Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Hunger-Corporate Corruption?-Journal on Famine (Tuesday, April 24th, 2012)
Hunger-Corporate Corruption?
Through time, countries in the more developed part of the world have been confused to be prosperous in every way because of their economic status and development which might be better than other countries. Nations such as Canada and America continue to increase in population as individuals migrate from other countries in pursuit of a more prestigious future for themselves and their families; however, certain amenities which seem to be easily attainable in these countries are actually illusions cast by governments and corporations.
Famine is defined by Wikipedia as a widespread scarcity of food; however, this word is not limited to only developing countries in which numerous individuals do not have access to food, it refers to regions world wide in which people may not have food. Despite the great economic status of Western countries, people in many cities cannot access food due to their restricted incomes. Produce and food supplies which are sold at local supermarkets seem to display a great deal of diversity as many individuals believe they are from different companies; however, in reality, there are only a few corporations behind all brands in modern Western supermarkets. Food Inc. is a movie in which corruption among corporations involved in food production in the United States of America is portrayed. The movie shows that the supermarket is a place that consists of illusions of various companies, when there are only a few providing all the food to consumers. According to the movie, we are in fact limited to our purchases and what we consume because we can't chose the root provider for our food. Consumers in America who have smaller incomes have to resort to fast food restaurants to attain food because fresh produce is beyond what their budget can afford; therefore, are at a higher risk of obesity and attaining other diseases. As consumers, we are only allowed to purchase our food without having little or no information about its history and where it came from; therefore, we are at a greater risk of getting diseases as we grow more vulnerable.
As human beings, we don't have control over where what we eat comes from; however, we do have control over what we eat. Despite countries in Africa and other parts of the world which suffer from famine rates, local communities in Western nations such as Canada and the United States have similar problems. Since corporations decide what is best for the consumer and put a heavy price tag on food items which would be healthier for consumption, individuals in developed countries who cannot afford fresh and healthy produce have no choice but to conform to fast food restaurants or food banks. We might witness a family driving around in a BMW; however, we may not be aware of the fact that they may not even have enough money to buy a loaf of bread and eggs from No Frills.
Urbanization in Western countries has in fact benefited various people; however as more corporations start coming into play, a web of illusions is forming around us making us mere puppets. We may have a great quality of life and access to basic necessities; however, we will never truly gain control of where those necessities come from.
The movie portrays cattle farms in which cattle are given corn to eat so that they grow faster for slaughter; however, cows are supposed to consume grass, not corn. Companies for their own profit will take the easy way out, but in doing so, they put clueless consumers' lives at risk.
People in our own country are hungry everyday, the only difference is, many of them can access the food bank. Where does the problem lie? Corporations.
Since corporations are in charge of produce and what price to sell it at, many people cannot afford food and would rather pay their mortgage or debt and resort to easier food options aka their local McDonald's. What is this doing? Increasing obesity risks and consumer vulnerability. Here we all are ready to donate food to countries around the world; however, we are completely disregarding the people in our own communities who are victimized by corporate corruption.
I truly believe that as individuals we should try to help local communities before taking a step in the global direction because as people locally become aware, they will not hesitate to help global issues. The same corporations which control our meals are part of an economic web which probably affects those in developing countries as well; therefore, taking sustainable local action will undoubtedly make us secure enough to take global action.
Through time, countries in the more developed part of the world have been confused to be prosperous in every way because of their economic status and development which might be better than other countries. Nations such as Canada and America continue to increase in population as individuals migrate from other countries in pursuit of a more prestigious future for themselves and their families; however, certain amenities which seem to be easily attainable in these countries are actually illusions cast by governments and corporations.
