Hi Scholars,
Please keep in mind that your essays are FORMAL essays (not blogs).
The articles are connected to the two links below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/15/science/earth/15waste.html?src=un&feedurl=http://json8.nytimes.com/pages/national/index.jsonp
Go to this website:
http://www.globalislands.net/
and read the article entitled, “In North Atlantic, researchers find a sea of garbage”
Please reply to this prompt:
“Our declining environment may bring the people of the world together as no politician,
philosopher, or war ever could. Environmental problems are global in scope and respect
no nation’s boundaries. Therefore, people are faced with the choice of unity and
cooperation on the one hand or disunity and a common tragedy on the other.”
Our declining environment brings the people of the world together like no other factor could. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes posses no boundaries and could possibly effect the lives of thousands. People are united through theses tragedies in cooperation whether these individuals are black, white, Christian, atheist, gay or straight. In general, people have more in common than they have differences, but it is not until tragedy strikes do they start to realize that it is not the little things that matter. I agree that the declining environment gives people the choice of unity and cooperation on the one hand or disunity and common tragedy on the other.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the history of the United States, there have been many declines in the environment that brought the citizens of the United States together. Some may say these events have led to lack of unity because of failures in the system. For example, hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast and the city of New Orleans. The response from the American people was altruistic. Many opened the doors to their home just to give a helping hand to those in need. People were giving their time, money and any other resources that they could provide to the survivors of the hurricane. This unified the country together to help fellow Americans get through an anomalous period in their life.
On a larger scale, the earthquake of Haiti was a worldwide phenomenon. This situation created an opportunity for an amalgamation of people to put aside their differences and work together to rebuild a nation in need. These circumstances brought the people of the world together in unity and cooperation. In Haiti, countries around the world deployed aid to assist in the recovery of a country in need. Many countries deployed medical aid, financial aid and material for rebuilding the city. Individuals from all around came and united for nothing in return.
In conclusion, our declining environment brings the people of the world together as no politician, philosopher, or war ever could. The actions of the volunteers from the aftermath in Katrina shows on a less significant level that people are uniting for a common cause due to our declining environment. As a whole, the response from the countries and individuals around the world portrayed the fact that there are some problems that hold no boundaries. The atrocities examined also are evident that people are not apathetic in these circumstances.
The British Petroleum (BP) oil spill along the Gulf of Mexico has caused a lot of frustration among the people of the region. Local government is concerned toxic waste from the spill will somehow infiltrate ground well water from which the community drinks. While BP’s environmental unit leader attempted to assure local officials that tests have shown the waste is not actually hazardous, officials continue to disagree. In fact, environmental lawyers within the Gulf area are of the same opinion due to their involvement in plaintiff’s cases dealing with claims of toxic exposure. Perhaps some may say a catastrophe such as this last oil spill is a big enough reason for people of the world to globally unite. However, I disagree. Environmental issues may be global in scope, but they actually drive people and communities further apart.
ReplyDeleteAlthough locals have amalgamated in order to figure out the best possible solution to restoring the surrounding water and land, there has yet to be a demonstration in which everybody’s voice has been heard. For example, our previous natural disaster Hurricane Katrina lost just as many influential voices as it did lives. The government was quick to respond according to our Natural Response Plan, but failed when it came time to develop relief efforts dealing with the aftermath and reconstruction. Deaths continued to occur even after the hurricane simply due to the fact that response was delayed; in particular, officials seemed to have left Black families to the least of their concern. In addition, many of the people of New Orleans were left stranded and without food. In no way should we consider efforts put forth to reconcile the adversity encountered by some families affected by Hurricane Katrina and not others a matter of united cooperation.
The United States response to the Haiti also fell short of expectations. It appeared as though the U.S. was too concerned about making sure military personnel were in Haiti to show our support. As a result, other countries that tried to help by flying in assistance could not occupy the Haiti’s military space. The earthquake survivors are still in desperate need of critical aid in all aspects.
In conclusion, America continues to look at themselves as the Power House of the world. In response to both natural phenomenon, as well as those caused by men (i.e. oil spill), the U.S. feels obligated to show support. However, governmental action never seems to completely succeed. Instead, efforts continue to fall short. Evidently, these shortcomings are a result of a failure to unite, cooperate, and plan in a way that garners more approbation and less criticism. If these failures were not the case, global tragedies would no longer be as much concern.
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ReplyDeleteWord Count: 406
ReplyDeleteModern society agrees that the global community must cooperate in order to remedy a majority of our common issues; including those economic, social, and environmental. In regard to those which are environmental, the opposing forces argue between capitalistic feasibility and environmental sustainability. By continuing along the partisan path created in the past, we will not only prove to be a detriment to ourselves and our environment, but also to future generations. As is the case with most issues, however, the answer lies not at either extreme, but, rather, in the middle. Furthermore, it is our disunity of opinion that will serve to create said middle-ground if we halt our discourse momentarily in order to listen to the opposing stance. In this instance, our society can, indeed, have both, and.
ReplyDeleteToo often, we as a society become caught up in our own opinion; forgetting that the solution to many of our collective problems lies between our polarities. Although some argue that their particular polarity serves as the one, singular way by which problems will reach finality, recent events such as Health Care and Foreign Policy have demonstrated otherwise. In the case of Environmental Policy, however, two fallacies present themselves when discussing either extreme. In short, the solution of the left is to regulate the private sector to the extent that environmental problems will cease—ignoring fiscal restraints placed upon private companies, and, thus, hindering the growth of the private sector—and the solution of the right is to ignore environmental issues in favor of a free-market private sector. Both obviously fail at providing a solution to each issue, however, as has been demonstrated with various issues throughout our nation’s history, a satisfactory solution will be found through a conglomeration of ideas.
Indeed, it is through this blending of ideas that we can protect the world in which our children will live. Furthermore, we must separate reason from emotion. Unfortunately, many in our society find that notion difficult. In the case of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, for example, many of us waited with anticipation to see how the company would be “punished” by the government for their oversight. It is emotional reactions, such as these, which serve as a hindrance to true problem solving. When we cheer upon hearing our President state that he wants to know, “Who’s a** to kick,” we only need to look into the mirror to realize why global issues are not solved.
In conclusion, it is through instances such as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the collections of garbage in the Sargasso Sea that we, as global society, will be forced to join together and pay heed to our collective ideas in order to find a solution. That solution, however, must be found by waiting patiently for a moderate answer, neither left, nor right. By doing so, we can, indeed, have both, and: both freedom, and safety; both a clean environment, and a healthy economy; both cooperation, and differences of opinion.
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ReplyDeleteThe environment is what we need to sustain our lives. However, we are facing issues concerning garbage and oil spills. These are things that we could help control but if we continue to acknowledge that the environment needs to be preserved, yet live nonchalantly about how it is being destroyed, then we will have no place to call home. The earth will reach the point of no return and nothing will flourish. Even though the environment is declining, the damage so far is not great enough to unite the people of the world together. This paper will address non assertive actions of the aggregate concerning garbage and oils spills.
ReplyDeleteIn the article by Anne Chaon, Yann Geffriaud notes that he came across “ten to twenty pieces of trash in five minutes in the Sargasso Sea.” He acknowledges that this problem needs to be addressed. However, it is not enough that Geffriaud is the founder of Watch the Waste and asks other mariners to look out for garbage. He should accost about a solution to this problem. Greffriaud admits that “we can never clean up the sea…” Although it may be true that every piece of trash will not be gone, an improvement can be made. Geffriaud also implies that public awareness is critical but again there needs to be actions behind the words. Garbage has always been a big topic of debate, one that still has yet to reach an appex. But there is another threat, even more critical on its own, the Gulf Oil Spill.
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded causing millions of gallons of oil to deluge into the Gulf of Mexico. There have been numerous attempts to seal the pipes but the problem is growing worse as the oil begins to reach the coast. In the article by Felicity Barringer, Brenda Dardar-Robichauz has the audacity to go to Congress concerned about BP dumping waste into local areas and the dangers associated with toxic levels of chemicals. To see drastic changes from the government, everyone needs to join Dardar- Robichauz efforts. People have expressed that they know this oil waste will have environmental repercussions and these individuals have a duty to themselves and the people around them to do the research. It is better to be informed because companies assume people are artless and apathetic to what is happening. Once people come together as one, we can make a difference.
In closing, there are some individuals who strive for the preservation of our environment. However, everyone should be taking part in caring for our world. We as a people need to take measures such as recycling to reduce the amount of trash that appears in our waters; we need more pressure on the government to fix crisises like the oil spill. We should never think that nothing can be done because there is always something that we can do. We have to come together as a whole for the greater good of a common purpose.
