Earth Charter

Kamilah Van

Professor Brenda Thomas

IDS 3920 CRN 10140

Journal Entry Earth Charter

Photo Credit: http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/content_images/14/ECH%20Initiative.jpg

 

The Earth Charter is a document that stands and supports the future of the Earth. Its intent is to establish a set of guidelines that humanity can follow in order to protect the resources we have in order to have a prosperous future. This document serves as a guide for all of use to live sustainable lives for the good of the home we all share. "Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with a unique community of life." As repeated in class constantly we all have a role in the protection of Earth. It is not only expected but it is encouraged through the text, trips and class discussions we have constantly. What I like about the document is that it is broken down into four sections that attempt to tackle and address some of the problems we are dealing with currently. Hopefully this document can have the power to be adopted by all and given as much value as we could our constitution and other documents for global good.

Photo Credit: http://earthcharterus.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/MP900430642.jpg

 

The following statement is towards the opening of the document: "The choice is ours: form a global partnership to care for Earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and the diversity of life. Fundamental changes are needed in our values, institutions, and ways of living". This statement offers to set the tone of the document and leads to the many important parts that will take place. The document is broken down into four sections: Respect and Care for the Community of Life, Ecological Integrity, Social and Economic Justice, and Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace. These sections host many other subjects that will help with the point of the document. I feel that by reading this it puts into the perspective the responsibilities that we all have for the Earth. At this point in my college experience a vast majority of what I have learned about the environment has been taught to me in various courses. It is important to expand my knowledge and actually want to apply these concepts after I graduate. The time has come for sustainable living to become something that is seriously done in every area of human existence. It's time that people take more responsibility and put more emphasis on the issues. I feel that once a document like this can be genuinely adopted then progress can begin.

Photo Credit: http://ecyg.wikispaces.com/file/view/Word%20Cloud%20-%20ECYG.png/414543670/566x501/Word%20Cloud%20-%20ECYG.png

I liked reading the document because it broke down how we can make an effort to fix some of the problems going on. Since the issues host a wide variety of subjects there is something that all areas of authority can find significant. "In order to build a sustainable global community, the nations of the world must renew their commitment to the United Nations, fulfill their obligations under existing international agreements, and support the implementation of Earth Charter principles with an international legally binding instrument on environment and development". In an effort to continue to educate people about documents like this it is important that education continues. Apart from this class I'm not sure that I would have known that a document like this existed. One thing I can say is that FGCU is making an effort to make sure that when students leave this institution they have a better understanding and relationship to the issues at hand. Here is the link to the Earth Charter Document: http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/pages/Read-the-Charter.html

Journal Entry: Orr

Kamilah Van
IDS 3920 CRN 10140
Professor Brenda Thomas

Exerpt from Earth in Mind: On Education Environment, and the Human Prospect

Love it or Lose it: The Coming Biophili Revolution

David W. Orr

To have a desire to live a sustainable life can be an asset and a liability. Through the text it develops the idea that being living sustainably is cause for debate. How can one make better effort to embrace a lifestyle that will support our future? Whenever you hold influence over someone or something honestly live your life and strive to be an example every day. But do not worry wherever you fall short reach out to someone who can lift you up not knock you down. Can you imagine what the world would be like if we practice sustainability on a daily basis? The possibilities are endless! From the perspective of the author biophilia was discussed and various examples of its existence were given. "The affinity for life or biophilia competes with other drives and affinities, including biophobia disguised beneath the abstractions and presumptions of progress found in economics, management, and technology" (Orr).

Photo Credit: https://www.gupmagazine.com/system/assets/5775/ultra_large/BIOPHILIA_Vernaschi%20(15).jpg?1337770446

What drives people to establish their relationship with the environment? One can guess a sense of place or some sort of connection comes into play. It is hard to do the right thing in a world where doing wrong has become a norm, and even harder when you are used to the current state of the social norms. I chose to inspire and be inspired by others. Life is a journey and you will not always have the answers to the trials and tribulations. By being at FGCU I am taught to value living sustainably and strive for something greater. Also to question what the norms are and speak on my opinion about the sustainability of my environment. "It is necessary to undermine community, and with it resistance to crossing the divide" (Orr).

