WHERE DO OUR IDEAS ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENT COME FROM? (Chapter I.2.1)

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Questions and Answers

What did Plato complain about regarding the environment in Greece?

The rising population affecting agricultural practices.

The consequences of deforestation on climate. (correct)

The excessive growth of forests.

The lack of fertile soil due to overfarming.

What was one of the main reasons early environmentalists recognized the need for conservation?

The rise of scientific methods in agriculture.

Intensive colonial production led to rapid soil loss. (correct)

Growing populations required more land for agriculture.

The discovery of new land for colonization.

What did Stephen Hales advocate for in relation to environmental conservation?

Conserving green plants to enhance rainfall. (correct)

Restricting land use for agricultural purposes.

Preserving animal populations to maintain ecosystem balance.

Planting trees to improve soil quality.

What action did Pierre Poivre take to help address environmental issues in Mauritius?

He established forest reserves to protect wildlife. Signup and view all the answers

How did the colonial administrators contribute to early conservation efforts?

By conducting scientific studies on environmental degradation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable achievement of Mauritius in terms of environmental conservation?

It has a larger percentage of original flora and fauna in reserves compared to other islands. Signup and view all the answers

What link did early conservationists make between certain activities and environmental health?

Colonial commodity production harms natural resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best summarizes the overall message regarding the environment as seen through historical perspectives?

Historical figures emphasized the balance between human activities and environmental health. Signup and view all the answers

Four distinct stages of conservation history and environmental activism

(1) pragmatic resource conservation, (2) moral and aesthetic nature preservation, (3) a growing concern about health and ecological damage caused by pollution, and(4) global environmental citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four distinct stages of conservation history and environmental activism?

Pragmatic resource conservation, moral and aesthetic nature preservation, pollution concern, global citizenship Signup and view all the answers

Which approach emerged as a response to health and ecological damage caused by pollution?

Growing concern about pollution Signup and view all the answers

How did recent technological innovations affect environmental impacts?

They greatly accelerated our impacts on the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the stage of moral and aesthetic nature preservation?

Emphasis on the spiritual and intrinsic value of nature Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of the stage known as global environmental citizenship?

It involves a collective responsibility towards global environmental issues. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Perspectives on Environmental Degradation

Early concerns about environmental damage were present in ancient Greece.
Plato noted soil erosion and deforestation's negative impacts in the fourth century BCE.
Classical authors viewed Earth as a vulnerable, potentially mortal entity.

Early Scientific Studies

Colonial administrators (18th century) conducted early environmental studies.
Scientists observed soil loss and water depletion linked to agricultural practices.
Early conservationists recognized environmental stewardship as economically vital.

Connection Between Actions and Consequences

Environmental damage was linked to deforestation, erosion, and climate change.
Figures like Stephen Hales highlighted the role of green plants in rainfall.
Hales's concept was practiced in Tobago (1764), with land reserved for forests.

Specific Case Studies

Pierre Poivre (French governor of Mauritius) noticed impacts of deforestation and wildlife destruction.
Poivre decreed one-quarter of Mauritius as forest reserves (1769).
Mauritius remains an example of balancing nature and human needs.

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