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It is a common belief that due to the decline in the environment, people worldwide are confronted with a decision to aggregately unite or not be united on certain common tragedies. Although some environmental tragedies may seem in scale to be ones that individual nations should handle without outside abet, one should recognize the reality that these issues are in fact “global in scope”. If nations fail to unite and face these environmental issues as an aggregate cohort, the health of our world and its inhabitants will be put in jeopardy. Therefore, the unity of the nations to cooperate in matters of environmental proportion is essential to the continuation of life and well-being on this planet.
ReplyDeleteEnvironmental unity between countries is important economically because the materials of products we consume here in America are similar to those sold in other countries, such as plastic water bottles. Plastic water bottles, although efficient and easily produced, are very dangerous to the environment. Plastic is not only thrown into the ocean as means of “disposal”, but can also release carcinogens, which can be physically detrimental and cause diseases such as cancer. For this reason, companies are faced with the decision to continue manufacturing products that are destructive to the environment or prevent any further environmental damage by creating new materials. This decision involves many financial risks; therefore, realizing the gravity of choosing to unite or not be unified is salient to the fate of the environment.
Furthermore, the carelessness of people to recycle and use environmentally-safe products should be confronted by global unity. Not only has garbage surfaced on local shores and waters of the United States territory, but European waters as well. In fact, France has recently been aghast at the amount of trash, specifically plastic, that has reportedly surfaced on the Sargasso Sea. Because of the overwhelming amount of displaced refuse, nations can only turn to creating strong public awareness on the issues affecting the waters. Since this issue is environmentally present in many countries, a global effort to specifically raise awareness must be achieved in order to prevent matters from becoming worse.
Finally, failing to realize the black and white reality of uniting for environmental problems will create apathy for the care of the world we live in. Apathy has many negative implications for society. One major consequence of apathy in America specifically is the failure to vote. The freedom that American democracy provides is shattered by unwavering apathy some citizens have towards politics; this can cause votes to lean towards a leader that may be inappropriate for a position and a decline in national morale. This same process can be applied to environmental problems. Failure to realize the importance of making the decision to unite with other nations may cause serious uncontrollable issues and environmental deterioration.
In conclusion, it is clear that for the aforementioned reasons, we are faced with the decision to unite or not be united and that our decision will affect the outcome of the health and well-being of our world and its inhabitants.
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ReplyDelete@Patricia I think that your argument was well researched and you seem to have a good amount of knowledge about the subject. I like how to took a different approach on the argument and went against the prompt. Overall the essay is well-written.
ReplyDelete@ jdglasner
ReplyDeleteI thought you had a very well thought out arguement and that the paper flowed nicely. I never even thought to relate the environmental issues to our economy, but it does make sense. You made valid points about finding a middle ground and the "waiting around" to see how the government would react. It was intersting to see that you make references to the articles at the very end of your paper. Even though it flowed I would have liked to have seen in subtly intertwined throughout the paper. In the end, it just seems as though you were running out of words and wanted to make sure you mentioned the articles. Overall it made me think about the issue in a differnt way.
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One country’s pollution can easily become problems for other countries and our declining environments affect all nations regardless of their size, region, economy or culture. If we are selfish and blame each other for the declining environment we will be driven farther apart from each other. Only by working together and accepting responsibility, tackling the problem of our declining environment will bring us together like never before
ReplyDeleteToday we are seeing how environmental issues are weakening relationships between different countries. The infamous 2010 BP oil disaster, which is still leaking millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, is today the cause of animus between the Americans and the British. Recently there has been an amalgamation of various feelings towards Britain. Some Americans feel as though Britain has robbed them an ocean. Others feel like it is Britain’s fault that the oil spill has happened. A lot of blame is being placed solely on Britain and BP for this tragedy and BP is excepted to handle this burden single handedly.
It is unfortunate though that only a few institutes get targeted for pollution when no one country or group of people can claim that they do not contribute to environmental pollution. According to four French explores who spent six months at sea, over ninety percent of the litter the floating around in the Atlantic Ocean is plastics, from toothpaste tubes to aerosol containers and water bottles. Since these are all the daily necessities we all use, it is impossible to target one country or region as the source of it.
Only after we all accept responsibility for the declining environment we can work together to solve the problem of the declining environment. For example, the BP oil spill tragedy, presents an opportunity for we as people to come together. However, drilling for oil is an extremely risky undertaking. There are never any certainties in the oil industries. In fact, terms such as “percentage of success” and “probability of failure” are standard geological terms used every day to quantify to risk in successfully drilling oil. It is a fact that BP’s oil spill could have happen to any company, EXXON, AMOCO, TEXACO, even SHELL. It is our problem together. Not BP’s problem but planet Earth problem and we are all responsible. After all, there was not any problem when we were all driving around in our SUVs, with the Air Conditioning running. So why should only one institute be burdened?
If we acknowledge we are all responsible we can work together with BP instead of targeting them. We can, and should, use this opportunity to assiduously research the cause of oil leaks. We can take this disaster or any other environmental predicament and turn it into a well of research opportunities. The decline in our environmental can bring us all together; but only if we prepare to work together.
480 words.
Mark, I really like how you addressed the prompt.Your thesis was clear and explicit. I also like how you used examples outside the BP oil spill and the "four French explorers" such as Hurricane Katrina to make your points. Your essay flowed well and I enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDelete@Deon
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job tying in points regarding the BP oil spill to prove your point. However, I think your essay may have been improved if you were able to elaborate using other instances from which people were united to solve an issue at hand. Overall, your writing was very clear and thoughtful.
@ Mark
ReplyDeleteYou do a nice job of providing clear examples to support your ideas. With its solid structure and strong examples, your essay resonates your well-planned thought process. Good Job!
Environmental problems are global and respect no nation’s boundaries as a result the peoples of the world unite as one big nation to help those with the most needed help. However these acts of cooperation and unity will last only a couple weeks. Most people will forget about the problem, due to this the affected nation/s will go through many other problems. I will argue how in any global problem humans will unite but after helping out for a couple of weeks, for the most part everyone will forget about the affected nation and will return to their normal lives.
ReplyDeleteYes, environmental problems or any other kind of global tragedy unites people as a whole. Every one sends different types of help to the effected nation including: clothes, food, waters, medicine, and other products that may be helpful. Some people may even travel to the affected nation as volunteers and some other will organize fundraising events. For example as soon as people found out about the BP oil spill and many environmental action communities travel to the Mexican Gulf to help cleaning the cost. On the other side government leaders including president Obama persuade BP to act upon their mistake.
Although people unite to help the affected nation, after helping for a certain period of time, people feel that they have abet enough and go back to their normal lives. Another reason could be that they have families too, so they have to worry about their own responsibilities such as; paying for mortgage, utilities and taking care of their family. Others may think that the provided aid was enough.
The media plays an important part at this stage because they cover the problem in every single channel, website and even newspapers. The incorporation of visual elements such as videos and pictures contributes to get more aid from viewers. Especially because the visual elements used in for this kind of tragedies transmit pity, especially by using pictures of children. But after a couple of weeks the media stops covering the problem and moves on to provide recent news, this lowers the viewers’ interest in aiding the affected nation. For example, after Haiti’s earthquake the media abash viewers by conveying images and videos of the effected Haitians and used pictures and videos of children and old people as tools, but after four weeks the television and wed stop providing information about it.
In others circumstances people may see a problem as negligible and do not care about doing anything from preventing a bigger problem. For example the increasing number of trash in the ocean does not seem as aghast as other tribulations that society has to pact with. Our society runs by capitalism as a consequence a crisis in the economy system is more significant than the issue of pollution on the sea. As a result only those who are concerned in the future of the planet contribute to raise awareness among all humans about the matter.
Yes, people unite to work together in harsh situations. But after a helping out or after a couple of weeks past by, the problem will past to a secondary plane and most people will return to their daily lives.
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It is widely known that our environment is being threatened by our way of life and that environmental problems are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity. However, if the consequences of these issues continue to go unrecognized, they can lead to the greatest threats to all of humankind. Until people begin to realize the scope of these global problems, we will be plagued by disunity and common tragedy. These environmental issues are not subject to one nation or one border and will ultimately bring the people of the world together in cooperation like no politician or war ever could. I will show that in this response by addressing two environmental issues: the Love Canal and the Gulf Coast oil spill.