Photo Credit: http://alisonleighlilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/shelley-world-single1-500x342-300x205.jpg

Even though there are a million people doing the wrong thing you can be the one who chooses to do Right for the good of the Earth and yourself. You do not have to always strive for a reward but it is nice to know that other may see your good deeds and look past your exterior to see that everyone is responsible for their part in this ecological crisis. "we are now engaged in a great global debate about what it means to live "sustainably" on earth" (Orr).



Field Trip Reflection

Field Trip Reflection

Kamilah Van

The field trip to downtown Fort Myers connected with my sense of place. I determine my sense of place to embody the elements of a city environment. By our field trip to downtown Fort Myers I was able to learn more history about the city and visualize the advances it has made over the years.

From the field trip I learned for the first time about the military history that the city holds. There were many monuments that honored veterans and specific military officials that are significant to that area. I also learned about Ford, Firestone, and Edison and the part they played on the area.  

 

Photo Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lLB-bMQt4-EO7FB2yBElqTBpOEhqCGmoVnJjU_lApcbQqtY6wBJxnFAJnH-YU2jZW9uO5N8XXNSBemYcUB20o7_OnTIA56kYBORx7yE8Yy3hHxWHjsqRP9un_H2LQ48KsWVI_r0hH0s/s1600/IMG_2579.JPG

Going on the field trip impacted me for both the present and the future because it allowed me to see that there is success in progress. The city of Fort Myers has come a long way since it's initial founding and I am confident that this city still pays admiration to it's roots. I like how the area was still able to incorporate the military history and the relationship with the environment.

 

Photo Credit: http://www.artswfl.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/102.jpg

The experience of the field trip connects to the readings and discussion from class because it puts a visual to the concepts we discuss. One of the points we covered in class was urban sprawl and how communities grow and develop and how they affect the environment. It's important to understand how development can change an area. It is especially important for Fort Myers because a majority of the area was marsh environment before the water was drained and plans were made to create neighborhoods.

Journal Entry: Goodall

Kamilah Van

Professor Brenda Thomas

IDS 3920 CRN 10140

Journal Entry: Goodall

Excerpt from Hope for Animals and Their World

Healing Earth’s Scars: It’s Never Too Late

Jane Goodall, Gail Hudson, and Thane Maynard

Through shared stories about species and their importance to the environment this narrative was able to provide a closer look in regards to endangered species. “My four reasons for hope, about which I have written and spoken extensively, are simple- naive perhaps, but they work for me: our quite extraordinary intellect, the resilience of nature, the energy and commitment of informed young people who are empowered to act, and commitment of informed young people who are empowered to act, and the indomitable human spirit” (Goodall). The efforts done to limit and ultimately eliminate the rate at which animals are on the verge of extinction allow a clearer understanding of the tasks that people are taking on throughout the world. As a closer look is taken as to why endangered species are becoming more of a norm one can find that the collaborative efforts of others are allowing such animals to have a safe environment to get out of their current status. Through the many examples the passion of the author about this cause is apparent. Something to be noted is that it takes man efforts, laws, and funding to help establish safer environments for the animals to live in and flourish.

Collaboration picture of engangered species.

Photo Credit: http://jade4402.edublogs.org/files/2013/03/Endangered-species-1txn6nv.jpg

 

What I was enlightening about this reading were the countless examples of efforts being done around the world to help rehabilitate areas that were diminishing which ultimately affected the animals that inhabited that area.  By taking a closer look at places like Kenya, Utah, and Ontario I was provided with a better understanding of the hard work that goes into making sure that the animals in question are provided with quality living conditions to help elongate their lives. “The pollution of our streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans is one of the more shocking results of the use of chemicals and other damaging agents in agriculture, industry, household products, golf courses, and gardens, since much of this poison is washed into the water” (Goodall). Through the various examples it provided me with a better visual of the situation. Also, I was apparent that with the collaboration of others who care about the issue matters could be taken to ensure that endangered species are eliminated by providing more concern for the needs of such animals. With each project completed more opportunities are available to diminish the terrifying rates of animal extinction.

