realize about his situation after the snow puts out his fire?
He acknowledges that the old-timer was correct about the seriousness of his situation.
He doesn’t give up and tries to rebuild his fire.
What does the dog represent in the narrative?
The dog represents the indifference of nature and its instinct for survival.
The dog curls up in its warm fur, instinctively protecting itself.
What method does the man use to try to light a match?
He struggles to separate a match from the others and eventually uses his teeth to do so.
This highlights his desperation and struggle against the cold.
What is the man’s ultimate idea to warm his hands?
He considers killing the dog and putting his hands inside its body to warm them.
However, the dog does not allow him to approach.
What realization does the man have about running?
He realizes that running won’t thaw out his frozen body and that it is a foolish act.
This thought gives him some peace as he begins to feel sleepy.
What does the man think about as he drifts off to sleep?
He thinks about the boys finding him and the old man at Sulphur Creek.
His last words reflect his acceptance of the old man’s wisdom.
What figurative language highlights the man’s decline in vitality?
His hands are described as hanging like weights on the ends of his arms.
This simile creates a visual image of his slowing body.
What mythological allusion is made regarding the man’s feelings?
He wonders if Mercury felt as he felt.
Mercury is the Roman god known for speed and wearing winged sandals.
What does the final simile about the man running around imply?
It implies that he has been making a fool of himself and acknowledges the futility of his actions.
The simile compares him to a chicken with its head cut off.
What does the resolution of the story reveal about the man’s understanding of nature?
He gains an understanding of nature, but this knowledge comes too late to save him.
This is an example of situational irony.
What did the narrator first see through the eye of a drone?
A place with three panels of color: blue, yellow, and green.
These colors represent the ocean, sand, and forest.
What was the largest body of water the narrator had seen?
The rainwater tank.
It was described as a dirty white goliath.
What did the old timers call the dry wash where the narrator grew up?
A river.
How did the narrator feel about the fallen tree’s broken roots?
They resolved never to push down another tree.
What were the living conditions like at the camp?
Everything was brown and the environment was harsh.
What was the narrator’s aspiration regarding the leisure facility?
To go where trees lived and water flowed.
What were the roles of the narrator’s parents?
They worked hard and were often silent.
What was the narrator’s favorite time of day?
Evening, when they watched movies from the camp’s archives.
What did the narrator find in the landfill?
A variety of items including jewelry, a doll, and a two-burner gas stove.
What was Mo’s favorite activity while waiting for peddlers?
Looking at maps of old countries in a world atlas.
True or False: Looks were a major factor in work applications.
True.
What did the narrator wear to protect their skin from the sun?
A wide-brimmed hat.
What was the camp described as?
A cluster of rust-stained trailers and tents.
What tasks did Mo perform at the camp?
Gathering eggs, patching tent holes, and sweeping sand.
What did the facility’s ad site promise clients?
A spectacular landscape and beautiful wildlife roaming free.
What animals were kept captive at the camp?
Raccoons, skunks, possums, and beavers.
What was the narrator’s opinion about the clients’ understanding of wild animals?
They believed clients cherished an idea of wilderness.
What were the risks associated with the safari offered to clients?
Mosquitos, blackflies, rattlesnakes, and exhaustion.
What happened to the company ratings as staff left?
Ratings took a hit due to accidents and lax supervision.
Who was the narrator’s final client described as?
A person with an attitude of defeat.
Fill in the blank: Woodland is a remote stretch of country ______ miles from the main leisure complex.
twenty.
What was the condition of the roads leading to Woodland?
Deeply rutted and uneven after storms.
What did the narrator learn to drive?
An all-terrain vehicle.
What was the narrator’s relationship with Charlie?
Charlie was a tough former soldier who taught the narrator survival skills.
What did the narrator realize about the outdated footage of the ocean?
The ocean was not blue and open due to structures like jetties and fish farms.
What did the ad copy on the leisure facility’s site describe?
Savannas, evergreen forests, and cliffs.
What did the narrator think about the life-sized models of animals made with their skins?
They found it terrible but lovely.
What was the purpose of the hunting service called Chasseur?
To provide clients with hunting experiences.
What happened to the last of the captives at the camp?
They were released due to the narrator’s inability to care for them alone.