ReplyDeleteThe Love Canal, which is located in northern New York, is considered one of the worst environmental tragedies of all time. It was an area of homes and schools situated directly on top of 21,000 tons of toxic waste which had been buried by the Hooker Chemical Company in the 1950s. By the 1970s, there were numerous counts of birth defects, miscarriages, diseases, cancers, and anomalous substances. Nearing the end of the seventies, hundreds of families had to evacuate their homes. In a common effort by those affected and those who had tested the area, the Superfund program was created in efforts to help clean up abandoned waste sites, remove the waste, hold the responsible parties accountable, and ensure long term protectiveness. Although this was not a global tragedy, it shows on the smaller scale the way that people will come together to help prevent further damage.
Currently, another environmental disaster is taking place in the Gulf of Mexico region; the Beyond Petroleum oil spill. Although some may argue that there is not a common action to help clean up the oil, there is definitely a public consensus around the world that BP must be held responsible, that the people affected will be taken care of, and that the number one priority is not recovering the spilled oil, but rather to get it cleaned up and make sure our wildlife and people are safe. Benzene, a toxic carcinogen, has not been found yet in the oil that has reached the water’s surface, yet local communities are anticipating the worst and are planning to keep the disposal of the water from reaching local water supplies (the same chemical was found in the Love Canal region). Serious efforts are now arising to consider alternative energy sources because people all over the globe want to prevent this sort of accident from ever occurring again; apathy is not an option anymore.
People must come together and acknowledge the severity of our actions. They have far reaching results as can be seen with the oil spill. If it continues to grow, it may get in to the Loop Current off the west coast of Florida which would take the oil down the panhandle and up through the North East and possibly as far in to Canada in the Atlantic. People are finally starting to have the audacity to speak out and join together and until this happens more often, we will find ourselves disunited and dealing with many more horrific events. Other areas of waste, like the Sargasso Sea, show the non discriminatory nature of environmental deterioration and its effects. Trash stretches from Florida to Bermuda in this area, and it is not the only place this occurs. Further actions must be taken in order to prevent the spread of waste, trash, and other environmentally harmful materials for the sake of everyone. The environment will ultimately bring us all together, for the betterment of our Earth.
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Yael,
ReplyDeleteYour common ground, qualification, cost, and argument (benefit) were all succinct and easily identifiable. I enjoyed your argument about the economic side of being aware as well as how you linked the article in to your argument. However, your response got a little shaky near the conclusion and I was a little confused how apathy towards voting necessarily linked in to apathy towards environmental issues. It seems to me that the prompt also said the environment could unite us more than any politician so referencing voting doesn’t entirely make sense. I thought your use of the vocab was a nice touch :)
To many, it would seem that although there are some environmental concerns, none pose an immediate threat to the environment. However, problems such as global warming, deforestation, and extinction remain prevalent in modern society. If one continues to accept the notion that the environment's well-being is not threatened, these problems will continue to grow until it is too late to address them. A more concerted and collective effort needs to occur in order to protect the environment.
ReplyDeleteMany critics believe that there is no merit to claims of global warming. What they do not realize is that there is evidence suggesting that average temperatures have risen in the last century, and will continue to rise. Furthermore, there is evidence correlating the rise in average temperature with increased fossil fuel usage. Thus, society's dependence on fossil fuels may eventually bring about environmental disasters as a result of global warming.
One may argue that extinction is a natural process and is merely adhering to the "circle of life." However, there are a abnormally high amount of species who are on the verge of or in a critical danger of extinction. In addition, many naturalists have noted that extinction rates are approaching the period that led to entire extinction of dinosaurs. It would appear as though there is an anomaly in the "circle of life."
A functionalist may argue that deforestation is important to human economy and productivity and thus is for the greater good. There may be some merit to this claim, but at what cost? Not only are animals losing their homes, but indigenous people who live in the forest. Additionally, many medicines and products come from the environment, so to destroy it may prove to be not only detrimental to health, but counter-productive.
Environmental problems like the aforementioned will continue to rise in modern society. And if left unchecked, they will soon become serious threats to human life. Which is why everyone, regardless of ethnicity, creed, race, gender, etc. should come together and start making a significant effort to address environmental concerns. After all, there isn't another planet to live on after Earth.
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ReplyDelete@ Brenna
ReplyDeleteI liked how you cited two instances and showed how they are environmental concerns and how they bring people together. This follows with what your stated thesis was which is good. However, I'm not completely sure you showed how they brought people together, especially in the last one. You should how work is being done to fix the issues, but not exactly how it brought people together (if that makes sense).
Overall, I thought it was a good essay.
It has been argued that the declining environmental situation will inevitably bring the people of the world together as no politician, philosopher, or war ever could. This is argued in part because the scope of this issue reaches the global community regardless of race, creed, and class. In theory people will choose unity and cooperation over disunity and common tragedy, however in practice the individual human being is too complex to rationalize a collaborative effort. The people of the world are unique individuals, with inherent propensities toward particular goals. If we fail to realize these complexities that are manifested in human behavior, the solution to the growing environmental problems will never be ameliorated. To rectify our thinking about how this issue will be handled, we must first look at the human predispositions that are contingent on social and political propinquities and disparities.
ReplyDeleteKarl Marx’s Communist Manifesto is the quintessence of an auspicious theory based on human behavior, which ultimately folds in practice and implementation. On paper, Marx’s ideas are cohesive, logical, and convincing however when put into practice the communistic mentality fails to hold. When we fail to recognize the complexities of the individual, we contrive a resolution with no avail.
When people are raised in an individualistic and capitalistic society versus a socialist or communistic society the choices and decisions they make will vary. Research has been done comparing the individuals raised in a capitalistic society versus a communistic society. The results showed a personal predisposition for options and choices, which reflected the types of societies they were raised in. Individuals raised in a capitalistic societies tended to make choices that were contingent on their own benefit and uniqueness, while individuals raised in a communistic society favored options that were beneficial to the group even if it compromised their individual beliefs. This is important to know because the world is comprised of human beings that are raised in various social and political environments, and to pigeonhole the human race into one cohesive unit will end in ultimate disarray.
The notion that the people of the world will join together in unity and cooperation is not only an utopically unrealistic mentality, but it fails to recognize the amalgamated blend of experiences which comprise the people of the world. Once we improve our “Weltanschauung”and alter it to broaden and encompass the entirety of perspective then we will be able to formulate a solution for salvaging what is left of earth.
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@Mark,
ReplyDeleteYou have a strong counter-claim argument presented when you say that there might be people that believe that there is lack of unity because of failures in the system, however sometimes it might be just that there are countries that show apathy towards the problems of other countries. I agree with your second supporting evidence where you mention that countries come together, especially in tragedies like the one presented in Haiti, where countries cooperate either financially or by sending helping hands to support the citizens of Haiti. The way you organize your essay made it easier to understand.
Our declining environment and the natural disasters have caused people to believe that people can come together to help fight the adversities or pull apart and deal with the problems on their own. If there is disunity and a common tragedy, then there is going to be a greater decline in our environment, because there is no financial help available to resolve the problems presented, like the oil splitting. However, there are times when the countries decide to show their altruistic attitudes and come together in alliance to help countries that are going through a natural disaster, like when Haiti was struck with an earthquake. I do agree then that people can either unity and cooperate or disunite and deal with this tragedy and figure out a solution on their own.
ReplyDeleteSome may feel that our declining environment would cause people to come together and support each other based on the analogous requests that they might need sooner or later. However, at times it seems that there is no reaction or help available when an environmental problem is presented. Explicitly, this can be seen with the oil splitting in the Gulf of Mexico that is adulterating the water and is killing many species of plants and animals. The USA has been held responsible for controlling this problem and finding a solution to stop the contamination that this is causing in our environment. There seems to be no financial aid coming from no other country in an effort to stop this contamination from spreading to other part of the world.
Furthermore, there are times where the world have come together to help their neighbors and support the financially to alleviate the problems presented by the environment. This seemed to happen when the earthquake hit Haiti a few months ago. People from other countries show their altruism by sending money to help the victims of the earthquake, while others send their citizens to help save the victims trapped under the rubble. The attention that this disaster got has been auspicious for the citizens of Haiti and has helped them gain the strength to continue with their lives.
In conclusion, our declining environment can bring the world together or apart depending of the gravidity of the problem or situation. The reactions towards the different disasters can sometimes be antipodal and make the situations harder to assimilate. At the end, we need to think of the best decision to make and think that one day; our country is going to need the help of other country. It is important to choose unity and cooperation when confronted with natural disasters and environmental problems, so that the world can be a place where we can feel safe and secure.
