GEOG 3345 Notes PDF

GEOG 3345 - Notes Quiz 1: Lectures 1-5 Link to Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/ca/946413777/geog-3345-quiz-1-flash-cards/?i=34q6q4&x=1jqt Social Groups: https://quizlet.com/ca/948035156/geog-social-groups-flash-cards/?i=34q6q4&x=1jqt Password: 1234 Market L...

GEOG 3345 - Notes Quiz 1: Lectures 1-5 Link to Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/ca/946413777/geog-3345-quiz-1-flash-cards/?i=34q6q4&x=1jqt Social Groups: https://quizlet.com/ca/948035156/geog-social-groups-flash-cards/?i=34q6q4&x=1jqt Password: 1234 Market Liberals: - Economic Growth & Welfare: Market liberals believe that economic growth and high incomes are crucial for human welfare and sustainable development, which means meeting present needs without compromising the future. - Environmental Impact: They argue that as countries grow richer, they can afford to improve environmental conditions. Although economic growth may worsen environmental issues temporarily, wealthier societies tend to raise environmental standards over time. - Globalization: They view globalization positively, as it drives economic growth and global integration, ultimately benefiting both the economy and the environment. - Poverty & Environment: Market liberals see poverty and poor policies as the main causes of environmental degradation. The poor must use natural resources to survive, making them both "victims and agents" of environmental harm. The solution, they argue, is economic growth to lift people out of poverty. - Optimism: They reject the idea of an ecological crisis, emphasizing scientific progress, human ingenuity, and technology as the key to solving environmental problems. For instance, advances in biotechnology can help feed a growing population. - Caution with Technology Restrictions: While they believe in the power of science, they are cautious about restricting new technologies unless there is clear scientific evidence of harm. - Global Markets: Open, globally integrated markets are seen as essential for promoting growth and helping societies repair and improve environmental conditions. - Economic Growth & Environment: Market liberals would support policies like reducing corporate taxes to encourage business investment, believing that as companies grow and become wealthier, they will have the means to adopt environmentally friendly technologies. - Globalization: They support free trade agreements like NAFTA, arguing that open markets promote economic growth, which will eventually lead to better environmental protection standards as countries become wealthier. - Optimism and Technology: They might point to the development of electric cars and renewable energy technology, arguing that innovation driven by economic growth can solve environmental problems. - Poverty and Environment: They would argue that policies promoting economic growth in impoverished countries, such as microloans or industrialization projects, will reduce the need for unsustainable resource use. Institutionalists (they care about the institution and minimizing inequalities): - Shared Beliefs with Market Liberals: Institutionalists, like market liberals, value economic growth, globalization, technology, and sustainable development, but they focus more on the role of institutions. - Global Institutions: They believe that strong global institutions and norms are essential to guide the global economy and address problems like environmental degradation, poverty, and inequality. - Technology Transfer: Institutions are key for transferring technology and funds to the poorest parts of the world, helping to address global inequality and environmental challenges.  - Concerns: Institutionalists worry more than market liberals about environmental scarcity, population growth, and inequality but believe these issues can be addressed through cooperation. - Global Cooperation: They see a lack of global cooperation, driven by the sovereign state system (where countries prioritize their own interests), as a major cause of environmental degradation. - Sovereignty & Globalization: While they don't reject globalization or state sovereignty, they argue that these need to be managed through global institutions that promote collective goals and norms. - Guiding Globalization: Institutionalists believe globalization should be carefully managed to enhance environmental cooperation and ensure better environmental management. - Economic Policies: Their key aim is to ensure global economic policies both improve the environment and raise living standards, with controls at local, national, and global levels. - Building Capacity: They argue that strong institutions can help states better manage their environmental resources through international agreements and cooperative norms. - Support for Developing Countries: Institutionalists advocate for transferring knowledge, finances, and technology to developing countries to help them grow sustainably. - Global Institutions: Institutionalists would advocate for strong global bodies like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to coordinate international efforts to combat climate change, ensuring nations work together. - Technology Transfer: They would support initiatives like the Paris Agreement, which includes mechanisms for transferring technology and financial resources from wealthier nations to developing countries to help them adopt clean energy. - Building Capacity: An institutionalist might promote global environmental funds or grants, like the Global Environment Facility (GEF), that help poorer countries improve their environmental management and sustainability. - Cooperation and Sovereignty: They might support global biodiversity agreements