Famine is defined by Wikipedia as a widespread scarcity of food; however, this word is not limited to only developing countries in which numerous individuals do not have access to food, it refers to regions world wide in which people may not have food. Despite the great economic status of Western countries, people in many cities cannot access food due to their restricted incomes. Produce and food supplies which are sold at local supermarkets seem to display a great deal of diversity as many individuals believe they are from different companies; however, in reality, there are only a few corporations behind all brands in modern Western supermarkets. Food Inc. is a movie in which corruption among corporations involved in food production in the United States of America is portrayed. The movie shows that the supermarket is a place that consists of illusions of various companies, when there are only a few providing all the food to consumers. According to the movie, we are in fact limited to our purchases and what we consume because we can't chose the root provider for our food. Consumers in America who have smaller incomes have to resort to fast food restaurants to attain food because fresh produce is beyond what their budget can afford; therefore, are at a higher risk of obesity and attaining other diseases. As consumers, we are only allowed to purchase our food without having little or no information about its history and where it came from; therefore, we are at a greater risk of getting diseases as we grow more vulnerable.
As human beings, we don't have control over where what we eat comes from; however, we do have control over what we eat. Despite countries in Africa and other parts of the world which suffer from famine rates, local communities in Western nations such as Canada and the United States have similar problems. Since corporations decide what is best for the consumer and put a heavy price tag on food items which would be healthier for consumption, individuals in developed countries who cannot afford fresh and healthy produce have no choice but to conform to fast food restaurants or food banks. We might witness a family driving around in a BMW; however, we may not be aware of the fact that they may not even have enough money to buy a loaf of bread and eggs from No Frills.
Urbanization in Western countries has in fact benefited various people; however as more corporations start coming into play, a web of illusions is forming around us making us mere puppets. We may have a great quality of life and access to basic necessities; however, we will never truly gain control of where those necessities come from.
The movie portrays cattle farms in which cattle are given corn to eat so that they grow faster for slaughter; however, cows are supposed to consume grass, not corn. Companies for their own profit will take the easy way out, but in doing so, they put clueless consumers' lives at risk.
People in our own country are hungry everyday, the only difference is, many of them can access the food bank. Where does the problem lie? Corporations.
Since corporations are in charge of produce and what price to sell it at, many people cannot afford food and would rather pay their mortgage or debt and resort to easier food options aka their local McDonald's. What is this doing? Increasing obesity risks and consumer vulnerability. Here we all are ready to donate food to countries around the world; however, we are completely disregarding the people in our own communities who are victimized by corporate corruption.
I truly believe that as individuals we should try to help local communities before taking a step in the global direction because as people locally become aware, they will not hesitate to help global issues. The same corporations which control our meals are part of an economic web which probably affects those in developing countries as well; therefore, taking sustainable local action will undoubtedly make us secure enough to take global action.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Solution...-Journal on Sustaining the Population and Food Production (Monday, April 23rd, 2012)
The Solution...
Sustaining the increasing population of the world is not that big of a deal because the main problem lies within the production of food. Basic human survival consists of food, shelter, water and adequate sanitation, which most human being in the world have no access to. As the world continues to grow in numbers and innovate in all areas, researchers are trying to pose a solution which can support the population and its future.
Currently, developed countries attain various corporations that hire farmers so that their people can be fed; however, as the economy continues to benefit from the massive food production, it is the environment which suffers losses that may never be recoverable.
The United States of America is known to be one of the top food producers in the world because various corporations in the country own cattle, chicken and vegetable farms which not only sustain people, but food franchises. To grow vegetables and raise cattle for food, companies allow farmers to clear valuable land; however, despite this process continuing to feed millions of mouths, it is undeniably starving the future of the world. It seems as if the betterment of the environment cannot compete against the profit/ loss mindset of many companies because a sustainable future is just starting to 'blur' in their visions; therefore, as long as their generation is happy, the future of the world does not really matter.
Most animals bred by farmers are bred to be slaughtered and are genetically manipulated to please the consumer. The fact that most individuals living in developed countries are thoroughly consuming genetically engineered food is in fact shocking and is undoubtedly turning into a nightmare as bacteria poisoning rates in the United States of America continue to incline.
Currently, the population of the world is 7 billion and growing; however, this does not mean that all individuals living in the world are consuming the same amount of food as the average American because malnourishment and lack of water are two issues which are present in many parts of the world. How is the future population of the world going to be sustained with so much dispersement of basic necessities? Is the population of the world not sustainable because we don't have enough land for everyone to reside on? No.