What does the narrator depend on for knowledge about edible mushrooms and berries?
The wisdom of a knowledgeable person
The narrator relies on someone else’s expertise to identify safe food sources.
How does the last client differ from previous clients in terms of confidence?
She had an attitude of defeat.
What happened to the last of the captives mentioned in the text?
They were set free.
What significant event led the client to abandon her home?
A wildfire tore through her citadel.
What is the client’s relationship with her family?
Her children and husband are missing.
What does the client mean by ‘this was her swan song’?
It signifies her final farewell or memory.
What activity did the client and the narrator engage in at the camp?
They cooked and shared a meal.
What was the effect of the wine on the narrator?
It made her light-headed.
Where had the client once gone climbing?
The Himalayas.
What does the client reminisce about regarding her past?
Her many adventures and experiences.
What is the narrator’s emotional state as she reflects on her memories?
She finds comfort in the client’s memories.
What was the state of the facility when it was shuttered?
There was no electricity or security.
What did Charlie plan to do after the facility was closed?
He had his eye on an A-frame standing empty.
What items do the survivors trade when they meet?
Matches, First Aid items, cans of beans or soup.
What is the significance of the narrator’s brother, Mo, in the story?
He represents loss and childhood memories.
What does the narrator say about her parents’ condition?
They were shadows of their former selves.
What does the narrator compare the rainwater tank to?
A dirty white goliath lifted up from the ground.
How is the environment of the camp described?
Dirty, dangerous, and depressing.
What does the narrator hope for her future?
To work at Woodland and bring her brother with her.
What does the metaphor of the trees as ‘skeletons’ suggest?
A lifeless, desolate landscape.
What does the term ‘Cli-Fi’ refer to in the context of the publication?
A genre exploring climate change through fiction.
What does the setting of Woodland represent?
A manufactured experience of nature.
What class divisions are highlighted in the story?
Wealthy guests vs. those living in harsh conditions.
What does the narrator’s prized possession signify?
Her desire to maintain youth and beauty.
Fill in the blank: The narrator describes the camp as full of _______.
rust-stained trailers.
True or False: The narrator enjoys driving to Woodland.
True.
What does the old Smokey the Bear sign symbolize?
Nostalgia for a lost natural world.
What is the relationship between the narrator and her brother Mo?
She feels protective and nostalgic for him.
What is one of the reasons the narrator wants to work at Woodland?
To escape the desolate camp environment.
What is a key theme of the short story ‘Woodland’?
Human impact on the environment.
What mode of transportation do workers like the narrator use to reach Woodland?
Bus trains that require eight connections and a disguise to avoid thieves
How do wealthy clients arrive at Woodland?
By jeep or boat
What does the narrator’s father do to make her unappealing?
Knots her hair and streaks her face with dirt
What does the narrator reflect on regarding her journey compared to the clients?
The journey is much more difficult and dangerous
What does the last line of the section foreshadow about Mo?
That the narrator’s posting came too late for him
What does the narrator describe about the ocean at Woodland?
It wasn’t blue and open; structures of jetties and nets jutted out into the water
What does the presence of fish farms in Woodland imply?
They are necessary due to climate change destroying the natural world
What is the name of the hunting company that borders Woodland?
Chasseur, which is French for hunter
What theme does the description of Chasseur contribute to?
Manufactured experiences and class divisions
What does the narrator remember about the beavers from her picture book?
The beavers were anthropomorphized, dressed in human clothing, and had picnics
What realization does Mo have regarding animals?
Real wild creatures don’t talk; it’s all made up
What comfort does the narrator find in the clients’ experiences?
They have freedom to do as they wish
What hazards do the clients face in the wilderness?
Mosquitos that carried disease, blackflies, rattlesnakes, twisted ankles, thirst, and exhaustion
What does the term ‘luxe but sterile citadels’ refer to?
The luxurious but artificial living conditions of the clients
What happens as time passes in Woodland?
Fewer clients come, employees leave, and the narrator gets paid less
What theme is addressed when the narrator and Charlie remain in the cabin?
Survival
What does the last client share with the narrator?
A bottle of wine and her thoughts about other places she has visited
What does the client mean when she says, ‘The trees are enough’?
