Statistically, We're Screwed.

This week's readings focused primarily on statistics and examples of how various human activities have negatively impacted the world we live in. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment seems to be purposefully overwhelming with its amount of data. Red Sky at Morning, Speth takes on an almost preaching tone while he describes the numerous instances where human development has virtually destroyed many ecosystems once prolific on this planet. I found these readings troubling, at the very least. While I have always had an interest in environmentalism, I have never been exposed to the actual statistics of how dramatic the situation is.

While Speth’s tone may sometimes be too dramatic and condemning, it is effective in that the reader is compelled to read on in hopes of an answer to the crisis he describes. I, for one, am eager to see how he expands on ways to counteract the damage caused. I was most interested in the section in chapter three where he discusses the need for change in public policy in order to facilitate environmental change, particularly in regards to developing states.

The issue of the environmental impact created by developing countries was also touched upon in the film “Endangered Planet”. The people living in these countries are forced to view environmentalism as a luxury reserved for those who can afford to deviate from inexpensive and yet deleterious methods of production. I agree with Speth when he says that “It is doubtful…the developing nations will act on their emissions unless the industrial nations…validate the seriousness of the issue and demonstrate their commitment to action by taking steps first”. Also, Speth links excessive deterioration of natural environments to corrupt governments, citing the example that 80% of timber taken from the Amazon is illegally felled. With this in mind, it is very easy to see why poorer countries ruled by corrupt governments would be difficult to reach without large-scale international pressure. This pressure can only be applied once we ourselves implement reforms on our own systems.

The other day while stumbling around on the internet I read an article that seemed somewhat relevant, or at least symbolic. A soldier in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was eaten by a hippopotamus while illegally fishing (Source: news.yahoo.com). I think we should all take a hint.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090912/wl_africa_afp/drcongomilitaryanimalenvironment_20090912175132