The planet we all call our home has abundant land which could accommodate a large amount of people; therefore, the problem does not lie with the lack of land, the problem lies with how that land is being used by developed countries and the inequality present in the world is benefiting some groups while demoralizing others. The problem is selfishness. We as global citizens can in fact share earth with another 15 billion people if we decided to consume what is required. The fact that individuals in developed countries consume large amounts of food drives corporations to continue deforestation of land which can be used by farmers. As long as the economy appears to be doing well, companies will disregard the logic behind sustaining the environment. Is there a solution to this problem? Can we in fact support the future population of the world? The truth is, we cannot. If action is taken against deforestation of land to sustain the environment, enough food will not be produced to support the population. Companies will suffer major losses causing downfall in the economy and loss of jobs. If no action is taken in protecting the environment, the future of the world will suffer.
It is unfortunate that mankind is now stuck in choosing between a sustainable present and a sustainable future. This does not mean nothing can be done. There may not be a solution in preventing companies from jeopardizing the future of the world or from environmentalists jeopardizing the economy, but there is action every individual can take to ensure that the future of the world is free from malnourishment and poverty. By corporations producing what is required will help the population of countries by preventing health problems and unequal distribution of food. As food production is brought down to what is required, the environment and its resources will be available for future generations.
Humans are naturally born with a need for selfishness; however, humans are also naturally entitled to attain pride in their work; therefore, if every human being on the planet decides to contribute in sustaining the environment, they will be satisfying their default setting of selfishness and will also be passing down the importance of unity with others and nature to their children.
Sustaining the increasing population of the world is not that big of a deal because the main problem lies within the production of food. Basic human survival consists of food, shelter, water and adequate sanitation, which most human being in the world have no access to. As the world continues to grow in numbers and innovate in all areas, researchers are trying to pose a solution which can support the population and its future.
Currently, developed countries attain various corporations that hire farmers so that their people can be fed; however, as the economy continues to benefit from the massive food production, it is the environment which suffers losses that may never be recoverable.
The United States of America is known to be one of the top food producers in the world because various corporations in the country own cattle, chicken and vegetable farms which not only sustain people, but food franchises. To grow vegetables and raise cattle for food, companies allow farmers to clear valuable land; however, despite this process continuing to feed millions of mouths, it is undeniably starving the future of the world. It seems as if the betterment of the environment cannot compete against the profit/ loss mindset of many companies because a sustainable future is just starting to 'blur' in their visions; therefore, as long as their generation is happy, the future of the world does not really matter.
Most animals bred by farmers are bred to be slaughtered and are genetically manipulated to please the consumer. The fact that most individuals living in developed countries are thoroughly consuming genetically engineered food is in fact shocking and is undoubtedly turning into a nightmare as bacteria poisoning rates in the United States of America continue to incline.
Currently, the population of the world is 7 billion and growing; however, this does not mean that all individuals living in the world are consuming the same amount of food as the average American because malnourishment and lack of water are two issues which are present in many parts of the world. How is the future population of the world going to be sustained with so much dispersement of basic necessities? Is the population of the world not sustainable because we don't have enough land for everyone to reside on? No.
The planet we all call our home has abundant land which could accommodate a large amount of people; therefore, the problem does not lie with the lack of land, the problem lies with how that land is being used by developed countries and the inequality present in the world is benefiting some groups while demoralizing others. The problem is selfishness. We as global citizens can in fact share earth with another 15 billion people if we decided to consume what is required. The fact that individuals in developed countries consume large amounts of food drives corporations to continue deforestation of land which can be used by farmers. As long as the economy appears to be doing well, companies will disregard the logic behind sustaining the environment. Is there a solution to this problem? Can we in fact support the future population of the world? The truth is, we cannot. If action is taken against deforestation of land to sustain the environment, enough food will not be produced to support the population. Companies will suffer major losses causing downfall in the economy and loss of jobs. If no action is taken in protecting the environment, the future of the world will suffer.
