Intro to Environmental Studies 24

 Capitalism has been a driving force behind much of the environmental destruction we see today. At its core, capitalism prioritizes profit over people, growth over sustainability, and short-term gains over long-term well-being. This pursuit of profit leads to the over-exploitation of natural resources and the destruction of ecosystems. This destruction is not only a consequence of industrial progress but a symptom of a disconnect form the natural world. Humans used to live as part of earths ecosystems. Early human societies, though not without their flaws, often maintained a relationship with the land that was grounded in a sense of balance and respect. But capitalism has led us away from this natural state. Humans now see ourselves as separate from nature, viewing the Earth as a resource to be exploited rather than a living system to be nurtured.  Greed, an intrinsic part of capitalism, has aided this separation. In a system where wealth is the ultimate measure of success, th...

Chapter 2 of the American Camino talks about the idea that the aesthetics of nature extend beyond mere admiration and into active participation within the ecosystem. It emphasizes that the beauty of the Appalachian Trail is not simply something to passively observe but something hikers engage with, physically and spiritually. This suggests that aesthetic experiences are dynamic and relational, forming a bridge between humans and the environment. This notion reframes the hiker’s role in nature, not as detached visitors but as part of the ecological rhythm. By walking the trail, hikers leave behind footprints and take with them memories, ideas, and often a deeper understanding of their connection to the Earth. These interactions, while subtle, are necessary to fully experiencing the trail's aesthetic. Reflecting on this, I see participation in the ecosystem as a kind of dialogue. Observing a sunrise, feeling the texture of moss underfoot, or listening to the calls of birds are moment...

 A few weeks ago I attended a fascinating talk by Dr. Balay at Christopher Newport University titled Ghost Forest: The Immemorial Age of the Anthropocene . The discussion centered on Maya Lin’s poignant memorial installation, Ghost Forest , which features a grove of bleached Atlantic white cedar trees—trees that once thrived but were killed by saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels. Maya Lin, an artist and architect known for blending environmental themes with innovative designs (like the iconic Vietnam Veterans Memorial), uses her work to spotlight ecological crises. The Ghost Forest exhibit was displayed in Madison Square Garden, New York, attracting a lot of attention from this popular area.Dr. Balay used this installation to explore the Anthropocene, an unofficial epoch marking the profound impact of human activity on Earth's geology and ecosystems. This era captures a shift where human actions, from industrialization to deforestation, have become the dominant force shapi...

 In class on November 26, we watched a film titled Koyaanisqatsi that consisted only of pictures and music, no words. The film's meaning is open to interpretation of the viewer. It begins by showing beautiful pictures and videos of different nature scenes but then starts to show bustling cities, factories, and exploding rockets. The film transitions between the natural environment, the environment affected by humans, and then objects made completely by humans. Additionally, the music changes from dramatic and fast paced to more somber music towards the end. At the very end of the film, the meaning of the word Koyaanisqatsi is revealed as life out of balance. I believe the meaning of the film is that humans have permanently changed the environment, and not necessarily for the better. The beauty of the untouched natural world is depicted in the beginning, but urban expansion has destroyed many of these breathtaking places. Factories and urban expansion contribute to climate change, d...

  I recently read a section of a book titled Impact of Sakhalin II phase 2 on western north Pacific gray whales and related biodiversity. Report of an independent scientific review panel for another class. In this book, the authors discuss a scientific review panel that was created to evaluate how Phase 2 of Sakhalin II, an integrated oil and gas project, impacts western gray whale conservation. It reviews research on the biology of these whales like the population numbers, reproduction, survival, patterns, and feeding grounds which can be used better to assess the risks of the oil and gas project. Risks include noise, collisions/ship strikes, oil exposure, physical disturbance, and habitat destruction say the authors. For example, the book states that gray whales can hear frequencies below 2kHz which causes concern due to the high noise level required for building Phase 2 of Sakhalin II. It states supply ships can be 100-400 Hz and tug and barge operations can reach 630 Hz. Loud n...

       In my geography class, my professor asked if our generation was more optimistic or pessimistic about humanity's ability to combat clime change. Some students responded with pessimism, expressing doubts about whether meaningful change could be achieved. This got me thinking about the deeper implications of these attitudes, particularly when it comes to pessimism and nihilism. These mindsets, in a way, represent the death of effort--the belief that nothing can be done or that nothing matters. If we all thought like this, it would be impossible to make any progress. Change requires action, and if we lose hope or resign ourselves to the idea that humanity is doomed, we stop trying. If everyone gave up in the face of overwhelming challenges, we wouldn't just lose the battle against climate change--we'd lose the will to try altogether. It's this cycle of despair that ultimately hinders progress, because when we stop believing that solutions are possible, we stop loo...

