Week 2: Part 4 - Article: Environmental History from Genesis to Apocalypse Flashcards
What is the main theme of David Lowenthal’s article “Environmental History from Genesis to Apocalypse”?
The article explores how human-environment relationships have evolved, influenced by religious and cultural narratives like Genesis and the Apocalypse.
It highlights the tension between human progress and environmental preservation, stressing the importance of understanding this history to address modern ecological challenges.
Lowenthal also examines how apocalyptic fears can either motivate action or lead to inaction.
What is the main thing to remember from David Lowenthal’s article “Environmental History from Genesis to Apocalypse”?
Human views on the environment, shaped by cultural and religious narratives like Genesis and apocalyptic visions, have influenced both exploitation and conservation efforts.
Understanding this history is crucial for addressing modern environmental challenges, as fear of ecological disaster can drive either action or inaction.
What is Environmental History as discussed by David Lowenthal?
The study of how humans have interacted with the environment over time, focusing on both changes to the natural world and how societies perceive and respond to those changes.
How does Lowenthal describe the relationship between religious narratives and environmental history?
He suggests that religious stories, such as the Biblical account in Genesis, have long shaped human views on the environment, often framing nature as something to be dominated or stewarded by humankind.
What role does the story of Genesis play in environmental history, according to Lowenthal?
Genesis introduces the idea of humanity’s dominion over nature, influencing Western attitudes towards the environment, leading to both exploitation and conservation efforts.
How does the concept of the Apocalypse relate to environmental history?
The idea of the apocalypse reflects fears of environmental degradation and collapse, with modern concerns about global warming and ecological disasters mirroring apocalyptic themes.
What is one major theme Lowenthal discusses in relation to environmental history?
The tension between human progress (urbanization, industrialization) and the preservation of nature, highlighting how history has swung between exploitation and efforts to conserve or restore the environment.
How does Lowenthal view the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the environment?
He sees it as a pivotal moment that dramatically altered the landscape and environmental practices, leading to both unprecedented environmental degradation and the birth of modern environmentalism.
What is a key concern Lowenthal raises about modern environmentalism?
That it sometimes romanticizes a pre-industrial past, overlooking how human interaction with the environment has always involved modification and not just preservation.
According to Lowenthal, what lesson does environmental history offer for the future?
That understanding past environmental interactions is crucial for addressing current and future environmental challenges, as it reveals patterns of human behavior and ecological impact.