that compel nations to manage their resources sustainably through international cooperation, balancing national sovereignty with global environmental goals. Bioenvironmentalists (carrying capacity / population / overconsumption): - Bioenvironmentalists, influenced by physical sciences, argue that Earth is a fragile ecosystem with a limited "carrying capacity" to support life. They believe human consumption and population growth have already or nearly exceeded this limit, pushing the planet toward environmental catastrophe. - They see human overuse of resources as a key factor in environmental degradation, with global issues like the "tragedy of the commons" worsened by territorial sovereignty. - Bioenvironmentalists reject the idea of infinite economic growth, viewing it as a major contributor to environmental destruction. - They argue that both rising populations and consumption patterns are draining Earth’s resources. - Globalization, while promoting economic growth, is seen as a negative force, spreading harmful consumption patterns and production processes, particularly in developing countries. - To protect the planet, bioenvironmentalists call for limits on both population and economic growth. - Carrying Capacity and Overconsumption: A bioenvironmentalist would oppose large-scale industrial projects like the deforestation of the Amazon, arguing that Earth's ecosystems cannot support such levels of resource extraction. - Limits to Growth: They might advocate for population control measures, or policies promoting reduced consumption in wealthy countries, viewing both as essential to avoiding environmental collapse. - Globalization: Bioenvironmentalists would likely be critical of multinational corporations exporting their consumption-heavy production models to developing countries, as this accelerates resource depletion.  - Tragedy of the Commons: They could support strict international regulations on carbon emissions, arguing that without limits, individual nations will overuse and degrade shared environmental resources. - Social Greens (localize things): - Social Greens, influenced by radical social and economic theories, argue that social and environmental issues are inseparable. - They believe economic globalization worsens inequality, contributing to unequal resource access and environmental degradation, with capitalism being a key driver of these injustices. - Social Greens emphasize overconsumption, especially by the wealthy, as a greater threat than population growth. They reject population-control policies, seeing them as harmful to the poor and women’s rights. - They oppose globalization, viewing it as a source of environmental destruction, inequality, and exploitation, especially in the developing world. Social Greens argue that the current global economy must be dismantled and replaced with local, self-reliant, small-scale economies to restore the environment and address social inequality. - They advocate for community autonomy and the empowerment of marginalized voices, including the recognition of indigenous knowledge systems over imposed Western methods. - Opposition to Globalization: Social Greens would oppose large-scale trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), viewing them as mechanisms for wealthy nations to exploit resources from poorer countries, worsening inequality and environmental destruction. - Overconsumption: They might campaign for lifestyle changes in wealthier nations, such as promoting local food movements and rejecting overconsumption, viewing it as a greater threat to the environment than population growth. - Community Autonomy: Social Greens would support movements like the Zapatistas in Mexico, who emphasize local governance, sustainable land use, and resistance to global capitalism, seeing it as a model for environmental and social justice. - Indigenous Knowledge: They might argue for the recognition of traditional environmental stewardship practices of indigenous communities over modern, Western methods that prioritize economic growth over sustainability. Key Stages in Global Discourse on Environment & Development: 1. Early Stages - Human impact on the environment was marginal for most of history. - Population remained low, with resource use focused on basic tools. - The shift to settled agriculture (~10,000 years ago) marked a turning point, leading to population growth and technological advancements. - 1873: killer fogs (air pollution from coal burning) struck London, killing more than 1,150 people - 1930s: Poor land management behind “Dust Bowl” conditions (drought, dust storms & agricultural collapse) in Western Canada & US - 1950: world population = over 2.5 billion - effects of industrialization on the health of these growing populations were becoming a concern - B/w 1700s & mid-1900s: emergence of environmentalism - Colonialism had major environmental consequences → primary sources of raw materials for western industrialization - 20th century: Efforts to conserve nature in both the colonies & Western countries 2. Silent Spring & 1960s-1970s  - Post-WWII industrial growth fueled environmentalism. - Key concerns: chemical pollution, nuclear weapons, and the interconnectedness of the planet (Spaceship Earth image). - Killing nature and wildlife - cumulative impact of local problems on the health of the planet - 1960s saw rapid economic growth - trade and investment (richer benefited more) - Environmentalism highlighted inequality between rich and poor countries. - Rich countries dependent on developing countries for cheap raw materials - have a strong influence on the perspectives of social greens and bio environmentalists 3. The Stockholm Conference (1972) - First global conference