It is unfortunate that mankind is now stuck in choosing between a sustainable present and a sustainable future. This does not mean nothing can be done. There may not be a solution in preventing companies from jeopardizing the future of the world or from environmentalists jeopardizing the economy, but there is action every individual can take to ensure that the future of the world is free from malnourishment and poverty. By corporations producing what is required will help the population of countries by preventing health problems and unequal distribution of food. As food production is brought down to what is required, the environment and its resources will be available for future generations.
Humans are naturally born with a need for selfishness; however, humans are also naturally entitled to attain pride in their work; therefore, if every human being on the planet decides to contribute in sustaining the environment, they will be satisfying their default setting of selfishness and will also be passing down the importance of unity with others and nature to their children.
Friday, April 20, 2012
World Population Increase VS Adult Literacy Rate- Journal on Gapminder activity (Thursday, April 19th, 2012)
Gapminder-The World's Database
Ever since the innovation in technology allowed the world to be more socially connected, databases and softwares were created to track trends in the demographics of countries. Gapminder is a visual database which portrays and compares trends in countries and is available to almost any individual in the world who has access to the internet.
The site literally consists of an animated scatter plot which attains circles representing countries, and the axis which have options such as economy, population etc. which can be compared with one another to show relationships between many variables. The circles representing the countries are detailed due to being coloured representing different regions and sized representing the population of countries.
In a recent gapminder endeavour, I compared the percentage of population increase in countries with the percentage of adult literacy rate. In the beginning of the investigation, I assumed that countries with lower literacy rates would have a higher annual population increase; however, despite my somewhat logical assumption, gapminder proved otherwise.
The first figure demonstrates trends between countries in the year 1985. India and China are known to be the most populated countries in the world; however, their literacy rates are not as low as I assumed they would be due to the population size. My assumption was based on the fact that since individuals are not able to access a proper education, they are unaware of the consequences of having large families; therefore, would be more likely to attain larger families than countries with higher literacy rates. The database proves that in high populated countries, it is not always the case because despite India and China's large populations, the percentage of their annual population increase and adult literacy rate seems to be rather constant. Even countries at the very bottom of the y-axis (low adult literacy rate) seem to have a steady population increase; therefore, the fact that literacy rate may influence how a country's population sustains itself, does not apply in this situation.
As the years go by and come to 2007, gapminder shows the most recent statistics in these two trends. Despite there being more innovations and discoveries, the population trends and literacy rate proves to have stayed consistent in many countries.
The last image shows the tracking of trends in China, India, Burkina Faso and Qatar. Despite the steady population percentage and literacy rate increase in countries like China and India, Qatar which started at a high literacy rate shows drastic increases in population percentage; therefore, again proving the idea that a country's literacy rate may not be as influential on how its population is sustained. Burkina Faso does not show a tremendous increase in population percentage; however, does seem to show an upward trend in literacy rate.
In conclusion, after this investigation, I was surprised to find that literacy rate may not entirely impact the increase or decrease in a country's population. Consistency in a country's population is a cycle which is started when individuals are born around the same time and grow to have their own children around the same time. Literacy rates will improve and may not be as consistent as more people try to pursue an education to attain a better future for themselves and their children. In the end, unless there is a massive boom in a population, it will remain steady; however as country's develop, trends in variables such as literacy rates will continue to rise.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Slums of Hope or Despair? (Friday, April 13th, 2012)
Slums of Hope
The world we live in currently is composed of various regions, each containing different cultures, dialect, and social norms. All the regions, despite being unique due to their homogeneous traits, also differ from one another due to the quality of life individuals abide by.
Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, is the home to numerous amounts of people, each with a unique way of living. Making up almost 60% of the population of Mumbai, the people of Dharavi have been residing in the area for numerous years, even generations. The area's location and rent rates makes Dharavi the part of Mumbai individuals with low to average incomes may wish to reside in. Not only is Dharavi a home to people, it is also the area of Mumbai largely known for small enterprises and companies individuals living in the area may own and depend on to make ends meet. Controversies regarding the enterprises also exist as underground businesses and black markets are also a source of income for majority of the population of Dharavi.