It reflects the narrator’s realization that ‘place was all there was’
What challenges does the narrator face after the facility closes?
Gathering food and water becomes difficult
What does the narrator imagine regarding Mo in the final section?
She imagines seeing him but it is a starving bear instead
What does the black bear symbolize in the story?
The destruction of the natural world
What does the beautiful imagery at the end of the story suggest?
Even though all seems lost, there might be something to hope for
What is the main theme of ‘The flavours we’ll lose’?
The loss of familiar foods and cultural products due to climate change.
Who is the author of ‘The flavours we’ll lose’?
Brecht De Poortere.
In what genre is ‘The flavours we’ll lose’ categorized?
Cli-fi (climate fiction).
What is the significance of the raisins in the story?
They symbolize the five years of Chiara’s life and the loss of flavors due to climate change.
Fill in the blank: The narrator uses _______ to make butter because their cow has died.
goat’s milk
What has happened to the chickens in the story?
They have stopped laying eggs.
What ingredient does the narrator substitute for flour?
Sorghum.
True or False: The story is set in a future where Tuscany is lush and fertile.
False.
What does the narrator reminisce about while watching her daughter play?
The joys of the harvest and making wine from grapes.
What does the phrase ‘the branches stick out of the ground like gnarled zombie hands’ symbolize?
The death and destruction of the vineyard due to climate change.
What does the narrator think when Chiara expresses her love for raisins?
That raisins don’t taste anything like grapes.
Where do the raisins come from?
Scandinavia.
What does the title ‘The flavours we’ll lose’ suggest?
The potential loss of cultural and culinary heritage due to climate change.
Describe the setting of the story.
A dry, unproductive Tuscany impacted by climate change.
What does the narrator do to trap the fresh night air?
Closes the windows and shutters.
What type of cake does the narrator bake for Chiara’s birthday?
A sponge cake.
Fill in the blank: The narrator drinks _______ while baking.
cold coffee
What literary device is used when describing the sun as ‘red and fiery’?
Imagery.
What is the connection between this story and the novel ‘Melt’?
Both address the theme of loss due to climate change.
Who is Jay Parini?
An author known for exploring the effects of climate change in his poetry.
What is the structure of Jay Parini’s poem?
A single stanza of seventeen lines in free verse.
What does the phrase ‘the maples sweat’ symbolize in Parini’s poem?
The distress of nature due to climate change.
What theme is highlighted in the lines about kids running to school in T-shirts?
Human obliviousness to climate change.
What does the speaker’s heart being compared to ‘a deer escaping from the crosshairs’ suggest?
The danger and fear brought about by climate change.
Who is Joy Harjo?
An indigenous poet, musician, playwright, and teacher who served as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States from 2019 to 2022
Joy Harjo is known for her work that draws on her indigenous background and storytelling history.
What is the title of Joy Harjo’s poem published in 2015?
“Once the World Was Perfect”
This poem is part of her collection “Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings: Poems”.
What themes does “Once the World Was Perfect” explore?
The destructive nature of greed and jealousy, and humanity’s capacity for kindness and unity
The poem discusses how these themes affect the world and offer hope for the future.
What poetic form is “Once the World Was Perfect” written in?
Free verse
The poem consists of twenty-seven lines.
What does the repetition of the word “world” in the poem signify?
It connects the perfection of the world with humanity’s happiness
This connection is emphasized by the word “perfect” and the use of caesura.
How does the poem describe the consequences of taking the world for granted?
Humanity is blamed for destroying the world through emotions like jealousy, fear, and hatred
These emotions are metaphorically represented as stones that cause darkness.
What symbolizes the steps needed for humanity to move forward in the poem?
A ladder
The ladder represents community, sharing, and kindness.
Who is Craig Santos Perez?
An indigenous Chamoru poet and professor at the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa
He has authored six volumes of poetry and won the 2023 National Book Award for Poetry.
What is the title of Craig Santos Perez’s poem published in 2020?
“Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier”
This poem is inspired by Wallace Stevens’s “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.”
What is the structure of “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier”?
Thirteen uneven stanzas
The poem explores multiple perspectives on glaciers.
What does stanza I of “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier” introduce?