on environmental issues (held in Stockholm, Sweden, in June 1972) - Focus: reconciliation of economic development and environmental protection. - discuss problems of human environment - Can best be solved through international cooperation & agreement - Environmental problems from industrialization - particular concern to Northern (developed countries) govts - conference didn’t fully address the concerns of developing countries (south) - Created the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). - Created - demand for international environmental cooperation - Bioenvironmentalist view: laws were needed to change how people behave, and that governments should limit both economic growth and population growth to protect the environment. - Institutionalists: believed that countries should follow international laws to solve specific environmental issues, ensuring cooperation and accountability among nations. - Tension between developed (North) and developing (South) countries. 4. The Brundtland Report (1987) - Published by the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED). - Introduced the concept of sustainable development: economic growth that meets present needs without harming future generations. - The commission tried to chart a middle ground between; - North & South - market-liberal & institutionalist views on growth on the one hand - and social green and bioenvironmentalist views on the other - Promoted poverty reduction as a key factor in environmental sustainability. The Brundtland Report: - did not see further economic growth & industrialization as harmful to the environment - poverty harmed the environment as much as industrialization ( due to the place of developing economies) - The report popularized the term sustainable development: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” 5. The Earth Summit (1992) - UN Conference on Environment & Development held in Rio de Janeiro. - Emphasized sustainable development.  - Developing countries were concerned about agreeing to more environmental responsibilities without guaranteed financial help for sustainable growth. - Developing countries believed that industrialized countries should pay most of the extra costs for "green growth." - Focus on "green growth" with financial challenges dividing North and South. - reduce global economic inequalities - help those most affected by global economic change: women, the poor & indigenous peoples - reemphasized the Brundtland view that more growth will bring a better environment, an idea supported by both the market liberals & the institutionalists - Social green perspectives highlighted inequalities and the need for local solutions. 6. Johannesburg Summit (2002) - World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) - Evaluated progress since Rio; economic globalization was a central theme. - Rising inequality linked to globalization. - Issues on financing and sustainable development - Clash between anti-globalization and pro-globalization perspectives hindered concrete progress. - social greens & bio environmentalists were able to present their cases - strong views of market liberals and institutionalists meant that discussions didn’t lead to clear goals or action plans. SUMMARY: The early stages of human-environment interaction were marked by minimal impact, with a major shift occurring around 10,000 years ago due to settled agriculture. Industrialization, beginning in the 1700s, led to environmental issues such as air pollution and poor land management, exemplified by London's killer fogs (1873) and the Dust Bowl (1930s). This era saw the emergence of environmentalism, further fueled by post-WWII industrial growth and concerns over pollution and nuclear weapons. The Stockholm Conference (1972) was the first global meeting on environmental issues, emphasizing international cooperation, but tensions arose between developed and developing nations. The Brundtland Report (1987) introduced sustainable development, promoting economic growth while balancing environmental protection and poverty reduction. The Earth Summit (1992) further emphasized sustainable development, with disputes over financial responsibilities between developed and developing nations. The Johannesburg Summit (2002) evaluated progress, highlighting rising inequality linked to globalization, but debates between various perspectives hampered clear action plans. Environmental Ethics: studies the ethical questions arising from human interactions with the nonhuman environment, focusing on what we ought to do regarding environmental issues. - Prescriptive Claims: These are normative statements about what actions we should take, such as reducing ecological impacts, rather than just describing or predicting behaviors. - Normative and Aspirational: Environmental ethics emphasizes behaviors and values that we should strive for in our relationship with nature, even if achieving them is challenging. - Values and Principles: Central to environmental ethics are the values of nonhuman entities and understanding their importance in decision-making regarding practices and laws. - Research Focus: Environmental ethicists explore what has value in the nonhuman environment, how much value it has, and the implications for human actions and policies. Intrinsic value: the inherent worth of the environment or its parts, independent of their usefulness to humans - Intrinsic vs. Instrumental Value: - Intrinsic value is inherent and independent, while instrumental value is based on how something helps achieve human goals - A pristine forest has intrinsic value simply by existing, regardless of whether humans visit or use it. - Intrinsic: A coral reef has intrinsic value due to its unique