As prestigious Dharavi sounds, the conditions residents of the area face would not satisfy the quality of life they may have dreamt of before moving to Mumbai from villages all over India. Little or no water, electricity shortages and poor sanitation have made the small area of Dharavi the slum it is known as.
The government of India and developers wish to renovate the area of Dharavi due to it attaining a large value in the market. By renovating and upgrading the shortages of basic necessities (water, electricity, sanitation etc.) they hope to provide the people of Dharavi a better quality of life and renew the area's reputation.
Where is the problem in renovation and relocation? The problem lies with the people of Dharavi who have been used to the area for many years and have adapted its function as their own lifestyle. Due to not being able to afford housing in other parts of Mumbai is one of the reasons individuals from other parts of India pursue residence in Dharavi; therefore, despite the government's renovation and reconstruction, the cost of living in a "newer Dharavi," may not be affordable for the poor in Dharavi.
The slum is infact an area of hope for India, the world and for individuals who want to pursue a better quality of life and provide their children the benefits they never had. Due to individuals leaving their villages and moving to Mumbai to find jobs, they are providing their children with the privilege of attaining an education which can change the social, economic and political reputation India currently attains for the better. If girls are able to pursue an education, they will be excused from their responsibility to marry early; therefore, decreasing the birth rates of India so that the population in future years is not overwhelming.
The development of Western countries in the past is a perfect example of urbanization revolutionizing global population growth and bringing it to a more sustainable level. When the industrial revolution hit countries such as America and Canada, individuals from large families moved from rural areas to cities to find jobs; therefore, urbanization is in fact helping the developing countries as people move to the cites from villages. Despite large populations of people moving to the city of Mumbai and not being able to afford housing, slums have acted as a more affordable alternative, despite a few negativities. Global population has therefore, been able to grow at a sustainable level in countries such as India due to individuals living in rural areas relocating to cities like Mumbai.
As an urban population increases, there can be various implications on health, education and economics of a country. More individuals allowing their children to attain an education can result in a better economy as less people become dependent on the government. Despite countries having to face problems with providing people pensions after retirement, the innovation and urbanization will allow the country to minimize poverty. Literacy rates in countries will increase due to individuals seeking an education to pursue jobs in their future; therefore, decreasing birth rates and bringing sustainability to population growth. As people find jobs in urban areas, they will be able to afford better health for themselves and their families.
In the end, slums cannot be classified as despairing because they are hope for individuals who have very limited choices. If a country wishes to progress in all areas, its people will have to accept a particular lifestyle in an urban area for the betterment of their successors.
Monday, April 2, 2012
"How many people can live on planet earth?"-Video Response (Monday, April 2nd, 2012)
“How many people can live on Planet Earth?”
From the time the world was created and the first organisms were present on the planet, the world has undeniably progressed to now be recognized as a place dominated by the human species. Humans, the smartest species present on the planet have undoubtedly renovated earth’s appearance as technology and innovation have made it what it is in modern times. The founding of new lands and their claims, then the brink of the industrial revolution which allowed individuals to find jobs in urban areas, changed the makings of the planet and gave humans the opportunity to control most of it.
The industrial revolution also allowed certain countries to grow more powerful than others; therefore, allowed individuals to seek a better quality of life and shift their focus from having big families living on a smaller income to having smaller families supported by a larger income.
Despite the innovation and progress, the world’s population in the past two centuries has rapidly grown because in the early 1800’s, what used to be a population of 1 billion people, became 7 billion in the 21st century. What caused the world’s population to multiply almost 7 times despite the great advancement of the human race? Is the world’s population going to continue growing? Can the world support the increasing demand? How many people can live on planet earth?
The increasing numbers of the world’s population have undeniably sent researchers of all kinds searching for answers to those exact questions. “How many people can live on planet earth?,” is a video in which the causes of the increased population and the world’s sustainability are brilliantly discussed and leaves its viewers with the message of not taking the
earth’s resources for granted. As nations grow to become more powerful, other nations grow poorer and become a part of a cycle of poverty which is never-ending. The trends in a country’s population can be altered based on the country’s literacy rate, basic necessity supply and a positively flowing economy. Literacy rates undoubtedly helped balance the population in developed nations because as individuals such as women became exposed to school, they got
married much later and reduced their family size. Countries in Africa and Asia are starting to slowly progress in areas which influence education so that their population doesn’t multiply too quickly for the supplies that are available.