A visual image of starving polar bears and the moving edge of a glacier
This contrast creates empathy and introduces the poem’s topic.
What does the collective pronoun “We” signify in stanza II?
It emotionally connects us to the glaciers and emphasizes our shared environment
This stanza highlights the number of glaciers in the world.
What theme does stanza V of “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier” convey?
The fear and uncertainty related to climate change and melting glaciers
It discusses the consequences of glaciers calving and forming icebergs.
What historical event does stanza VI reference?
The Titanic shipwreck
The stanza connects the size of icebergs to the famous ship’s collision with an iceberg.
In stanza VII, how is the address to humanity characterized?
By questioning the awareness of climate change
The speaker directly addresses ‘O vulnerable humans.’
What does stanza XIII indicate about the consequences of human action?
It is too late to prevent the glacier from melting
The repetition of “It was” emphasizes a sense of regret.
What is the main focus of Simon Armitage’s poem “Last Snowman”?
Not provided in the text
Further details about this poem are needed for analysis.
Who is the author of the poem ‘Last Snowman’?
Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage is a renowned poet and was named the poet laureate of the United Kingdom in 2019.
When was Simon Armitage born?
May 26, 1963
He was born in Yorkshire, England.
What was Simon Armitage’s first college degree?
BA in geography
He earned this degree from Portsmouth University.
What profession did Simon Armitage have before becoming a poet?
Probation officer
He worked as a probation officer for six years.
What is the structure of the poem ‘Last Snowman’?
Nine stanzas of three lines each
Each three-line stanza is known as a tercet.
What theme does the poem ‘Last Snowman’ address?
Climate change
The poem was part of a collection focused on climate change published in The Guardian.
What literary device is used to create empathy for the snowman in the poem?
Personification
The snowman’s features are given human-like qualities, such as weeping.
What does the melting snowman symbolize in the poem?
The effects of climate change on the Arctic
The snowman’s deterioration reflects the broader environmental crisis.
Fill in the blank: The snowman in the poem is described as having a _______ for a nose.
carrot
There is also mention of a parsnip in some reports.
What contrasting imagery is presented with the snowman and the people on the cruise ship?
Luxury and oblivion vs. the rotting snowman
The people enjoy a lavish lifestyle while ignoring the melting snowman.
True or False: The snowman in ‘Last Snowman’ is portrayed as a magical being that can return.
False
Unlike Frosty the Snowman, this snowman symbolizes irreversible change due to climate issues.
What is the significance of the final word ‘abominable’ in the poem?
It alludes to the mythical monster and raises questions about humanity’s response to climate change
This word prompts reflection on the seriousness of the climate crisis.
What type of poem is ‘Last Snowman’ in addition to being a shape poem?
A commentary on humanity’s relationship with climate change
The poem critiques human indifference to environmental issues.
What does the term ‘tercet’ refer to in the context of poetry?
A three-line stanza
Each tercet in ‘Last Snowman’ contributes to the overall structure of the poem.
What is the main theme explored in the shorter works of nonfiction?
The theme of climate change.
Who delivered the first speech at the United Nations Climate Summit?
Greta Thunberg.
In what year did Greta Thunberg deliver her speech at the UN?
2019.
What does Greta Thunberg accuse world leaders of in her speech?
Empty promises and prioritizing economic growth over the environment.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘How dare you!’ in Thunberg’s speech?
It is used to emphasize her outrage at the inaction of world leaders.
Fill in the blank: Greta Thunberg was born in _______.
Stockholm, Sweden.
What condition was Greta Thunberg diagnosed with?
Asperger syndrome.
What movement did Greta Thunberg inspire with her climate strike?
Fridays for Future.
What did Thunberg mean by a ‘50% risk’ in her speech?
It refers to the chance of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius if emissions are cut in half in 10 years.
What is the remaining CO2 budget mentioned by Thunberg as of January 1, 2018?
420 gigatons.
What is the main message of Greta Thunberg’s speech?
Immediate action is needed to address climate change based on scientific evidence.
Who delivered a speech at the opening of the #COP26 World Leaders Summit?
Sir David Attenborough.
What does David Attenborough identify as the ultimate measure of the climate emergency?
The concentration of carbon in our atmosphere.
What has been the range of carbon concentration during much of humanity’s ancient history?