  This weekend, I went to Maymont Park in Richmond. It is a 100-acre park with a petting zoo, animal exhibits, and beautiful Japanese and Italian gardens. I went a lot as a kid because I loved interacting with the animals and the scenery. Revisiting this park made me think about our class discussion on whether zoos were ethical. This is a difficult question to answer, but I kept it in mind while I visited and decided that it is moral in cases like Maymont Park. The main concern people have with zoos is the animals’ well-being. Maymont’s website says it only has Virginia native species that have been rescued and are unfit to be released into the wild. I think this is a perfect example of what a zoo should look like. The animals are not in a small habitat made to look like a different climate. They are already accustomed to Virginia weather.  I think zoos are also extremely important to educate people, especially children. Zoos offer kids a place to interact and learn about ...

  Sustainability is something that has always been important to me. It is Especially important to me in virginia beach because my mom job plays a big role in the sustainability efforts virginia beach makes to keep city building sustainable so when thinking about any outside research or reading i wanted to do from this class i was curious to see just what efforts virginia beach makes in regards to sustainability. I came across an article from Visit Virginia Beach that discusses just what the city does to be sustainable. The article begins by discussing Virginia Green, the state's sustainability program that Virginia Beach is an active participant in. In Virginia Beach there is an immense effort being made to make many popular tourist buildings and city buildings to be green certified. Meaning that the building uses the most efficient and waste reducing materials to what the buildings are made out of to make sure they are using the proper light bulbs to reduce the amount of energy th...

    An article I saw that caught my eye this summer was one from The Washington Post stating that three houses had collapsed into the ocean on one block of the North Carolina coast. When I read into the article and discovered that this was on the coast of Rodanthe it hit home for me because I vacation every summer in the outer banks and drive through Rodanthe to get to where I normally stay. I continued to read the article and it stated that 10 houses have collapsed into the ocean since 2020 as Rodanthe has experienced some of the fastest rates of erosion on the east coast. These collapses have left large amounts of very dangerous debris on the coast line and in the ocean that can harm humans and wildlife. Residents of Rodanthe were instructed to stay out of the water and to wear hard-soled shoes when walking around the coast line. It is very sad and scary to hear about the erosion and destruction of homes I so often drive by. 

     A topic that I found interesting in my biology lab was the effects that urbanization has had on wildlife and how we can help diminish some of these effects. I decided to do some more research and came across this article from the Canadian Wildlife Federation on the way urbanization is affecting animals and I thought it was relevant to the same things we are experiencing in the United states. As land becomes more and more urbanized it is taking away wildlife habitat and increasing their exposure to humans. The article discusses that animals either die, adapt or move on to a different area. The article focused on the ones that adapted and there behavioral changes. In urban areas food for many of these animals have become abundant changing the behavior of the animal because it is no longer having to work so hard to find food. For example, bobcats move into urban areas because they hunt the rabbits that are attracted to the abundance of grass coming from the lawns of urb...

     Clean energy has always been something that interests me as I know there is a large plus side to being able to use clean energy sources but I also know they can come with many challenges in making them efficient. To learn some more information on clean energy I read an article from the United States Department of Energy on the advantages and challenges of wind energy. The article discusses the positives of wind energy stating how it brings close to 150,000 thousand jobs as well as enabling domestic growth in the United states. Wind energy is also a clean and renewable energy source helping the United States to reduce almost 336 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year as well as being one of the most cost effective energy sources. It does not come without its challenges though. Wind energy locations can be hard to find and are often in remote locations as they require a lot of flat windy area. These wind farms can also affect the local wildlife with how much land...

       I recently read an article from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration about pollution in the ocean and the effects it is having. The article discussed the difference between nonpoint pollution which is the most common form of pollution and comes from runoff from things such as septic tanks, vehicles and agricultural lands and then point pollution which has greater effects but is much less common coming from things such as oil spills. The article also discussed that sometimes it's not what exactly is being polluted but how much of it is dispersed into the environment. For example nitrogen and phosphorus can be helpful to marine life but in large concentrations cause algae blooms or dead zones that harm or kill marine life. The final point the article hit on was that of garbage patches. The collection of marine debris from microplastics to fishing gear that get pushed together by ocean currents creating the garbage patch. These patches are con...