Other animals in nature are able to sustain their growth based on the necessities (food, water etc.) they have available; therefore, population rates can also be altered based on the supply of these necessities and whether the supply can support the demands of a growing population. What is unfortunate is that the population is growing too quickly in comparison to food production, and even though the world does have enough food supply for its entire population,
the western nations are consuming most of what is available. According to the video, if all individuals in the world were to consume as much as an average Indian, the world would be able to support a population of 15 billion people; however, it would be able to support 18 billion people if individuals ate a little less than the average Indian.
The statement does bring a “sigh of relief” for a majority of researchers; however, it would only help in resolving the problem if food was rationed equally amongst everyone, which is close to impossible. The fact that many countries have more economic power than the others has become a barrier between humans and ways in which they can sustain their futures. Countries with their own self-interests will continue to consume more than what is needed; however, in the end all human beings will pay the price when the environment will not be able to satisfy their demands.
If the food cannot be rationed amongst the growing population, how can earth sustain humans? To begin, countries which are more developed can start contributing by acknowledging how blessed they are and can give back to the environment by only consuming what is necessary, not what they desire. Developed countries can help the underdeveloped nations by influencing
education and encouraging their governments to bring awareness about contraception so that the population of the nations can be controlled. Individuals living in developed countries should try to conserve the environment and its resources by polluting less, consuming what is required and recycling.
The video truly portrays to humans the importance of supporting one another and conserving the environment. Since the population is continuing to grow and will increase tremendously by 2050, to preserving the environment is not on expected but is ultimately the only possible solution which can sustain the human species as well as protect other species which make up the
world. In conclusion, the answer to how many people can live on planet earth is easy to determine. The amount of people earth can sustain truly depends on the amount of people which support the environment now. If individuals allow their self-interests to be their motivation in preserving the environment, they will not only be helping others but the planet which has given them so much already.
From the time the world was created and the first organisms were present on the planet, the world has undeniably progressed to now be recognized as a place dominated by the human species. Humans, the smartest species present on the planet have undoubtedly renovated earth’s appearance as technology and innovation have made it what it is in modern times. The founding of new lands and their claims, then the brink of the industrial revolution which allowed individuals to find jobs in urban areas, changed the makings of the planet and gave humans the opportunity to control most of it.
The industrial revolution also allowed certain countries to grow more powerful than others; therefore, allowed individuals to seek a better quality of life and shift their focus from having big families living on a smaller income to having smaller families supported by a larger income.
Despite the innovation and progress, the world’s population in the past two centuries has rapidly grown because in the early 1800’s, what used to be a population of 1 billion people, became 7 billion in the 21st century. What caused the world’s population to multiply almost 7 times despite the great advancement of the human race? Is the world’s population going to continue growing? Can the world support the increasing demand? How many people can live on planet earth?
The increasing numbers of the world’s population have undeniably sent researchers of all kinds searching for answers to those exact questions. “How many people can live on planet earth?,” is a video in which the causes of the increased population and the world’s sustainability are brilliantly discussed and leaves its viewers with the message of not taking the
earth’s resources for granted. As nations grow to become more powerful, other nations grow poorer and become a part of a cycle of poverty which is never-ending. The trends in a country’s population can be altered based on the country’s literacy rate, basic necessity supply and a positively flowing economy. Literacy rates undoubtedly helped balance the population in developed nations because as individuals such as women became exposed to school, they got
married much later and reduced their family size. Countries in Africa and Asia are starting to slowly progress in areas which influence education so that their population doesn’t multiply too quickly for the supplies that are available.