ecosystems and species diversity, irrespective of its economic benefits to humans. - Instrumental: The same coral reef holds instrumental value for humans as it protects coastlines from erosion, supports tourism, and serves as a fishing ground. - - Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Value: - Extrinsic Value: The worth something has due to its relationship with something else valuable. This is broader and includes instrumental value. - Intrinsic Value: The environment’s worth is independent of its relations to other things; it holds value in its own right. - Extrinsic: A lake might have extrinsic value because it supports the ecosystem by providing water to a nearby forest. Its worth is tied to its role in sustaining other valuable things. - Intrinsic: The lake also has intrinsic value, as it exists with or without the forest, and has beauty and ecological significance in its own right. - Valuation Perspective: Things with intrinsic value should be respected and valued differently from those viewed merely as useful or convenient. - When an old-growth forest is valued for its intrinsic worth, it would be preserved even if there’s no immediate human benefit. In contrast, if seen purely as a resource (instrumental value), it may only be preserved for its potential for timber or recreation. Intrinsic valuation demands greater respect and conservation efforts. General Acceptance in Environmental Ethics: - The environment or parts of it possess non-instrumental value. - It has inherent value independent of human use. - It deserves special forms of valuation and respect. Moral Status: - Having moral status means that an entity's interests or well-being must be considered in our decisions; it cannot be treated arbitrarily. - Entities with moral status have conditions that can improve or worsen Concern of Environmental Ethics: - From its inception, environmental ethics has focused on defining what has value and the implications for human relationships and behaviors regarding the environment. Human Moral Significance: - Humans are generally seen as having high moral significance. Ethical issues arise when human actions negatively impact other humans in relation to the environment. Broader Ethical Issues:  - Recognizing that some or all of the environment has intrinsic value introduces additional ethical considerations beyond human-centered concerns. Anthropocentrism: Worldviews and attitudes that place humans at the center of moral consideration and often view them as superior to nature. Environmental Problems: - Anthropocentric attitudes, such as the belief in human dominion over nature, are seen as root causes of environmental issues. - The notion that humans are separate from and superior to nature contributes to the environmental crisis. Moral Status and Significance: - Anthropocentrism often claims that only humans have moral status or that humans are significantly more morally important than other living beings. - In contrast, nonanthropocentrism argues that some nonhuman entities (like animals, ecosystems, etc.) have interests that should be considered in moral decisions. Nonanthropocentric Views: - Nonanthropocentric individuals believe that human interests are not always more important than the interests of nonhuman entities. - They may assert that all interests are equally important or that significance is determined by factors other than species membership (e.g., contribution to ecosystem health). Justice Issues: - Anthropocentric perspectives still face significant environmental justice challenges, including issues of fairness among current populations and between present and future generations. - Justice concerns are a central aspect of environmental ethics. Quiz 2: Lectures 7-10 Quiz 2: https://quizlet.com/ca/963630668/global-warming-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-flash-cards/?i=34q6q4&x= 1jqt — Lecture 7 — Global Warming: Global warming is the increase in Earth's average surface temperature, primarily due to the rise in greenhouse gasses (e.g., CO₂) in the atmosphere. Science of Global Warming - The Industrial Revolution (19th century) marked the start of a rapid increase in global warming. - The widespread burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, releases significant amounts of CO₂, trapping heat in Earth’s atmosphere (blocks the release of heat into space). Deforestation: Excessive logging reduces forests, which absorb CO₂ = amplifying the greenhouse effect. Climate Projections  - Climatologists have forecasted warming patterns, yet actual global temperature increases have consistently surpassed their worst fears. Environmental Consequences - Melting ice in the Arctic and Antarctic contributes to rising sea levels, leading to flooding in low-lying coastal regions. - Severe droughts and extreme weather events, such as heat waves, hurricanes, and wildfires, are becoming more frequent (africa = burnt out & Arctic ice melting). - Ecosystem changes vary by location: - High latitudes: Glaciers are melting as temperatures rise. - Tropics: Warming has a big effect on organisms, given the little seasonal temperature change. - Groundwater storage, a primary freshwater source, is threatened by extreme weather patterns. Video Exercise Discussion Points (haven't seen the video) 1. Impacts of Everyday Activities on Global Warming Common activities like driving cars, using electricity from fossil-fuel power plants, and deforestation for agriculture contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global warming. 2. Interconnectivity of the World and Global Warming Climate changes in one part of the world, such as Arctic ice melting, can lead to severe weather patterns globally, influencing ocean currents, weather systems, and ecosystems. 