The authors discuss how environmentalists often use the terms preservation and conservation without much differentiation between the two. Conservation is aimed at making humans interact with the environment sustainably while allowing for resource extraction. Conservationists support measures that balance environmental protection with human needs, such as incentivizing renewable energy or reducing resource consumption. Preservation, on the other hand, focuses on protecting areas from human influence, often advocating for untouched natural spaces and/or limiting human presence to native populations. Preservationists value nature for its own sake, believing that nature’s integrity should be maintained without human interference. While the two approaches differ from each other, they often overlap in practice, as both conservationists and preservationists may support protecting certain areas of nature. However, the reasons behind their protection may be different from one another. Conservat...

I n recent years, some conservationists have pushed for a shift in conservation biology focusing more on protecting the environment for its benefit to humans rather than for nature’s intrinsic value. This movement is called New Conservation Science and has led to debates and changes within major conservation organizations. Proponents of the New Conservation Science movement argue that traditional conservation, which emphasizes biodiversity protection, harms human welfare and impedes human development. However, this approach has limited support from both the biological and social sciences. It is largely driven by the anthropocentric belief that human needs take precedence over nature’s inherent rights. The article critiques the movement and points out that many of its claims are poorly supported and/or misleading. The author acknowledges the need for conservation to adapt to contemporary challenges but also emphasizes the importance of balancing human needs with environmental protection...

Environmental determinism has different meanings across multiple fields, as the authors discuss. In fields such as management, it discusses the influence of external forces over organizational choices. In architecture or planning it focuses on how the environment controls human behavior. In sociology, on the other hand, it contrasts with biological determinism by emphasizing the social environment and its role in shaping human character. This is especially applied in areas like education and criminology. In other areas, such as geography, environmental determinism refers to the influence of biophysical factors like climate, terrain, and natural resources on human life. I learned about these factors in Dr. Johnny Finn’s course in which we discussed geographical factors and their effects on the human population. The concept of determinism suggests that events or outcomes are controlled by prior conditions, with little room left for alternative possibilities. Some forms of environmental d...

Environmental Stewardship can be used in many forms. It includes the responsible use and protection of the environment through conservation and sustainable processes. This practice is aimed at enhancing both the resilience of the ecosystem and human well-being. Environmental education that incorporates stewardship allows participants to engage with local ecosystems and understand how their individual behaviors impact the environment around them. This encourages people to actively manage and protect their natural resources. Stewardship is carried out in multiple forms, as previously mentioned. Examples include restoration and protection, everyday choices, community awareness, civic action, and stewardship science. Individuals, groups, students, and communities can engage in environmental stewardship through personal or societal levels through these forms. Stewardship actions include different behaviors, decisions, and technologies that are used by these individuals/groups to manage shar...

 In the fall semester of 2023, I got to work with the Newport News Green Foundation. For this project, we worked with the philosophy department to help reform properties that are around the city. My property my group was assigned was the largest one, which was also hidden behind a riverside clinic. We spent the semester doing research on this property, and communicating with the local neighborhood which surrounded it. At the end of the semester, we presented to the entire Newport News Green Foundation our plans for this wooded property. In the end, our results focused on making the property a walking park, for both the neighborhood and hospital. 

 In the spring semester of my sophomore year, I worked with Dr. Rose and the community engaged learning department to support communities who suffer from the coal terminal in downtown Newport News. In this project, we toured blighted buildings with the fire department and actually got the chance to enter the terminal itself. The fire department marshal tasked us with writing a policy report on our assigned area of work with. I specifically got to work with solving the blight problem in the area. I spent the semester doing research on this problem where in the end, I got to do a presentation on my research with my group. I personally searched for public private partnerships, which would help out with taking down properties. I realized that there was a problem with landlords mostly, who overcharged people and would not allow anyone to touch their property, even though it is run down.

  Chapter 4 of American Camino discusses wilderness and whether it is possible to find it. At the start of the chapter, it uses several definitions and explanations to describe what wilderness is. One is from the Wilderness Act of 1964 which states that “[wilderness] is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain” (pg 161). It also states that an area of wilderness is to be preserved with its natural conditions. With this definition in mind, I think it is almost impossible to find wilderness.  Humans leave their mark on landscapes all the time, even if unintentional. Preservation of nature means non-use or non-consumptive use which includes hiking, camping, kayaking, etc. But I think all of these still leave minor impacts on the ecosystem. Hikers and campers are advised to ‘leave no trace’ and pick up all trash and equipment, but there are plenty of people who do not. Trail ...

  Chapter 5 of American Camino discusses wilderness as a sacred place. It says that these places serve as conduits between people and Holy beings. Pilgrims traveling through sacred places “encounter the holy through images, icons, social relations, architecture, landforms, wildlife, and other varieties of symbolic communication rooted in concrete experience” (pg 187). In a religion class I took last year, we learned that sacred places have no rules as to what constitutes one. As long as it holds value to you then it is sacred. I thought this chapter of the book was very interesting because it does a good job of showing how sacred places mean different things to everyone and there are no rules for what makes a place sacred. Nature and the wilderness are often seen as sacred places and I think a main reason for that is because it has natural beauty and can do incredible things. When looking at landscapes such as the Grand Canyon or the northern lights, it is easy to have a connectio...