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ReplyDeleteGlobal cooperation is an idealistic concept without a framework that incentivizes nations to implement programs that are frequently against national interest. Where some have viewed the problem of environmental catastrophe as a global concern solvable by worldwide cooperation and unity, others have argued that effective, environmental legislation is impossible given the plurality of interests and disincentives that further perpetuate the problem. The British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is evidence for the need to both draft legislation that prepares for environmental catastrophes in the interim, and lays the foundation for sustainable energy solutions in the long-term. Without a framework that incentivizes nations to draft interim and long-term environmental disaster contingency plans, nations will continue to act in the national interest and deter from the common, international good.
ReplyDeleteIn the short term, nations need to adopt standards that respond to global catastrophe and regulate private companies that drill for oil. Instead of the United States government monitoring its own agencies, an autonomous international agency should be established to regulate offshore oil drilling rigs. This international agency should be charged with ensuring that inspections are carried out thoroughly, and that oilrigs comport with uniform safety requirements. Governments can learn from other successful international initiatives as well. In Canada, the government mandates controlled oil burns in deep water to test the level of preparedness of national agencies. In the United States, such a program can be successful if government agencies coordinate responses among the Coast Guard, Minerals Management Service, and all invested agencies. New lines of communication, both domestically and internationally, can lead to better experimentation and ingenuity, and uniform standards that prevent oil disasters in the short term.
In the long term, the United States should form international partnerships that discourage the use of oil among many nations. The United States ‘addiction to foreign oil’ is well documented, and has been a perpetual problem established by the last eight presidents since Richard Nixon. Foreign oil however, is not a singular problem related only to the United States. An analogous comparison can be made to England and France, both nations where dependence on foreign oil has been waned by successful government initiatives that discourage automobile use and encourage public transpiration. Oil dependence is still an international problem, mostly related to Western nations and the emergent economies of China, Brazil and India. Investment in natural gas, solar energy and wind power can create new jobs in the United States and recapture its standing as an innovator of new technologies in the global marketplace.
Without a sustainable short term and long-term energy and environmental policy, the problem of oil dependence will continue to endanger coastline economies and ecosystems. Environmental problems might be global in scope, but the response to environmental problems is local in nature. The test of effective environmental disaster policy is the emergence of coordinated response, which prepares for the worst-case scenario in the short term and reinvasions energy use in the long-term. Anything short of coordination, will inevitably lead to disunity and risks common tragedy.
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At times disaster and environmental decay has cause people from various places around the world to join together to remedy a disastrous situation. However such a unified approach has only occurred after a catastrophe has taken place rather than for the prevention of a tragedy. Such instances of this can be seen in the 2004 tsunami on the coast of Southeast Asia and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. If we continue to focus our resources on clean up rather than prevention we will never reach a state of unity and cooperation but continual tragedy. In this essay I will argue that in a world in which environmental decline is prevalent, humankind must focus on working together to decrease potential tragedy in order to build unity.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that disaster brings an amalgamation of people together. This includes different religions, races, genders, nationalities, etc. For example in the BP chemical spill immediate response came from the coast guard, residents, and cleanup crews all with the purpose to dispose of the waste without harm to anyone involved. But this state of unity only tends to last during the period in which the devastation occurs. American was quick to get involved during the 2004 tsunami yet six years later we no longer hear about the progress that has or is being made nor how we are further helping them to get back to their original state before disaster struck.
Society cannot simply respond to disasters but the antipodal must occur. We live in a very materialistic world in which everyone is looking out first and foremost for themselves and the environment is second nature. Our lack of focus on prevention does in fact create a disjointed connection between different geographic locations because once a catastrophe does occur unity and cooperation is questioned rather than embraced. Societies are more apt to accept help in times of need simply because they have limited options but can the same be said if no disaster had taken place? The chances are unlikely seeing as many societies pride themselves on being self sufficient.
In closing, it is evident that disaster does bring people together but, often with ambivalence, creating societies in which disunity is the more likely feeling throughout the course of our daily lives. We must all work on prevention methods together in order develop a better repor with different geographic areas so that if/when disaster strikes cooperation will not be questioned but accepted.
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@ Wuroh, really good structure. I especially enjoyed your sociological perspective. I would however, expand upon your discussion of the implications of climate change.
ReplyDelete@ Josh, I do generally agree that private ingenuity should not be stifled, however I wouldn't reduce the reaction the to BP oil spill to pure emotion. I also don't think it's appropriate to entirely imply that it is those on the left who are emotional about this disaster. Instead of viewing the problem of disunity and common tragedy ideologically, I would have looked at the role of private enterprise and its contribution to global, environmental catastrophe as a central thesis. Nevertheless, it was an interesting essay!
@ Little Leah
ReplyDeleteYou use excellent examples to support you ideas. I agree that we need more pressure on the government to resolve the issue but how are individuals suppose to acquire information about the issue when not everyone has the resources to do so?
With many agreeing that the state of the environment is on a rapid decline, many have already given up on the chance of a turn around. Now, environmental scientists are calling for a change in global action if only to curb the rate of decline. However, in the face of this downward spiral countries around the world have come together to pass resolutions establishing a standard for environmental responsibility. Understanding that the environmental actions of one country can affect another, thousands of miles away – as seen in the melting glacier caps on Mount Kilamanjaro in Africa; the continent with most of the lowest emission rates – the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992, over 190 countries have pledged to be more watchful of green house emissions.
ReplyDeleteSince then, the environmental tumble has hastened each year and now there appears to be a growing battle between maintaining the status quo continuing industrial expansion, and sacrificing comfort to becoming as environmentally responsible as possible, investing wholeheartedly into alternative fuel and green energy, despite the loss of money that it could mean. As global pressures mount, giving past findings of miles long garbage deposits in the ocean and currently the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, never before have these forces combated so ferociously on the global stage. The spill in the Gulf, combined with the increasing voice environmental activists have had, has truly shown us atrocities await us if the efforts of those wishing to continue past behavior succeed – the destruction of lives, humans and animals. With the world watching, almost unanimously blaming the carelessness of British Petroleum, it is becoming more and more apparent that if people do no unite to demand that more care be taken on behalf the environment, no change will take place.
Historically, this type of call to action has been necessary. If not for the unification of blacks (alongside with whites) during the Civil Rights Era for instance, the equality of all races may have never been achieved, regardless of the ‘Dreams’ of Dr. King. Likewise, if not for the unification of the South African people, apartheid would have remained commonplace just as the ‘Founding Fathers’ united the American colonies to usurp British rule.
In sum, it is within human nature to unite to fight for a higher cause when faced with the prospects of what disunity or inaction will be, and at the present moment, the people must unite again to protect their home; Earth.
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@Jazzy
ReplyDeleteI feel as though you made a valid point. At the time of a disaster everyone seems to be galvanized to do all they can and then it feels as though those efforts die when the newest craze sprouts up. However, many of those efforts may only appear that way because they no longer receive news coverage, because they are no longer news. A lot of humanitarian efforts continue on for years, and possibly decades, after the initial coverage. However, assuming that the majority or all efforts are dropped because we as a people lack focus, does that mean that our leading actions are without merit?
Earth’s environmental welfare remains a common thread that links a diverse group of worldwide nations together. Having unlimited boundaries, natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc., can potentially affect many nations who share the same global thread. These potential disasters can provide a reality check; people usually find a common ground to cooperate, in order to tackle many shared issues. However, natural disasters may ultimately provide a false sense of unity by revealing a global disconnect. Global unity is only a temporary relief of worldwide disaster, and instead, these issues should be consistently addressed; it should not take a tragedy to open the eyes of the world to something that has always been an issue.
ReplyDeleteOn a global scale, the tragic earthquake in Haiti literally shook awake the entire world, including America. Haiti, a small nation that has had many economic, governmental and environmental issues (including deforestation) finally gained the spotlight after thousands of deaths from the severe earthquake. Other nations finally provided aid to a country that has been longing for help. Complete worldwide unity should uphold the ability to, not only save, but to prevent disasters such as Haiti’s devastating earthquake.
The effort to clean up the oil spill in the Gulf Coast can also be considered a global disconnect on both a national and global scale. This “human employed” natural disaster has become more than just saving the once beautiful coast; it has become a test of integrity. Revealing levels of significance, this tragedy has screamed at the world bringing their attention to policies, regulations and codes that may need amendment. This highlights the importance of the Gulf Coast before the spill in contrast to after the spill. While attention has been summoned, we continue to let the effect of a disaster govern its significance. Instead, we must become proactive members of the world in which we live.