Between 180 and 300.
What does Attenborough suggest is necessary to address climate change?
A new industrial revolution powered by sustainable innovations.
What is the significance of restoring nature according to Attenborough?
It will recapture carbon and help bring balance to our planet.
Fill in the blank: Sir David Attenborough was born on _______.
May 8, 1926.
What field did David Attenborough earn his degree in?
Natural sciences.
What does Attenborough believe will be the legacy of the current generation regarding climate change?
They will witness a wonderful recovery.
True or False: Greta Thunberg has been arrested for her climate activism.
True.
What is the tone of Greta Thunberg’s speech?
Passionate, accusatory, and urgent.
What does Attenborough mean by ‘no nation has completed its development’?
All nations have a journey still to complete to be sustainable.
Who is Sir David Attenborough?
A British broadcaster and natural historian known for his nature documentaries
Notable works include ‘Frozen Planet II’ and ‘The Green Planet’.
What sparked Attenborough’s lifelong interest in the natural world?
Collecting fossils, stones, and natural specimens as a child.
Where did Attenborough earn his degree in natural sciences?
Clare College, Cambridge University.
In which year did Attenborough serve in the Royal Navy?
1947.
When did Attenborough begin working at the BBC?
1949.
What series did Attenborough produce in 1976?
Life on Earth.
What honor did Attenborough receive in 1985?
Knighthood and the Order of Merit.
When did Attenborough marry Jane Oriel?
1950.
What two interesting facts are noted about Attenborough?
Oldest person to visit the North Pole and the most traveled person in human history.
What key concept does Attenborough emphasize in his speech regarding climate change?
The importance of atmospheric carbon concentration as an indicator of climate change.
What does Attenborough mean by ‘our story’ in his speech?
It defines our relationship with our world.
How does Attenborough contrast ancient history with the current climate situation?
Describes ancient climate as brutal and unpredictable, while current climate is rapidly changing due to human actions.
What negative words does Attenborough use to describe the current climate crisis?
Trouble, breaking, inequality, instability, unavoidable.
What rhetorical question does Attenborough pose about the future?
Is this how our story is due to end?
What does Attenborough suggest as a solution to the climate crisis?
Recapture billions of tons of carbon and start a new industrial revolution.
What pronoun does Attenborough repeatedly use to foster a sense of collaboration?
We.
What does Attenborough say about young people in his speech?
They will help encourage us to rewrite our story.
How does Attenborough conclude his speech?
By stating what needs to be done and emphasizing the decline he has observed in his lifetime.
Fill in the blank: Attenborough emphasizes the need to keep _______ within reach.
one and a half degrees.
Who is Esau Sinnok?
Esau Qaġġiġluilaq Sinnok is from the village of Shishmaref, Alaska and earned a Certificate in Tribal Management in May 2017 and a Bachelor of Science in Alaska Native Studies in May 2020.
What program did Esau Sinnok participate in at the University of Alaska Fairbanks?
Caleb Scholars Program, which supports Alaska Native students from Arctic regions.
What recognition did Esau Sinnok receive in 2016?
He was awarded one of ten spots as a ‘White House Champions of Change for Climate Equity.’
What are some awards won by Esau Sinnok?
- Arctic Youth Ambassador
- Denny Wilcher award for Young Environmental Activist
- 2017 Spirit of Youth Awardee
What is the main topic of the interview with Esau Sinnok?
The decision of the Shishmaref community to relocate due to climate change.
Why does Esau Sinnok support the relocation of Shishmaref?
He believes the village will be underwater within 30 years, risking the disappearance of their unique culture and language.
What was the outcome of the vote regarding the relocation of Shishmaref?
The vote to relocate was close, with some community members wanting to stay on the island.
When did Shishmaref originally vote to relocate?
In 2002, but the decision fell through due to lack of funding and a clear plan.
What does Esau Sinnok hope to achieve by sharing their story?
To gain federal support for the relocation of Shishmaref and to raise awareness for other Alaskan communities facing similar challenges.
What is the Miyawaki method mentioned by Shubhendu Sharma?
A method to create dense, fast-growing forests that grow 10 times faster than traditional plantations.
What are the benefits of the Miyawaki method as described by Shubhendu Sharma?