3. Effect of Global Warming on Ecosystems and Humans Rising temperatures disrupt ecosystems, affecting species’ survival and increasing extreme weather events, impacting human health, agriculture, and living conditions. 4. What Might Be Clearer After Watching the Video** Seeing visuals or examples may clarify the interconnectedness of human actions with rising CO₂ levels and the global scale of climate change impacts. 5. Interesting Points Visualizations of data, such as temperature anomalies and ice melt time lapses, could illustrate the speed and intensity of climate changes. The real-time effects of global warming on weather patterns and biodiversity might also highlight the urgency of mitigation efforts. Lecture 7 (Summary): Global Warming Global warming refers to the rise in Earth’s average surface temperature due to increased greenhouse gases, particularly CO₂ from fossil fuels and deforestation. Initiated by the Industrial Revolution, this trend has led to warming patterns beyond predictions, causing Arctic ice melt, sea-level rise, extreme weather, droughts, and ecosystem shifts. Everyday actions like driving and deforestation amplify emissions, affecting global systems. Visual data, such as temperature anomalies and ice melt, underline the urgent need for climate action. — Lecture 8: — Difference Between Global Warming and Climate Change - Global warming: is the rise in global average temperature, primarily due to greenhouse gasses like CO₂. - Climate change: is a broader term, referring to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, influenced by human activities like burning fossil fuels. While global warming affects the entire planet, climate change affects local weather patterns, including humidity, rainfall, snow, and extreme weather events. - Global warming is the root cause, but people experience it as climate change. Factors Affecting Global Warming and Climate Change Natural Factors - Volcanic Eruptions: Release CO₂ and other gasses that contribute to warming. - Solar Radiation: The sun’s energy heats the planet. - Movement of Crustal Plates: Shifts land and ocean currents, generates heat = raising temperature Natural causes warm the Earth slowly, but human activities have sped this up significantly. - Methane started rising around 200 years ago (only changed a little before this) - Carbon cycle was steady before this Human Factors - Industrialization: Since the 19th century, CO₂ emissions from industrialization have increased, disrupting Earth’s carbon balance. → CO2 added faster than can be absorbed - Burning Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels contain concentrated carbon (coal, oil, and gas) release CO₂, the largest contributor to global warming. - Deforestation: Cutting down/burning trees releases stored CO₂, reducing Earth’s ability to absorb greenhouse gasses (and releasing stored carbon). - Farming: Livestock like cattle release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Human Impact on the Environment Ecological Footprint: - Measures the amount of productive land (biocapacity) needed to support a population’s needs and waste. - Shows the impact of human activity on the environment and Earth’s resources. - Many countries consume more resources than they have, leading to an “ecological deficit.” These countries must either import resources or use up future resources. Examples of Ecological Footprint: - Canada: 8.17 hectares per person - United States: 8.22 hectares per person - Pakistan: 0.79 hectares per person - Haiti: 0.61 hectares per person The global average footprint is 2.84 hectares, but only 1.73 hectares per person is available, meaning humans use 50% more resources than Earth can sustainably provide. - Just 10 countries account for half of the global ecological footprint, with the U.S. and China using 21% and 24% of global biocapacity, respectively. Lecture 8 (Summary): Global Warming vs. Climate Change Global warming (temperature increase) and climate change (long-term weather pattern shifts) are closely linked, with warming driving climate variations like extreme weather. While natural factors (volcanic activity, solar radiation) affect warming, human activities like industrialization and deforestation have accelerated CO₂ levels and ecological impact. The ecological footprint concept highlights human overconsumption, with developed nations disproportionately using resources. — Lecture 9 — Global Environmental Crossroad Current Status of Climate Efforts - Despite over 20 years of UN-led climate efforts, the problem persists. - With little progress since the 2000s, national govts’, ministries, corporations, activists & environmental NGOs have shown reduced interest. Actions by Other Levels of Government and Organizations - Cities have committed to reducing emissions and addressing climate impacts. - Subnational states and regions have created carbon trading schemes. - The European Union and other multilateral organizations have established comprehensive carbon trading systems. - Corporations and industry groups have launched climate programs. - Universities worldwide have pledged to go carbon-neutral and formed climate alliances. - Grassroots activists, especially in countries like the U.S., have successfully halted fossil fuel projects, including stopping over 150 coal plant proposals since 2007. Challenges with UN-led Efforts - Climate governance has become complex and multi-layered, and UN negotiations can feel slow and - Some question if relying on national governments at the UN is effective, given the slow progress. Arguments for and Against the UN’s Role in Climate Change Radical Activists’ Perspective - Some activists