It is not just our response; it is the timing of our response that should remain important and begin to define the world. If we continue to just react to these global issues, it may be too late to provide a proper response. By thinking we have done enough by simply recovering from a disaster does not do justice. It creates a false sense of reality. Our declining environment may bring the people of the world together as no politician, philosopher, or war ever could because it provides a reality check. In conclusion, natural disasters may artificially create a sense of unity, but ultimately they reveal a global disconnect about issues that should have never been left in the dark.
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at Jasmine: I like the organization of your essay and how you keep it short and go stay to the point. I like how you end up your essay and how you use examples to back up the thesis or your argument.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete@ Yael
ReplyDeleteI liked how you made a strong argument using the relevant articles. It was clear your opinion on the situation, which is always important. I was interested in the examples you brought up, such as the reference to plastic bottles and their danger to the environment. Good use of words and context. It was also smart of you to create a clear and organized piece, with use of good topic and transitional sentences
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@ Josefina
ReplyDeleteI see your position and to some extend I concur. I do believe that we as humans respond quicker and care more about those problems that cause in some way or another human harm, while we disregard those tribulations that cause impairment to our surroundings. This is one of the reasons why other countries have not allied with the US to find a solution to the oil spill, even though it will affect every nation by devastating our habitat. It is not just a monetary issue.
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We as people of a diverse and modern world have faced adversity in many regards. It has been the work of politicians, philosophers, and even religious leaders that have helped guide our lives. They have even at times been able to bring a unity to mankind; one which is necessary for our survival as humans. Today however, we are faced with a problem much different than many of the ones we as a communal world have faced prior, the environment. Environmental problems stretch far beyond the autonomous boundaries of a specific state. They in a sense are everyone’s problem. Hence, we as citizens of our individual countries have two choices. We must unite and work towards cooperation with one another, or endure failure and tragedy as a result of disunity. The environment is a problem which no one person or state can solve alone. We as citizens of our great nations both developed and developing must put are artless ideas aside, and unify to ensure a beautiful Earth for the future generations to come.
ReplyDeleteEnvironmental problems have become a top priority for many of the world’s governments. Those of which certainly include the United States. It for example seems to be getting to be a more arduous take to do things such as ensure our oceans are clean and safe. Ever so popular has been the recent BP oil spill, which occurred in late April of this year. The oil spill is “estimated as the worst oil spill in United States history.” Here in the United States one state has truly noticed the effects of this difficult issue. In Port Fourchon, Louisiana, “about 35,000 bags — or 250 tons — of oily trash have been carted away from this beach,” said Lt. Patrick Hanley. What concerns many citizens and even professionals such as environmental lawyer Gladstone Jones III, is that this garbage coming to shore may be toxic; as a result of its presence in the oil contaminated waters. Debris such as this now being dumped in local community landfills may harm human health. However, tests have shown that the material is not hazardous. But as with anything, nothing is ever 100% certain. Tests will continue to be done but in the meantime it is up to people to do anything they can to help rectify this aberrant situation.
Although one may think there is not much they can do, little efforts by many may go a long way. People may join the efforts of cleaning up the oil as volunteers or even donate hair which is popularly used to soak up the oil in the ocean. Nations all over the world have begun to come together to combine resources and restore calamity to the Atlantic Ocean. Professors from universities across the world, politicians from Gulf States, as well as actors and movie makers have joined in the cause. Their efforts have consisted of monetary donations, ideas, and even special talents, such as infamous movie director James Cameron’s specialty in underwater filming. This unity that has spawned as a result of the BP oil spill and other environmental issues is one which is an ambiguous miracle.
In conclusion we must continue to work together towards a beneficial solution. We must always remember that environmental problems do not confide themselves to one country. They are in fact a shared problem by all. One in which we must come together and examine carefully to come up with an amenable solution. If we do not we will fail as one, and that is indeed an axiom.
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Without a doubt, the influence of a declining environment can persuade an audience far more effectively than any politician, philosopher, or war. Because environmental problems have no respect to nations’ boundaries, situations are often viewed from a global perspective. Some people believe that during major environment-related incidents like the oil spill, disunity can occur. With disunity, people merely share the common tragedy. However, if disunity continues to resonate, the potential power of “numbers” and the influence of groups to make changes will not be utilized. I would argue that through unity and cooperation, large and assiduous groups of people will be the driving impetus of more effective decision-making, while providing a lending hand and protecting personal assets. Ultimately, this choice to become more unified will cause people to rectify their thinking about the importance of group-effort when faced with large scale environmental problems.
ReplyDeleteThe oceans have been plagued with miles of trash, mostly amorphous plastic. While a large, nationwide group effort to clean up the rubbish is perhaps unreasonable, choosing to remain disunited about this issue will only appease the wrongdoers. We all are affected by whoever’s polluting these waters, indirectly or directly, and through unity and cooperation can combat this issue. Although researchers have already made efforts to monitor sea debris, one way to decrease pollution would be to increase public awareness. Perhaps the reason why polluters are continuing to dispose of trash in the sea is because the general public is unaware of their actions. “The power of one, the power of all” is a saying used to show the strength that unity carries. Consider the power an individual holds and multiply that amount to equate for group power. Even through the most difficult tasks like combating and correcting pollution and its undesirable effects, the group will prevail.
Recently, Louisiana along with other states have been affected by a 60+ day BP oil spill. As oil continues to leak and spread through the Gulf Coast, group efforts have been made to combat the destructive effects of the oil. Unity is seen through the protection of different assets. What began as fisheries making efforts to clean spilled oil and expressing concerns about potential profit loss has stemmed into a nationwide effort to stop the oil spill. These different perspectives may affect how the oil is cleaned, but one principle idea remains clear: clean up the oil. While BP’s CEO races his yacht (CNN, 6/2010) and the U.S. President is blamed for not acting fast enough, cleanup crews have removed an upward amount of 175,000 gallons of liquid waste as of last Monday. As the oil leak cleanup continues, there has been an increased attention placed on the effects of BP’s current storage.
Although it may be easy for some people to acknowledge the oil spill as a common tragedy and remain disunited from efforts to correct its effects on our environment, local communities, governments, and lawyers are jointly combating new issues related to the oil spill like health. Although, “waste from oil exploration and production falls into a regulatory no man’s land” (Barringer), Marianne Horinko feels “…these communities are properly concerned”. Toxicity is concentration-dependent and needs the community to vigilantly monitor those levels. Thus, because of the declining environment, local communities and local government officials share a common interest and by working together has had a far greater impact on efforts to improve cleanup efficiency.
In conclusion, the decline in the environment has been more influential than any philosopher, politician, or war. We need to “imitate” the environment because in such conditions like the oil spill, choices were made together though unity and cooperation without regards to borders or limits. The analogous willingness seen in group efforts to improve pollution and water conditions should be applied in other aspects. We are all affected, regardless of differences. And like the efforts made in environmental problems, we should make more whole hearted decisions based on the overall betterment of the people.
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@Dani,
I really liked your essay. Very interesting perspective. The complexity of the human mind and its effects on decision making. Karl Marx’s theories were interesting on paper because he failed to account for mental order, adherence, and ambivalence. I think that it was important that you touched on societal factors and why we need to keep that in mind. Since environmental problems have no borders, it would be interesting to see the interaction between neighboring collectivist and individualistic countries.
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There are many environmental problems that society is facing like global warming and the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. There are different groups and activists that are working to fix some of these problems that are deteriorating our environment. However, it is not enough that only some people work for the environment because it is a problem of every individual living in the planet earth. Every country and every human should take responsibility and take action in the environmental problems because these problems affect every person in different ways.
ReplyDeleteSometimes people see the consequences of their actions and try to act too late. Global warming is one of the problems that the media and scholars are paying attention now. The problem is well known and people are trying to act fast when it is a little late to fix the problem. There are T.V. programs that capture the problem for example of the decrease of amount of ice in the Antarctic area and the climate changes in the last years. People are trying to get acquiesce and start to think about the future generations who have to deal with the problem that previous generations ignore.
One of the most recent environmental crises is the spill of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. This problem is affecting people who live close and depend on the sea to survive. Many of these people have restaurants which help their economy. If these restaurants are not working like they used to this affect the economy of the country too. Even if this is a problem in the area of U.S. other countries should be worry about because this spill is moving to other states in the U.S. and there might be a chance that can move to other countries. If the people who fish are not even to import to other countries not only U.S. lost but other countries lost at the same time too.
When it comes to environmental problems all the countries should come to an agreement to solve the problem because this is our rights as citizens of the earth. It does not matter where you live everybody shares the air we breathe, the water we drink and we all use the same natural resources to survive. If humans want to live longer and still have the comfortable lives they have now they should start to take care of our home earth. At some point people have to come together and work for the environment because it’s what gives us earth to be moving every day.