- Increased groundwater
- Improved air quality
- Enhanced biodiversity
- Seasonal fruit harvests
What is the cost comparison made by Shubhendu Sharma regarding forest creation?
Creating a forest can cost as low as the cost of an iPhone.
How does Shubhendu Sharma plan to make forest restoration accessible?
By creating an Internet-based platform to share the methodology openly.
What is the primary environmental issue discussed by Ermias Kebreab?
Methane emissions from cows, primarily due to their digestion process.
What solution is proposed by Ermias Kebreab to reduce methane emissions?
Adding seaweed to the diet of cows to significantly reduce methane burps.
What were the results of the first experiment using seaweed with dairy cattle?
Methane emissions were reduced by up to 67 percent.
What was the outcome of the follow-up trial with seaweed?
Over 80 percent reduction in methane emissions was observed.
What did Ermias Kebreab find regarding the effects of seaweed on cattle health?
Improvement in bulking up of the beef cattle with no adverse health effects.
What is the significance of pasture land in relation to livestock?
Pasture is the single largest type of land on Earth, used primarily for livestock.
True or False: Most methane from cows is expelled through flatulence.
False, most of the methane is actually burped out.
Fill in the blank: The process by which cows digest feed produces ________, a potent greenhouse gas.
methane
What is the effect of adding seaweed to cattle feed on methane emissions?
Reduces methane emissions by up to 80 percent in trials.
Methane emissions are primarily produced through fermentation in cows’ stomachs.
How much carbon dioxide equivalent do cows emit annually?
Two billion tons, or more than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
This statistic highlights the significant impact of cattle on climate change.
What are the three levels of seaweed intake for cattle mentioned in the talk?
No seaweed, 30 to 40 grams of seaweed, 60 to 80 grams of seaweed.
Increasing the amount of seaweed correlates with a reduction in methane emissions.
What are the additional benefits observed from cattle fed seaweed?
Improvement in bulking up without adverse health effects.
This indicates that seaweed is not only effective for emissions reduction but also beneficial for cattle health.
What did the taste panel conclude about steak from cattle fed seaweed?
No detectable difference compared to control steak.
This suggests that using seaweed does not compromise meat quality.
What is the role of specific ingredients in seaweed regarding methane production?
They inhibit microbes in the cow’s gut from forming methane without interfering with digestion.
This mechanism allows for effective methane reduction while maintaining cattle health.
What alternative solutions to reduce methane emissions were mentioned?
3-NOPs, garlic, and citrus extract.
These additives can also significantly reduce methane emissions without harming animal health.
True or False: Adopting a plant-based diet is the only way to reduce methane emissions.
False.
While plant-based diets can help, many people rely on meat and dairy for essential nutrients.
What nutrients critical for health are found almost exclusively in beef and milk?
Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A.
These nutrients are essential for brain function, vision, and immunity.
What is the significance of the bar graph showing meat consumption and stunting rates?
Countries with lower meat consumption have higher stunting rates in children under five.
This highlights the nutritional importance of meat in preventing stunting.
What challenges are associated with cultivating asparagopsis taxiformis?
Difficulties in farming the specific seaweed.
This has been a barrier to scaling up its use as a feed additive.
What is the goal of Blue Ocean Barns regarding seaweed production?
To produce enough seaweed to feed all cattle in the US by 2030.
This ambitious goal aims to facilitate methane reduction at a larger scale.
What is the expected impact of implementing feed-additive innovations in cattle?
Significantly cut methane burps and slow global warming.
Methane’s relatively short atmospheric lifespan makes this a viable strategy for climate action.
Who is Ermias Kebreab?
An animal scientist and professor at the University of California Davis.
He focuses on improving livestock production and reducing climate impacts from agriculture.
What was Ermias Kebreab’s initial goal as an animal scientist?
To improve animal source food production in Eritrea.
His personal background influences his research and advocacy.
How many scientific articles has Kebreab contributed to regarding livestock and climate?
Over 250 scientific articles.
This reflects his extensive experience and credibility in the field.
What is a potential outcome of governments facilitating the use of seaweed?
Wider adoption of methane-reducing feed additives.
This could lead to significant reductions in methane emissions from livestock.
