International Environmental Issues (EnvS 225)

Jared Diamond lists 8 categories of environmental damage (p.6) and five factors that must be considered in determining whether a society might collapse or not (pp.10-11). Put Montana in Diamond's framework and tell us whether you think Montana is on the verge of collapse. Why or why not?

Why are economists like Boulding and Daly concerned about the scale of human activities in relation to the biosphere? Explain the expressions "cowboy economy" and "spaceship economy." What are the differences between these two economic situations?

Explain why the growth of GDP does not represent a satisfying indicator of development

On page 114, Catherine Orliac is quoted as asking, "Why destroy a forest that one needs for his (i.e., an Easter Islander's) material and spiritual survival?" How would you answer this question after reading Chapter 2?

Apply the lesson of Chaco Canyon to our current environmental situation in light of the potential for climate change and its unknown consequences.

Dr. Hanna Cortner, the author of the assigned article, asserts that, "there is no such thing as objective science" and argues that science reflects the culture and agenda of science and scientists. Do you agree with this assertion? Why or why not?

What criticism(s) does the author level at using technical solutions as "first order solutions"? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Think about the deforestation on Easter Island related to moving the large statues from the quarry to their final sites. And think about the fact that the Norse of Greenland did not eat the fish that were so bountiful in their waters. Discuss the role of culture in their choices and how culture applies to our present environmental concerns.

Discuss the connection between poverty and environmental degradation in developing countries.

What ethical problems does the developed world face in advising the developing world to practice sustainable development?

Compare and contrast some of the environmental problems in Rwanda, Haiti and the Dominican Republic and explain how and why the Dominican Republic has been more successful in managing their environment than the other two. 

What socio-political factors were at work that made the successful cleanup of the Huai River unlikely?

If government planners start with the assumption the economic development by its very nature causes negative environmental impacts, what options do these planners have in countries like India, China, Haiti or Kenya?

Some U.S. social theorists argue that, "ambitious efforts to seek social justice often leave societies worse off than before because they either require massive state intervention that disrupts existing relationships or produce unanticipated consequences." Evaluate this statement in light of what you have read about China in Chapter 12 of Collapse

Based on what you have learned in class so far and in the assigned article, what arguments can you make for the importance of biodiversity conservation?

Othello and Kiringe suggest possible strategies to mitigate threats to biodiversity in Kenya. What problems might they encounter in attempting to implement their proposed strategy of involving local communities in conservation planning?