argue the UN process is ineffective, with fossil fuel companies influencing outcomes and NGOs providing legitimacy without results. - They believe local and social movements that block fossil fuel projects are more effective than the UN at driving change. Counter-Argument for the UN’s Role - Critics argue that local actions alone cannot solve the global climate crisis. - The UN is the only body able to gather legal representatives globally to agree on binding, comprehensive commitments. Limitations of the UN Process - Although the UN has not fully met its potential in addressing climate change, it remains the only platform with the capacity to negotiate a truly global and equitable agreement. - Local and smaller-scale initiatives, while important, may not achieve the emissions reductions needed to stabilize the climate. - Given time constraints, starting a new global institution would not avoid the UN’s current challenges. Conclusion Importance of Local and Transnational Actions - Local and transnational climate efforts are essential for encouraging states to adopt ambitious policies, creating momentum for international cooperation. - Effective social movement organizing at local and national levels is necessary to push governments into stronger climate action.  - A coordinated approach that combines UN-led international processes with accountable local actions offers the best chance to achieve the climate goals required to prevent disaster. Lecture 9 (Summary): Global Environmental Governance Despite over two decades of UN-led climate initiatives, global warming persists, leading cities, corporations, and grassroots movements to take action. While some argue local efforts are more effective, others believe the UN's global reach is essential for comprehensive, binding agreements. A balanced approach combining international and local efforts offers the best path forward. — Lecture 10 — Biodiversity and Mass Extinctions - Biodiversity: Variety of genes, species, habitats, and landscapes in the environment. - Loss of Biodiversity: Decline in species number and variety, leading to ecosystem breakdowns. Importance of Biodiversity - Essential for ecosystem services and human well-being. - Species extinction rates are currently higher than historical natural rates. Historical Mass Extinctions - Extinctions can occur naturally; background extinctions are normal but increase with environmental stress. - Five major mass extinctions have occurred, each caused by large-scale natural events like volcanic eruptions (global warming and oxygen loss). - Recovery after mass extinctions takes millions of years due to complexity in biological resurgence. Islands of tropical Oceania, up to 1800 bird species are estimated to have gone extinct in the 2000 years since human colonization - extinctions of large mammals, birds & reptiles date back to the 1600s & include species such as: - Dodo (17th century) - Steller’s sea cow (18th century) - Rodrigues giant tortoise (19th century) - Dinosaurs (about 65 million years ago) Reasons for extinction: - loss of genetic diversity which makes them vulnerable - deterioration of the habitat which triggers a reduction and fragmentation of populations - rapid changes in environmental conditions, epidemics, competition with other species, etc. Sixth Mass Extinction (Current) - Human-driven, caused by the expansion of human activity and technology. - This human impact has led to a new epoch called the Anthropocene (term encapsulates the consequences of humanity's activities on Earth's life-support systems Causes of the Sixth Mass Extinction (HIPPO Model) 1. Habitat Fragmentation: Clearing forests for agriculture and development. 2. Invasive Species: Non-native species disrupting local ecosystems. 3. Population Growth: Growing human population, particularly in urban areas. 4. Pollution: Contamination of air, water, and soil from agriculture and industry.  5. Overexploitation: Excessive hunting, fishing, and resource extraction. Human Socio-Economic Impact: - High consumption rates, especially in developed countries, drive resource depletion. - Human actions such as land clearing, soil tilling, and water management reshape ecosystems. - Growth of: vehicles, fertilizers, water consumption, dams, fast food, GDP - Syndrome of TOO MANY PEOPLE Consequences and Future Steps Impact on Ecosystems - Natural habitats and species are disappearing due to land use and climate change. - Biodiversity supports ecosystem resilience, essential for sustainable development. Need for Conservation - Recent extinction rates are historically high and could result in a biodiversity loss that takes millions of years to recover. - Immediate action is needed to conserve threatened species, prevent habitat loss, and reduce overexploitation. - Addressing biodiversity loss is crucial, as the window of opportunity is closing. - All of these are related to human population size & growth, which increases consumption (especially among the rich) & economic inequity Lecture 10 (Summary): Biodiversity and Mass Extinctions Biodiversity, vital for ecosystem health, faces rapid loss due to a "Sixth Mass Extinction" driven by human activity (e.g., habitat destruction, pollution). The HIPPO model (Habitat loss, Invasive species, Population growth, Pollution, Overexploitation) captures key causes. High resource consumption, especially in developed countries, exacerbates biodiversity loss, threatening ecosystem resilience. Immediate conservation actions are critical to mitigate irreversible damage. FINAL: Lectures 11-17 Quizlet CH 11-17: https://quizlet.com/ca/985105611/sustainable-development-and-environmental-geopolitics-flash-cards/?i=34q6q4&x =1jqt —Lecture 11— Key Agenda of