Humans need to start to be more altruistic and come to an agreement to save our habitat. The earth is not only a home for humans but for animals too. We all share the air, water and other resources why not take care of it and protect the environment for future generations. It is easier to alleviate the problem of global warming before it gets out of control and it is too late to act. There is no doubt humans want to live and have a pleasant life but this is going to be possible only if they all work as a team to make it happen.
The environment is a universal possession that must be held sacred so that it may be passed on to future generations. Although the destruction of our environment becomes clearer every day, many people refuse to accept the fact that we must change our ways to ensure a better tomorrow. If we choose to deny the actions we must take, the world, as we know it, will no longer exist. This issue can bring us together for a single purpose and ignite a unity unlike any other cause. It can be a crisis that saves the world.
ReplyDeleteA problem like the environment can bring the world together because it does not allow for diverse opinions. Even though some may argue the validity of global warming, oceans filled with trash and horrific oil-spills are undisputable. If we unite, there is a true possibility of change. World gatherings, such as the Copenhagen Climate Conference, should occur more frequently so that tangible environmental treaties may be forged. International cooperation is the only means to a cleaner and safer world for our children.
Another uniting fact about our declining environment is that it affects everyone, everywhere. It is not an issue that some have the privilege to ignore and others do not. It is true that some areas of the world use more resources than others, but if we all do not pitch in to reverse our negative effects, we all will suffer. It will begin to get more and more difficult to find clean drinking water and fuel to operate machines. These precious commodities cannot be wasted and we need to make sure they are around for future generations to survive and live the same quality of life we have experienced. It is integral that we not turn a blind eye to the crisis that lies before us.
In closing, the world is headed down a dark, difficult path if it does not choose to change its ways. The earth and its resources are precious commodities, and we must treasure and preserve them to the best of our abilities. This is a chance for the international community to come together as a single population of the earth and fight to save what we have put at risk. We may not always agree, but this is an issue beyond differences, beyond disputes, and beyond the point of turning back. We must act now or suffer unimaginable consequences.
The deterioration of the environment is global concern that does not obey geographical constraints. At first we questioned whether or not we should do anything, now the question is who should do something? Some may think that it is better to just divide and conquer, however that is not the best way to achieve our goals. The major concerns people have about the environment are not usually so anomalous that they cannot be related to by others. We all want to live in a world that is safe and healthy for future generations, but we need to work together to achieve those dreams. If we don't, the future of our posterity will be a bleak one.
ReplyDeleteGlobal warming used to be on the forefront of the minds of every environmentally-conscious person in the world, though recently those attentions have been turned towards the BP oil spill. In late April an oil spill occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. While some may think that only the company should have to worry about the costs, the reality of the situation is that we all need to be concerned because we are all impacted. If the good deed of helping your fellow man isn’t enough consider this: the misfortune of your neighbors may soon be felt by you. These problems are not static; they will not sit pretty on the other person’s side of the bay. The beach in Port Fourchon, Louisiana is littered with potentially toxic oil-soaked debris, which may very soon end up in the landfills of Bourg, their neighbors only 30 miles north. The people of Bourg don’t want BP’s waste to end up in their town, but the concern here isn’t about trash pileup, its about safety. Chemist, Marianne L. Horinko, attested “the toxicity of oil waste…is very concentration-dependent.” No one wants to have a container full of toxic waste sitting around in their town infecting everyone who lives there. For the safety and health of the town, people need to band together to combat their common problem.
In closing, it is interesting to note that an integral part of the word community is ‘unity’ --autonomous individuals who engage in a partnership to achieve analogous goals. The Roman philosopher Cicero, once said “we are born to unite with our fellow men, and to join in community with the human race.” As human beings we inherently want to relate to each other because we have the basic goal of pursuing individual and collective happiness. We form communities where we live and work, it is where we feel comfortable and able to achieve our goals. As a global community we need to work together to find an auspicious solution to the environmental problems we all face.
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ReplyDelete@Dani
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your essay. I thought your thesis was innovative and engaging. I like the information you used for support. I appreciated that you discussed a topic outside of the realm of environmentalism that so nicely related to the prompt. It was a good read!
In light of the recent Deep Horizon oil rig explosion and the environmental damage to the Gulf of Mexico that followed, it is becoming ever clearer that environmental problems are becoming a global issue that must be addressed. It has been argued that it is pertinent that the world’s superpowers take the first steps in setting new environmental standards, however it is clear that unity among the nations of the world to address these environmental issues is needed. Only with unity among both the superpowers and third world nations of the world, can environmental issues of the world such as dependency on oil, global warming, and species extinction be addressed, failure to achieve unity will allow these problems to progress beyond the point of correction.
ReplyDeleteThe largest environmental issue facing the world today is global warming, and has far reaching effects around the globe. Global warming has been linked to the melting of the ice caps, the increase of species extinction, and changes in climate. The cause of global warming is the production of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and Methane that are produced by burning of coal, gasoline, and the raising of livestock. Even if the leading nations were to curb their greenhouse gas production through carbon taxes, increased fuel standards, and increased investment in alternative energy, it will do little to decrease the amount of carbon entering our atmosphere as developing nations continue to consume more and more resources and produce more CO2. China and India are in primary focus as their populations continue to grow rapidly and their demand for consumer goods increases exponentially. These nations have the potential to easily overcome the United States as the largest producer of greenhouse gases.
While many nations are in favor of instituting restrictions on the amount of greenhouse gases they produce, they cannot act until the standards are adopted uniformly among all nations. One major factor for this is the economic disadvantage that higher carbon standards put on a country’s industry by increasing the cost of doing business. In a global economy where contracts often go to the lowest bidder, the increased costs from implementing these standards from the cap and trade provisions, or increased technology to reduced gases leaving factories, or the higher costs of using renewable energy would put these nations at a disadvantage. Furthermore, if all nations were to invest in renewable energies simultaneously, it would lower the cost of the technology to put it at par with coal and oil. This would be achieved lowered costs from increased demand and output, as well as expediting innovation and technological advances from increased research spending.
As our world grows increasingly smaller due to technology, our problems are shifting from national issues into global ones. At the front of this shift are environmental issues that every nation contributes to, and every nation deals with the consequences. In order for these issues to be addressed before they grow beyond the point of control, nations must unify and act as one to implement a global solution.
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ReplyDelete@ Jazzy
I think you made a good point that as an immediate response to disasters, countries and communities unite to address the issue, but as time progresses this unity dissolves and little progress is made towards preventing future disasters. One point I would have like to see you make, is the inability for lawmakers to capitalize on the momentum of these disasters to pass policies to address our environmental issues or curb our demand on oil.
There are many factors in this world that divide human beings. These lines define what language we speak, culture we belong to, religion we follow, or traditions we uphold. At times these factors obscure our view of the world and the bond that we all naturally share as fellow inhabitants of the same planet. The truth is that we all depend on the same small list of limited resources that our miraculous planet can offer us. And it is sad to note that humans are naturally divided by petty differences that allow them to commit horrible acts of cruelty and rage on each other and on their common home. History has shown us that the one tie that can unite all human regardless of race, culture, or religion is the environment because we all depend of the same mother.
ReplyDeleteOne point that clearly depicts the unifying force that the environment can have on the people of this planet was observed in the wake of the tsunami that decimated many countries of the Indian Ocean. The truth is that before this horrible natural disaster, many people in this country could probably not locate the countries most affected by the tsunami on a map. But the natural gift of altruism that so many people hold dear to their heart, a gift that is often not employed in today’s cut-throat world helped people in that area recover and regain their lives in the wake of a living nightmare.
Another point that clearly illustrates the ability that the environment has in uniting the people of this planet in a way that no speech or politician ever could dream of doing can be observed in light of the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Now many people in this country disagree with the dependence that we have on the continued progress of the oil companies in light of their harmful effects on the environment. But although there are many views on the subject of “green energy” vs. oil there is a unanimous agreement that BP should be fully accountable for its actions and the negative effects that those actions will have on the ecosystem of the Gulf. The mass flood of volunteers and financial aids that has been sent to the people and area of the Gulf is another reminder that there is still good in this world worth fighting for.
Although we sometimes like to think that we are more evolved than Mother Nature’s other creatures, the truth is that we depend on her just as much if not more than other organisms of this planet. If there is one factor that can truly serve as a common link for all people on this planet, it has always been and will always be our everlasting connection to nature.
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@ Candice
ReplyDeleteI thought your comment was very well written with a clear argument and conclusion. And it is true that even if we don't want to help out our neighbors now when they are in most need, eventually we will all share in the same disaster.