Logo for the Jane Goodall Institute.

Photo Credit: http://www.janegoodall.org/

 

Apart from endangered species this reading talked about a variety of other world issues such as water pollution, relief efforts, and education. What is good about this part of the text is that it didn’t just focus on one type of issue. By branching out to these other topics it provided a better understanding of the surrounding area. “All around the world, it has been shown that as women’s education improves, family size tends to drop- and after all, it was the growth of the population in the area that first led to the grim conditions TACARE was trying to address” (Goodall). With a better understanding of the issues at hand the public can be better aware of what’s going on. For those interested in helping this provides a larger platform for them to determine the areas that need help. By collaborating with efforts like JGI and TACARE it can help improve the lives of people in poor communities.  

Excerpt from Hope for Animals and Their World

Why Save Endangered Species?

Jane Goodall, Gail Hudson, and Thane Maynard

It’s important to have concern for endangered animals because they are a part of the land. With the collaborative effort of what all animals and plants provide to the Earth we all have an important role. Through this text more efforts and explanations where made about the importance for saving animals that can’t save themselves. This reading is more persuasive than the last but is still rooted in examples and key findings that assist in this cause.  “It is indeed true that the expense of saving an endangered species can be exorbitant, so it is fortunate that in many countries there are laws protecting life-forms threatened with extinction” (Goodall). With hundreds of species going into extinction without human concern it is important that closer attention is paid to such animals in an effort to offer relief. As more research is produced about this topic it is interesting to see the continuous efforts that are being implemented over time.

Baby Red Wolfs.

Photo Credit: http://www.fws.gov/redwolf/

Throughout the reading the importance is stressed about why we need nature in our lives. For me this reminds me of the sense of place discussions that is incorporated in our coursework and class discussions. I wonder from this reading how much sense of place factors how an individual feels about such issues as endangered species. “If we allow extinctions to happen through ignorance or greed, then with the loss of each endangered species and unique population, our world becomes less diverse and strikingly less beautiful and mysterious” (Goodall). I believe that we should all hold each other accountable for the efforts that we take place in because it could be the issues behind why animals are falling into extinction. If our society held more concern about the importance of endangered species I believe it would improve how we feel about the topic ad promote change.  

 

Home page of World Wild Life. Featuring Top 5 Species Adoptions.

Photo Credit: http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/default.aspx?sc=AWY1200WCGA4&searchen=google&gclid=CLGbl4-mvb0CFfNxOgodUzAAPg

One thing about this reading is that it leans on hope as a needed factor to promote change. Educating people can be one of the key components to getting more support on the issue. Protecting the Earth is a major concern and as a society we need to learn how to get around barriers like government neglect and the values placed on these issues. “To save planet Earth, each of us who cares must become involved in protecting and restoring the wild places and the animals and plants that live there (Goodall).  With everyone playing their role in the design of our society I think sometimes it takes people being able to see that their actions to make a difference. With collaborative efforts from concerned individuals and nonprofit organization many efforts can be made.  

*There were two readings written by Goodall so I wrote about both.

Journal Entry: Carson

Kamilah Van

Rachel Carson Journal Entry

Professor Brenda Thomas

March 24, 2014

Through this week's reading I liked the style of "A Fable for Tomorrow". This brief story took the time to explain a small prosperous town. There once was a town in the heart of American where all life seemed to live in harmony with its surroundings"(Carson). This reading was unlike any we have read so far and what I admired about it the most is that it was relate able to similar towns that we have in America. Though the text does no give an exact description of where the town is located I can tell that it was a town that was heavily dependent on agriculture and livestock. Tragedy struck the town when all of its prosperity was stripped away. Through this text described a story of a little town I can relate the situation to how many places has suffered the same fate due to illness or unforeseen weather condition altering the state of an environment. "A grim specter has crept upon us almost unnoticed, and this imagined tragedy may easily become a stark reality we shall know" (Carson). Though I am no sure of the purpose of this ready because it was so short I think it was a better read and a good way to transition into the next story written by the Carson.