Our Time - Humanity faces an environmental crisis that threatens global well-being and the planet's future - Population Growth: - Current global population exceeds 8 billion, compared to 800 million in 1750 (Industrial Revolution). - Annual population growth of 75 million exacerbates demand for resources. Economic Context: A highly interconnected global economy produces $90 trillion in annual output Extreme inequality exists: - High-income populations enjoy advanced healthcare and longevity  - Over 1 billion people live in poverty, lacking food, clean water, healthcare, and shelter Environmental Threats - Economic growth has caused significant environmental degradation - Climate change - Freshwater scarcity - Ocean acidification - Habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity - Earth’s natural systems (H20, N, C cycle) are under severe strain - Threats are unprecedented in the last 10,000 years of human civilization Sustainable Development - Defined by the 1987 Bruntland Report as “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” - Aims to balance three interconnected systems: - 1. World economy = provides goods and services for human welfare - 2. Global Society = Strives for equity and well-being across populations - 3. Earth’s Physical Environment = Ensures the sustainability of natural resources and ecosystems - Three Pillars of Sustainable Development: - Social Sustainability = promoting social equity and well-being - Economic Sustainability = achieving economic growth without depleting resources - Environmental Sustainability = protecting ecosystems for future generations — Lecture 12— Evolution of Sustainable Development - Originated in the 1970s with the concept of eco-development, linking social and environmental goals - Formalized in the 1987 Bruntland Report, establishing it as the new global development paradigm. - Emphasizes the need for limits to growth due to the planet’s finite resources Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - Introduced in 2000 as part of the United Nations Millennium Declaration (UNMD) - Aimed to reduce extreme poverty through international cooperation - Eight Goals focused on poverty, hunger, health, education, and environmental sustainability - Achievements by 2015: - Halved the number of people living on less than $1.25/day - Reduced undernourishment in developing countries - Criticisms: - Limited focus on poverty alleviation - Neglected broader aspects of sustainability Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Adopted in 2015 to address the unfinished work of the MDGs - Key Features: - Broader scope = 17 goals encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions - Universality = applicable to all countries not just developing nations - Integration of three pillars of sustainable development - Focus on human rights and systemic change  - Progress: - Advances in the economic pillar but slower progress in social and environmental areas - Challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic Key Takeaways - Sustainable development is a long-term commitment requiring global collaboration - Continued focus on the SDGs is essential to addressing current and emerging global issues — Lecture 14— Understanding Geopolitics - Geopolitics examines how geographical factors (resources, location, technology) influence state relations and security - The environment has not been central to geopolitical discussions but this has changed in the 21st century Geographic location and natural resources are the key factors in determining the power base and the foreign policy of a country Environmental Geopolitics - Impact of Climate Change - Rising sea levels, temp increases, and extreme weather events - These changes have economics, social, and political consequences - Resource Scarcity - Essential resources (water, oil, minerals) are increasingly scarce due to environmental degradation - Competition over resources exacerbates conflicts between and within countries - Migration and Social Tensions - Environmental changes displace population, leading to migration and border conflicts - Social inequality, worsened by climate change, fosters unrest Vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate change experience inequalities Geopolitical Challenges - Security Concern - Resource scarcity heightens national security risks, leading to increased military efforts - Climate change has been recognized by the UN Security Council as a catalyst for conflict - Global Cooperation - Solving environmental issues requires coordinated international action - Countries must prioritize joint efforts to mitigate climate change and its effects Key Takeaways: - The intersection of environment, national interests, and security underscores the urgent need for international cooperation. - Climate-induced changes and resource scarcity are reshaping the geopolitical landscape, with implications for conflict, security, and global stability. — Lecture 15 — Geopolitics and climate change are deeply intertwined, with natural resource scarcity and energy dependencies driving conflicts. As the global population grows and natural resources diminish due to climate change, competition for essential commodities like food, water, and energy intensifies. Resource scarcity leads to internal and international conflicts, with rulers of resource-rich regions often resorting to authoritarian rule or violence to maintain control. Competitions over materials will be more pivotal Due to the following: 1. Increase depends for resources 2. Global supplies of renewable resources 3. As accessible resource deposits in stable, friendly countries are depleted, consuming nations increasingly depend on harder-to-reach deposits in remote, unsafe regions, extending supply lines and heightening risks of attacks from insurgents and terrorists. 