@ Deon
ReplyDeleteI may be a bit biased, but I very much enjoyed your essay. By highlighting the need to work together and accept responsibility, as a collective society, you make a significant argument: our society does, in fact, seek to place blame upon others—particularly when “others” are part of America’s infamous “big-business.” Furthermore, it could be argued that our need to place blame upon individuals and/or companies not associated with ourselves could be associated with guilt from “driving around in our SUV’s” or using an excess of non-sustainable resources, as you said.
On a side note, watch out for the use of colloquialisms in your writing. Although phrases such as “when we were driving around in our SUV’s with the Air Conditioning running,” make a valid point, they don’t sound entirely academic. Just my two-cents!
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The natural environment plays a critical role in sustaining human life. Sustaining the environment is necessary for the flourishing of human society. But environmental problems are a global issue that cannot simply be handled by each individual nation since environmental issues are greater than any one nation. That being said, in addressing environmental issues humans must choose between unity through cooperation and disunity resulting in tragedy because these issues do not respect boundaries and because it is integral for future generations.
ReplyDeleteDespite the human desire for problems to begin and end at borders drawn on a map, environmental problems are rarely that simple. Pollution and other issues do not adhere to such rules. Instead, often times these problems span many nations and sometimes even multiple continents. With that in mind, nations are face with the decision to either unify or face disaster. A prime example can be seen in the Sargossa Sea where due to pollution, there is an amalgamation of trash that has built up and continues to spread. The Sea itself is not the property of any one country but many countries in the area and even others further away are being affected by the pollution. Accordingly, the only successful course of action requires a worldwide effort to find a solution and execute it because, if not remedied it will eventually affect nations around the world as well. And if the same problem was fixed nation by nation it would inevitably end up spreading as each nation tried to solve the issue when it hits their borders instead of preventing it from arriving in the first place. Such actions are also important when looking ahead to tomorrow.
Unity through cooperation in efforts to fix environmental problems is also important when considering future generations. Since our actions today create a precedent for actions tomorrow, if we refuse to cooperate with other nations then we are doing a disservice to ourselves and others. In addition, we have a duty to later generations to do all that we can to ensure they have a relatively clean and productive environment in which to live, for a society cannot run smoothly if the environment is not stable. This is analogous to a ship sailing smoothly and its crew working diligently when the haul is partially destroyed. The result would be anarchy. According, through unity we can ensure the future of our nations and our societies as a whole, while disunity will result in disaster.
The problems of the environment demand a choice between disunity and unity because these issues do not respect borders and are important for future generations. The problems of the environment that may one day be the problem of nation have the potential to become a problem of the world. Accordingly, we stand at a crossroads as we attempt to deal with the issues of today so that they do not become the issues of tomorrow.
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The environmental problems of the earth do not just impact one set of people but all people because they are not secluded to one area. People are challenged with two choices regarding the environment either come together or stay separated and watch the world as we know it disappear. Some people would like to accuse each other instead of being responsible. However, the environment needs cooperation between everyone so that it can be changed from a steady decreasing slope to an increasing. I will argue that the unity and cooperation are the best choices regarding the environment for everyone.
ReplyDeleteIf we continue to be divided, the animals of the world will suffer due to loss of habitat, poaching, and human neglect. Some argue that an animal in a different country or state has no effect on one’s life. However, everything is connected on earth and the loss of one begins the loss of another. Most people don’t realize the natural law of things in that when an animal loses its food or home, it will move until it finds something else to fill that space. This usually means coming closer to residencies where there is unused trash and available food.
The oil spill in the gulf is a great example of how unity is needed in environmental issues. BP is being blamed as they should be however, it is time for the rest of us to get up and help out in whatever way possible. At Port Fourchon in Louisiana, 250 tons of oily trash has been moved to nearby landfills. This is truly irresponsible on everyone’s part. How many animals have been impacted by this spill? How many animals that are on the endangered species list are being killed once again by human stupidity? We need to bring all our resources together and find a solution to this problem as soon as possible not because the beaches in Florida are turning ugly but because of the all of the habitats and animals dying because of a hole in a pipe.
Additionally, the people moving the oily trash to landfills need to ensure that it is not hazardous and that the landfills are properly equipped to hold oil. These two points are important because usually there are low income residents living near landfills. Hazardous materials will affect them, the landfill workers and the animals nearby in addition to the atmosphere. Some landfills are near aquifers which is a source of clean water. If these were to become contaminated than the people and animals near it would be harmed. In summary, a unified fight for the environment will ensure that future generations will not be deprived of the animals, forests, and natures pure beauty that we see willingly.
@Ricky
ReplyDeleteI liked how you used current events to prove your point. I also liked your intro (it grabbed my attention). I wish you would have expounded more as you used the tsunami to support your point though.
@ Mike Dickension,
ReplyDeleteYour argument is very good and keeps me interested throughout. The point about the how if on nation tries to fix something but doesn't involve other nations is very good. You should never try to reinvent the wheel but improve on what other people have done. This is exactly what everyone doing research does because first you must see what has been done and then find a way to make it better.
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ReplyDeleteWith daily news reports of newfound evidence of global warming, unexpected man-made disasters such as the recent British Petroleum (BP) Company’s oil spill, and increasing accounts of floating islands of off-shore garbage, it is hard to ignore that our environment is being severely abused. Many argue that environmental problems are global issues that have an effect on all. Thus, efforts to solve these issues should be world-wide, therefore bringing its people together. However, this argument fails to recognize that history has never shown that a global, or even national, consensus of how to handle a modern societal issue such as environmental decline, which may or may not be evident to all, is possible. Failure to see that such an ambitious attempt can not be reached will only deter growth and success in changing the current state of our environment, by allocating resources to counterproductive strategies. I argue that although the environment has no national boundaries, the issue of its decline will not provoke global change and unity until awareness is raised and it is directly linked to a wide spread disastrous or fatal event as evidenced in previous historical events.
ReplyDeleteIn the past decade there has been a large media circulation of global warming and retail sales have of environmentally friendly, or green products have skyrocketed. However some critics argue that there is little truth to reports of global warming. To many, global warming and environmental decline are not real or relevant issues because as of yet they have not been directly affected by it. Therefore the issue is not internationally viewed in the same way, and can not yet lead to a universal or global effort. The island of Haiti may be used as an example of this. Haiti has been afflicted with political upheaval, social depression, economic downturn, and environmental decline in the form of deforestation for ages. Although it is one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean, as well as the world, outside aid from other nations did not occur until the 2010 earthquake. The lack of quality of life of Haitian citizens and the environmental destruction of a beautiful island was not a global concern until it was no longer possible to ignore.
Some would argue that events such as the Love Canal incident or the recent earthquake in Haiti is a great example of a number of individuals and nations coming together and building a network of resources to restore communities. However, these examples, and other devastating disasters, cannot be used in comparison with the issue of the current state of our environment because they are not synonymous. As a whole, we are still in the preventative stages of this issue, which historically has never resulted in global change. For example, our nation’s legislation and campaigns to spread awareness of the devastating effects of smoking, eventually led to a large decline in cigarette smoking, but has not led to a global health campaign because this issue may not be viewed as relevant or as pressing of a matter in other nations. Indeed, even countries that educationally and economically may be viewed as out counterparts, such as France, have much higher rates of cigarette smoking, showing that what may be relevant and of concern to others may not be to another.
In conclusion, until awareness of environmental decline or a major catastrophic event is directly linked to this issue, global change and unity will not occur. We should focus on spreading awareness to nations that may not be environmentally conscious in order to work towards global change. As a nation we should mirror other countries success’s with environmental policies and legislation by implementing these in our country, and learn from ours and others’ past mistakes concerning the environment.
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@Netta
ReplyDeleteI think that you wrote a solid essay. I was able to easily identify the different parts of your introduction and your conclusion concisely stated what the essay was about. You also provided great supporting evidence. However, I do believe that you could have written the same essay and gotten the same point across in fewer words.
The universal aspect of the environment and its current declining state may cause the world to unite in its defense or in misfortune due to continued apathy according to some. Evidence of this can be seen in the changes in “average” weather and decline in many animal populations in Arctic and tropical areas. Natural disasters such as tsunamis and the recent earthquakes in Chile and Haiti have already demonstrated the uniting power of the environment. Because all the people of the world are united within one atmosphere and one continuous body of water, whatever happens in one area will eventually affect everyone.
ReplyDeleteIn the world, as in chemistry and life, everything moves to equilibrium. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has hurt BP, the coastal areas surrounding the gulf as the oil spreads and the seafood market across the country. Oil prices worldwide have been affected and as will all oil companies when mandatory changes are enacted. Just like the oil will continue spreading until its cleaned, the whole of the world will feel environmental effects until changes occur.