     Something that has always interested me and that I have personal opinions on is how living by the water has such positive effects on one's mental health. I have lived within a 15 minute drive to the ocean my entire life and I believe it has such positive effects on me mentally. I could never imagine moving inland or to a landlocked state and this is something I very commonly hear from people that live by the ocean or a large body of water. The ability to sit by the water and watch the waves go in and hear the sounds of the ocean is something so calming that it has the ability to put your mind at peace. The ocean brings me, my friends and my family so much happiness and peace of mind. The first warm day of the season when everyone gets to go to the beach and hang out all day is a feeling that i think if you could bottle and sell would be the most expensive thing in the world. There's a reason many people vacation to the beach or a river or a lake anywhere to be n...

     Something that has sparked my personal interests has been the use of the environment in true crime. In my biology lab specifically the bounty portion we did a lab based around the use of plants in the environment that were used in order to solve a crime case. In the lab we read over several scenarios in which plants were used to solve a case. For an example we read a scenario in which a person was suspected to be a victim of a hit and run. The person was found dead on the side of the road by a building. After examining the environment around the victim and analyzing the clothes and the body of the victim it was determined that the victim had fallen off of the balcony above the street. This was determined because a piece of a plant on the balcony that was not native to the area was found on the victim. Without the use of botany and that plant being studied it would not have been determined that the victim fell off of the balcony. We discussed in class that this i...

      One thing that has been of personal interest to me is the rise of raising livestock in suburban neighborhoods. In my hometown I live in your typical suburban neighborhood, but I am very fortunate to live close to an acre of land which gives me a fairly large back yard. In my backyard my family has raised ducks and chickens. We had started out with chickens for a few years but they eventually tore up the backyard too much and i convinced my family to try ducks. We made the switch to getting six ducks of three different kinds. We have two of your typical white ducks, two runner ducks, and to little black ducks. Making the switch to ducks had many benefits. They don't tear up the yard, they have much more personality than chickens do and their eggs are much richer in taste. I feel with the rise of social media it has been much more common to see chickens being raised in suburban neighborhoods as it spreads as a fairly easy thing to do and not having to buy eggs is...

 In class, Charlie Kloppenburg discussed western water resources and how human culture and ecosystems are interconnected. He talked about different viewpoints of nature including biocentrism, ecocentrism, and anthropocentrism. Biocentrism states that all living things have equal moral value, ecocentrism states that nature is more valuable than humans, and anthropocentrism states that humans are more valuable than nature. His main discussion included the idea that cultures and landscapes have evolved together over time and are influenced by water being a limiting resource. Streams adjust to changing conditions in many different ways including laterally, vertically, longitudinally, and temporally. An example of a way a stream changes is when farmers carve new channels when agriculture starts to encroach, which changes the ability of certain species to exist. An invasive species might start growing instead. In the United States, the east gets more than 20 inches of rain a year, wherea...

Last summer, I interned with Lynnhaven River Now, a nonprofit organization in Virginia Beach. I worked on a project studying if mussels are effective in restoring eroding shorelines. Although I only got to do the physical work of wheelbarrowing sand to the shoreline, the study was interesting to learn about. The project is creating the region’s first living shoreline using mussels. Living shorelines are typically created with oyster shells, but oysters need a hard surface to grow on, while mussels do not. The mussels are expected to filter pollutants and improve the health of the river while also stabilizing the shoreline. The project is continuing to be monitored while still adding mussels, but if successful, it will be a great natural solution to shoreline restoration.  

  Chapter 2 of American Camino explores how the Appalachian Trail can be a spiritual pilgrimage. The trail can be a place for hikers to connect with nature and engage in self-discovery. Walking the trail can be peaceful, distracting from life and allowing hikers to connect with the world around them. This chapter discusses the trail's spiritual aspects while acknowledging the physical demands of the challenging terrain and many miles.   Personally, I highly enjoy walking in nature. During times I am home, I like to walk in my local state park, First Landing, and I find it to be calming. I imagine walking the Appalachian Trail would be an incredible opportunity to disconnect from the world and clear the mind. The idea of spending extended time in nature sounds peaceful. However, I can imagine walking for long distances could be draining on the body. 