Other animals in nature are able to sustain their growth based on the necessities (food, water etc.) they have available; therefore, population rates can also be altered based on the supply of these necessities and whether the supply can support the demands of a growing population. What is unfortunate is that the population is growing too quickly in comparison to food production, and even though the world does have enough food supply for its entire population,
the western nations are consuming most of what is available. According to the video, if all individuals in the world were to consume as much as an average Indian, the world would be able to support a population of 15 billion people; however, it would be able to support 18 billion people if individuals ate a little less than the average Indian.
The statement does bring a “sigh of relief” for a majority of researchers; however, it would only help in resolving the problem if food was rationed equally amongst everyone, which is close to impossible. The fact that many countries have more economic power than the others has become a barrier between humans and ways in which they can sustain their futures. Countries with their own self-interests will continue to consume more than what is needed; however, in the end all human beings will pay the price when the environment will not be able to satisfy their demands.
If the food cannot be rationed amongst the growing population, how can earth sustain humans? To begin, countries which are more developed can start contributing by acknowledging how blessed they are and can give back to the environment by only consuming what is necessary, not what they desire. Developed countries can help the underdeveloped nations by influencing
education and encouraging their governments to bring awareness about contraception so that the population of the nations can be controlled. Individuals living in developed countries should try to conserve the environment and its resources by polluting less, consuming what is required and recycling.
The video truly portrays to humans the importance of supporting one another and conserving the environment. Since the population is continuing to grow and will increase tremendously by 2050, to preserving the environment is not on expected but is ultimately the only possible solution which can sustain the human species as well as protect other species which make up the
world. In conclusion, the answer to how many people can live on planet earth is easy to determine. The amount of people earth can sustain truly depends on the amount of people which support the environment now. If individuals allow their self-interests to be their motivation in preserving the environment, they will not only be helping others but the planet which has given them so much already.
Human VS Nature-Article Response (Friday, March 30th, 2012)
Human VS Nature
The article by Dinyar Godrej entitled, “Human VS Nature,” outlines the impact human development and consumption of resources has on the world’s ecosystems and animals. According to the article, nearly 150-200 species of animals become extinct every 24 hours and almost 100,000 species of plants could soon be extinct.
“Human VS Nature” relates to the course because it raises the question of whether innovation and urbanization are positive influences on the world and if they carry greater value than the planet’s natural resources as well as the lives of other organisms. The article also asks the question of whether “destruction at such a scale can be a crime?;” therefore, further relating earth’s diminishing supply of natural resources and the future of coming generations.
After reading the article, I was surprised, not by the content and the author’s perspective of humans causing problems in nature, but by the numerical data which provides trends in the deterioration and extinction of many species. The author portraying the facts relating to the
extinction of animal and plant species made my spine tingle and also influenced me to worry about the future and how continuous urban/industrial development is affecting its sustainability.
Despite World Issues being a course in which students are exposed to social, political and economic issues in the world, it is also a course which brings environmental awareness into perspective as well and gives it as much importance as other issues. Environmental conservation is an idea which should be greatly stressed amongst individuals because sustainability of the environment and existence of species plays a vital role in the survival of
the human race and its sustainability for the future. The fact that the environment and other living organisms are suffering due to industrialization and urbanization can truly impact the world in the future when basic resources are not available due to their extinction.
Urbanization and industrialization has undoubtedly shaped our modern society and has changed the way individuals interact and function. Ever since the industrial revolution, the world has continuously moved forward and has innovated in all areas which include technology, research, and even in issues involving social norms and human rights. In the course we have learned that due to urbanization and development of the world, the chances of the world’s resources not being able to support the growing population have decreased since education is allowing people to attain occupations in urban areas and has influenced them to decrease their family size. Despite the overpopulation in poorer countries, urbanization and industrialization has undeniably maintained the population of developed nations for the last century; however, despite its advantages, it has also created a division between the very rich and the very poor and has negatively impacted the earth’s other living organisms. With the age of new technology, came new jobs and women were given the right to work alongside men in many fields;
therefore, contributed by influencing innovation in many areas. Many developed countries such as Canada, United States and England opened their doors to immigrants from other countries and connected the world as multicultural nations; however, immigration also influences an increase in a country’s population and therefore can stimulate the country’s desire for attaining more natural resources and urbanization. The continuing development of countries acts as a load for the environment which has no representative of its own and various species go extinct as the human race overpowers and neglects them.