With the size of the planet and the large impact that one event like an oil spill can cause, major changes in the course of climate and the environment can only happen through combined reform. While many say climate shifts have often occurred in the history of our planet, few have had such dramatic effects on the atmosphere and wildlife nor been assisted by this level of human interaction. Just as the industrial revolution caused exponential increases in carbon dioxide levels, an environmental revolution have cause the opposite.
All people on Earth are united under the same atmosphere and we’re already poking holes in it. Besides the problems created by partial dissolution of the atmosphere, this means that what goes into the air, water, and soil has to come out somewhere so if its not removed by humans it will eventually come back to us through runoff, acid rain, or smog. All of these environmental issues result from excess pollution of some form- runoff comes mostly from fertilizer overuse while acid rain and smog come from too much air pollution due to car emissions and factories. While it may seem that most of these issues only affect the areas that cause the pollution, air pollution in one area can be carried by wind and acid rain will eventually fall and reach waterways- which all connect via the ocean.
The point- environmental decline will certainly treat the parts of the world as an aggregate since everything moves to equilibrium, all parts of the world are connected in some way and significant change can only be exacted through a combined effort. Earth’s only alternative is to see one of the major sci-fi blockbusters such as “The Core” or “Day After Tomorrow” play out on news stations worldwide as major disaster forces us together.
WC 482
The statement that “Environmental problems are global in scope and respect no nation’s boundaries,” is true undeniably true. Many of the problems of modern society stem from the overuse of natural resources in a for-profit market. When natural disasters occur such as a hurricane, earthquake or tsunami nations are faced with the choice to unite together or show disunity in the midst of tragedy through maintaining only a domestic interest, avoid being involved due to a conflict of interest or simply because that is not the idealistic reality of the world.
ReplyDeleteThe decline in our environment is nothing short of a man-made dilemma. Many have become deeply involved in finding ways to reduce the use of natural resources within their country. The focus of these efforts start with a domestic interest then branch out internationally to others. The problem with this method is that not all nations may be willing to implement these methods of reduced usage. While nations are hesitant to participate they fail to realize that while environmental problems are global in scope, they respect no nation’s boundaries.
The idealized concept here is that when a segment of the world is faced with millions of dollars in damage and a rising death toll, nations are faced with the task of humbling themselves and uniting to forge through a crisis or sit by and watch the suffering of millions of human beings. What it comes down to is not just a nation representing itself in the midst of tragedy but how individuals choose to act as humans living on planet Earth. For instance, the ideal act would be that the individuals in Haiti will be helped by any and every nation. Yet in reality it does not work that way. Many look at the television screen and critic the level of unity or question the motives of others or even speculate why are they doing so much to help those people?
The harsh reality is, while some nations come together and “unite” it lasts for the duration of the media coverage. To get a full scope of the level of unity one must examine the efforts of others when the cameras are gone and it’s no longer making headlines. Regardless of what is displayed on the tv screen there are still individuals struggling to piece their lives back together. When a natural disaster occurs, such as the earthquake in Haiti or the current oil spill in the Gulf Coast, nations must first understand environmental problems are global in scope, however they respect no legislative boundaries set by nations.
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@Alex
ReplyDeleteOverall, I liked your essay even though we interpreted the prompt differently. You used strong examples and counterarguments- including one that I used as support. They definitely helped your argument.
@ Michael
ReplyDeleteI liked how you used the example of the impact of our environmental usage today will effect the youth in future and the problems they will be faced with and how that is even more a reason to unify. I didn't think about future generations in my argument.
Over the course of history, there have been many environmental problems and natural disasters that the world has faced. Some problems have been solely affected by a certain group of people and/or certain areas, while some problems have affected the entire world. Many may argue that our declining environment has and continues to unite people. However, a number of people fail to realize that there are some people who are not directly affected by certain environmental disasters and in turn are not involved with reconstruction, prevention, and/or the assistance to the ones who become distressed from the outcomes. What a portion of people do not grasp is that the communities that are affected by the declination of our environment are most often dealing with the unfortunate consequences alone. If anything a community may unite. I will argue that there is no global unification of people due to environmental problems that in fact are not global in scope.
ReplyDeleteWhenever a natural disaster occurs or there is an environmental problem there is usually a certain area that is affected by it. Some argue that these occurrences cause people to unite and work together to rebuild from these circumstances. When in fact, the immediate and maybe surrounding areas are the only ones who are affected by these so called global problems and have any chance in uniting, but it is rare. For example, if we look back to Hurricane Katrina, only New Orleans was affected by this disaster. More in depth, black families suffered from the effects of the disaster more and for a longer period of time. With that being said, there was unity within the black communities of New Orleans, yet there was less unity between the white and black communities. There was no unity because everyone was affecting differently. It is sad to admit, but if you are not getting the bad end of the stick then you tend not to care. On another note, not to say that many people did not contribute by donating money to the cost of reconstruction after the hurricane, but there was no world or surrounding unity. If one wants to think that the donation of money is unity, then we can say that there was partial unity.
In the end, it is natural for people to ignore a problem if they are not directly affected by it and that is what I am arguing. There is no unity that comes along with environmental problems. If there was unity then we would not have a huge problem with global warming as it stands. Unfortunately, when one area is affected with environmental problems, some areas are unaware and sometimes not concerned with the problem in no way. The world must realize that in the end we are all affected by these environmental factors one way or another then maybe we can begin to unify to save ourselves as one world. Until then, there is no unity and the problems will only worse.
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@Patricia I really liked all of you examples. They were very solid and concrete and helped explain your argument.
ReplyDeleteMany view any issue pertaining to the environment as a global issue because environmental problems are global in scope and respect no nation’s boundaries. Currently, at the fore-front of environmental policy are topics such as global warming, alternative energy source initiatives, and natural disasters relief procedures. Such topics and events have sparked conversations about the importance of sustainable practices, the removal of wasteful practices, regulation of corporation’s waste deposits, and clean up/relief procedures in the event of tragedies. These preventive and action measures describe the efforts the world community can take to unify against the decline of our environment. Yet, despite understanding that environmental problems allow global citizens the unique opportunity to unifying towards the common goal of preventing our environment’s decline, the actual decision to come together or remain dis-unified remains a limited priority. It is only during times of tragedy or misfortune that the global community places emphasis on the well-being of our environment, instead of coming together to maintain everyday sustainable or preventive practices. More recent events in the last couple of years, such as the gulf oil spill and the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, demonstrate that such disasters only present short term awareness of environmental issue and not continuous action towards environmental issue.
ReplyDeleteThe more recent oil spill along the Gulf Coast is a prime example of a disaster that has created awareness towards environmental issues. For the oil spill which took place in late April of 2010, official have yet to find a solution to stop the oil from spreading or safely remove it from the water. The wide spread attention of the spill has created both concern and outrage on the lack of procedure in relieving such disasters and irresponsible federal regulation of the company, While there is public speculation and criticism of the event, the public is doing very little to push for safer environmental practices for the long term. As the government is understandably working on current situation of the oil spill much of it is short-term initiative for environmental policy and practice.
Next, in the case of Hurricane Katrina, much of the devastation of the storm still remains present. The storm which took place in 2005, still harshly impacts New Orleans five years later. When the storm initially occurred, efforts to relieve it devastation were slow despite public outrage. Although relief efforts increased with pressure, significant efforts dwindled after time. Therefore, much of the rubble and severe pollution remains there today. Such pollutants left after the devastation, greatly impacted the quality of water the citizens have. Many people have become sick because of the polluted water, yet efforts to remove such pollutants remain slow. Katrina also highlighted the lack of relief procedures that exist for such tragic disasters. As such, despite the short term efforts made by the government, the citizens and environment continue to be affected by the storm and the lack of environmental clean -up efforts.
In conclusion, although environmental issues and problems connect the world community together, most environmental efforts are short term and not continuous over time. Devastation events such as the Gulf oil spill and Hurricane Katrina only emphasize initial action toward environmental regulations that change and slow over time. Despite outrage of environmental injustices and misfortunes, while the world community’s actions are initial and unified, long term efforts are not as prevalent.
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@ Taila
ReplyDeleteTalia, I think you raise some interesting points about environmental affects being geographical. It is true that people in the immediate area are the most affect and those who are not there are affected differently. I do think though with the events that you used as examples, there was public reaction to such devastation which reveals some level of unity and sympathy. Overall, I would agree in term of unity, differences of impact and relevance among people reveal disunity.