4. As vital material supplies dwindle compared to demand, their rising value makes resource ownership highly desirable, prompting rulers in resource-rich countries to cling to power through authoritarian means. This often sparks violent rivalries and internal conflicts, particularly in oil- and mineral-producing regions of the developing world. 5. Major resource-importing nations like China, EU countries, and the US increasingly rely on energy and minerals from former colonial regions in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The growing presence of multinational corporations in these areas has fueled anti-imperialist sentiment, which is exploited by local political interests, extremist groups, and criminal organizations. 6. Global warming significantly impacts resource availability, with developing regions likely to face reduced rainfall and droughts, threatening food production for millions. This may force large-scale migration, leading to potential conflicts and resistance in destination regions Energy, a cornerstone of development, is also a source of geopolitical tension. Historical energy conflicts have shaped global power dynamics, from coal and steam in the 19th century to oil and nuclear energy in the 20th century, and now renewables in the 21st century. Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources may alter global power structures, but the transition introduces new challenges, including environmental impacts and geopolitical rivalries. Recent events, like the Russia-Ukraine war, highlight energy’s role in global conflicts. Military organizations, such as the Pentagon, are adapting to climate and energy challenges by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and embracing renewable technologies, underscoring the intersection of security, energy, and climate concerns. — Lecture 16 — Summary of Notes on Environmentalism Environmentalism is a broad term encompassing concerns, actions, and advocacy aimed at limiting human impacts on the environment. It reflects diverse ethics, politics, and visions for societal change, often categorized based on their stance towards industrialization and the political-economic status quo. Classifications of Environmental Discourses 1. Environmental Problem-Solving: Advocates for adapting within the existing political-economic framework to address environmental issues. a. Limits: Warns that perpetual growth approaches natural limits, requiring rapid shifts away from growth-oriented systems. 2. Sustainability: Proposes reconciling environmental and economic values without abandoning liberal capitalism. a. Green Radicalism: Calls for rejecting industrial society, rethinking cultural norms, and adopting a new ecological worldview. History of Modern Environmental Movements 1960s Wave: A protest movement opposing industrialization’s consequences, envisioning utopian societies where humans coexist harmoniously with nature, emphasizing reduced or redefined human needs. 1980s Wave: Focused on achieving consensual actions through mainstream institutions and frameworks like the "triple bottom line" and "sustainable development." These aimed to balance economic, environmental, and societal needs. ○ While successful in mainstreaming environmental concerns, this wave also introduced compromises, leading to a "light-green social order" dominated by economic interests rather than environmentalists. The Contemporary Context Environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and urbanization now extend beyond traditional issues like resource depletion and nature preservation. These evolving complexities suggest a possible third wave of environmentalism that moves beyond protest and consensus, potentially redefining the relationship between human and natural systems. — Lecture 17 — Summary: Apocalyptic and Postapocalyptic Environmentalism The environmental movement has long relied on apocalyptic warnings to inspire action, emphasizing dire future consequences if current practices continue. These warnings are supported by evidence of global environmental crises, including biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change, with some arguing humanity has exceeded Earth's carrying capacity. However, perspectives differ on the severity and approach to these issues. Apocalyptic Environmentalism Apocalyptic discourse highlights impending global catastrophe as a motivational tool. While effective in mobilizing support, it has been critiqued for inducing passivity or fatalism. Some organizations, like Greenpeace and WWF, advocate for hopeful, optimistic messaging to inspire proactive engagement rather than fear-driven inertia. Postapocalyptic Environmentalism This newer form of environmentalism shifts focus from future threats to present realities, emphasizing that environmental catastrophes are already occurring. Rooted in ongoing loss and irreversible damage, this perspective drives activism not to prevent disasters but to adapt to and salvage what remains. Examples include displacement in the Global South, increasing environmental disasters in the Global North, and protests against fossil fuel extraction. Postapocalyptic environmentalism often rejects reliance on institutions or capitalist reforms, viewing them as incapable of achieving meaningful environmental solutions. Activism under this framework accepts catastrophic loss, redirecting energy toward meaningful and achievable goals like redress and preservation of what can still be saved. It represents a shift from fear of the future to a focus on ongoing struggles and adaptation to irreversible changes.