I believe that even though the world’s living organisms and environment do not have a representative to stand up and protect them from human destruction, they still have more power over humans in the long term. Since individuals worldwide are not able to conserve the environment, the human race in the coming generations would have a great deal of problems when there aren’t enough resources. All the issues discussed in this course are
interrelated and portray the idea of every action having a positive and negative effect. Despite urbanization and industrialization negatively effecting the environment, it has also positively helped with the development of the human race and has promised a sustainable future; therefore, the course truly outlines the pros and cons of all issues present in the society. In
conclusion, relating back to the course’s message as well as the message present in the article, I believe that individuals should learn how to balance between innovation and preservation in the environment to promise themselves and their successors a sustainable and happy future.
The article by Dinyar Godrej entitled, “Human VS Nature,” outlines the impact human development and consumption of resources has on the world’s ecosystems and animals. According to the article, nearly 150-200 species of animals become extinct every 24 hours and almost 100,000 species of plants could soon be extinct.
“Human VS Nature” relates to the course because it raises the question of whether innovation and urbanization are positive influences on the world and if they carry greater value than the planet’s natural resources as well as the lives of other organisms. The article also asks the question of whether “destruction at such a scale can be a crime?;” therefore, further relating earth’s diminishing supply of natural resources and the future of coming generations.
After reading the article, I was surprised, not by the content and the author’s perspective of humans causing problems in nature, but by the numerical data which provides trends in the deterioration and extinction of many species. The author portraying the facts relating to the
extinction of animal and plant species made my spine tingle and also influenced me to worry about the future and how continuous urban/industrial development is affecting its sustainability.
Despite World Issues being a course in which students are exposed to social, political and economic issues in the world, it is also a course which brings environmental awareness into perspective as well and gives it as much importance as other issues. Environmental conservation is an idea which should be greatly stressed amongst individuals because sustainability of the environment and existence of species plays a vital role in the survival of
the human race and its sustainability for the future. The fact that the environment and other living organisms are suffering due to industrialization and urbanization can truly impact the world in the future when basic resources are not available due to their extinction.
Urbanization and industrialization has undoubtedly shaped our modern society and has changed the way individuals interact and function. Ever since the industrial revolution, the world has continuously moved forward and has innovated in all areas which include technology, research, and even in issues involving social norms and human rights. In the course we have learned that due to urbanization and development of the world, the chances of the world’s resources not being able to support the growing population have decreased since education is allowing people to attain occupations in urban areas and has influenced them to decrease their family size. Despite the overpopulation in poorer countries, urbanization and industrialization has undeniably maintained the population of developed nations for the last century; however, despite its advantages, it has also created a division between the very rich and the very poor and has negatively impacted the earth’s other living organisms. With the age of new technology, came new jobs and women were given the right to work alongside men in many fields;
therefore, contributed by influencing innovation in many areas. Many developed countries such as Canada, United States and England opened their doors to immigrants from other countries and connected the world as multicultural nations; however, immigration also influences an increase in a country’s population and therefore can stimulate the country’s desire for attaining more natural resources and urbanization. The continuing development of countries acts as a load for the environment which has no representative of its own and various species go extinct as the human race overpowers and neglects them.
I believe that even though the world’s living organisms and environment do not have a representative to stand up and protect them from human destruction, they still have more power over humans in the long term. Since individuals worldwide are not able to conserve the environment, the human race in the coming generations would have a great deal of problems when there aren’t enough resources. All the issues discussed in this course are
interrelated and portray the idea of every action having a positive and negative effect. Despite urbanization and industrialization negatively effecting the environment, it has also positively helped with the development of the human race and has promised a sustainable future; therefore, the course truly outlines the pros and cons of all issues present in the society. In
conclusion, relating back to the course’s message as well as the message present in the article, I believe that individuals should learn how to balance between innovation and preservation in the environment to promise themselves and their successors a sustainable and happy future.
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