In "The Obligation to Endure" it spans out and provides a more in-depth thought on the contamination of the environment. “This is an era of specialists, each of whom sees his own problem and is unaware of or intolerant of the larger frame into which ti fits" (Carson). What really stood out to me was how the author discussed past and present ways that have influenced the way our environment is constructed now.

Photo Credit: http://www.griffith.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0009/361188/environment-quarantine-320x213px.jpg

This reading talks about the effects of DDT which stood out to me since it was discussed on a past fieldtrip to CREW. Also, I have a friend who is majoring in environmental studies and some of the topics in this ready were similar to conversations we have had on different elements of the environment. "Quarantine and massive chemical campaigns are only extremely expensive ways of buying time" (Carson). Towards the end of the reading I wish there was a better job of describing ways in which more things could be done to take care of this issue. I believe the best way to get people to support this issue is to better educate them and offer not only the problem but an obtainable solution. Hopefully I will be able to get more insight on this topic in our class discussions but overall it was an interesting and informative reading.

Jounal Entry: Shiva

Kamilah Van
March 17, 2014
Professor Brenda Thomas
Journal Entry: Vandana Shiva

"Biodiversity means the diversity of life- the rich diversity of life forms on our beautiful planet" (Shiva). No matter how hard we try we can never escape the presence of biodiversity. As our world continues to make advancements we convince ourselves that the ways of the past and the progress of the future cannot work together to further the common good of all. But the truth is wherever we go and whatever we do biodiversity influences the makings of who we are as individuals. "The destruction of biodiversity translates into the destruction of the diversity of the livelihoods of large majority of the Third World people who make their living as farmers, fishermen, craftspeople, and healers" (Shiva).Different approaches to scientific knowledge arise problems that can be solved if the right balance is set into play. It is important to know what we have done before we make further efforts to allow biodiversity to benefit humanity. Still it is important to allow biodiversity to be in balance in order to maintain a harmony. Scientists continue to make advances and as more effort is placed on the importance of biodiversity and it's benefits I believe it will help educate those that it benefits more and more each day. The greatest thing about moving forward in the future is that more of the problems are being solved and that brings us all closer to allow something new to form. "Biodiversity has rescued our food security from the risks of genetic uniformity" (Shiva). With these advances greater things are to come. The connection about a past is that we can let it have as much hold on our future as we allow it. Further access to better technology will hopefully open new avenues for biodiversity to flourish.

 

Plan B

Digital Design by: Kamilah Van

Are you Taking Care of Things?

au·thor·i·ty
1.      the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine.

As humans it seems that we have absolute authority and control over all of the Earth's creations. We can choose the impact we make. If other elements reign over us it can be hard to get things done and the needs of the greater good can be ignored. "It looks now as though food is the weak link, just as it was for many earlier civilizations"(Brown). Instead of going against the environment and the benefits it holds we can all work together to benefit everyone's basic needs. Those with a loving authority and awareness of the environment are proof of this. "As the world struggles to feed all its people, farmers are facing several trying trends" (Brown). It's a tragedy to see that people go without when something could be done to change this reality.

ex·pec·ta·tion

1. the act or the state of expecting: to wait in expectation.

It is amazing how we give people the responsibility over the environment and creatures that inhabit Earth. We are expected to take responsibility for the environment and the other creatures that share our planet. So I ask this, what have you done in your life to reach environment expectations? We could all use the selflessness of people who wish to protect resources and restore certain areas.  In order to provide a better future an example for living our own life with respect to the environment can inspire others.