  I recently read an article on food sustainability and how companies are greenwashing their labels to make their products seem environmentally friendly. This article gave a list of labels that are not regulated and can be misleading. This topic is very interesting and important because, as a consumer, I want to know where my money goes.  Sustainable foods are usually more expensive than their un-labeled counterparts. Still, consumers purchase them because they align with their morals or want to know exactly what they are eating. For example, my mom is particular about what eggs she buys because she doesn’t want to support companies with poor living conditions for the birds. Common labels on eggs include cage-free, free-range, and pasture-raised. All of these sound fairly humane and sustainable, but these are misleading due to the greenwashing of labels by companies. Cage-free means each hen gets 1 square foot of space and do not have outside access. Free range allows each hen...

 This past may I got the chance to study abroad in the bahamas, with a class which focused on sustainability and buisness ethics in the bahamas. I got to visit different islands and places, where we listen to a bunch of different speakers to learn about how the bahamas worked. We started out in Nassau, where we visted atlantis and got to see their behind the scenes and have a look at what they do at the park to protect our oceans. I learned that their main worry was climate change, which cause coral bleaching around the islands. We also went to the island of andros, which is not as touristy as nassau, which I personally loved. We got to tour places like abandonded resorts and other companies or hotels to see what they do to keep sustainability alive. I think there are always sketchy things that happen in some companies, and you could tell by some people who gave tours because they showed reluctance to answer questions. With things being so expensive in the bahamas, I would never be...

 I wanted to do my last outside reading on climate change and how it is interpreted in media. In my environmental imaginings class, we have read articles that focus on climate fiction and ways that a message could be spread through the big screen. In this class, we looked at the film don't look up, which is about an asteriod coming to earth to kill everyone who lives here. I think this film is an excellent perception of modern media and how people in power, and not, take news that focus on environmental effects. I think that having an asteriod instead of something like climate change is more important for telling a message due to how it ends up (spoilers) destroying earth and killing everyone in the process. All of this is due just because the president and some other old people wanted to make money off of the value the asteriod had. I think that this film was a great watch and important for the role that climate fiction plays in our media. 

 I want to talk about Garrard's Ecocriticism, which focuses on how environmental justice is important as we evolve as a society. This is meaning mostly for our relationship as humans to the environment around us. I personally take this narrative as an ethical equation, like many environmental factors, which proves our rights as people and what we need to do with them. An anthropocentric community is too strong for the planet to handle. I think the concept of an apocalypse is a point that most people may look over. It may seem fictional, but it brings an interesting point to our environment. the planet would collapse due to humans or with something that would affect them. But the interesting point is that we can be the saviors even tho we destroy the world.

I am focusing on strong yet sustainable and environmentally friendly architecture for my research project . I came across a material called Hempcrete, a sustainable alternative to generic concrete and is made by mixing hemp with a lime-based binder. Hemp, like bamboo, is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. Also, I found out that buildings made with hempcrete sequester/store carbon at about 1 ton traps 330 kg of carbon dioxide (Co₂) which is an added bonus in terms of the sustainable aspects. 

  American Camino Ch. 2 Spiritual Journey vs. Aesthetic Tourism In this chapter there is discussion about journeys in nature compared to tourists visits because of the aesthetic. While I love true wild nature that has not been touched or manipulated by mankind, the aesthetic nature that is created can be quite appealing. For instance visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden I am always amazed at the beautifully designed spaces and I do love to see the butterflies. But going back to the chapter and the rise of aesthetic tourism it mentions how for most of human history wildlife places were avoided and were associated with fear and regarded as ugly. So, while I am partial to true nature the aesthetic takes a.k.a domesticated nature is beneficial in changing the way that people saw and now see nature, as something beautiful and worth protecting.

      I recently watched the movie "How to Blow Up A Pipeline" (2022). Centered around the concept of radical environmental activism, this movie's plot followed an ensemble of characters who attempt to, as the title betrays, blow up an oil pipeline located in Texas. Each of the cast has their own distinct reason for wanting to be rid of the pipeline. Xochitl is the first character introduced, and is the one who proposes the initial plan. With her mother dead from an accelerated heatwave, Xochitl abandons her previous work with a peaceful grassroots organization to recruit the other characters into a radical form of protest. The crew attempts to rig several homemade bombs to destroy sections of pipe without spilling the oil into neighboring communities. Each character has been directly affected by the construction of the pipeline, and the movie is incredibly effective on illustrating the far-reaching effects of the oil industry. It touches on the well-meaning, but ineffect...

 I was scrolling on social media and found a post about deep-sea mining. This caught my interest so I decided to look up more information on the Internet. I found an article titled, "Greenpeace USA Confronts Impossible Metals Company at Deep Sea Mining Machinery Demonstration" published by Greenpeace. The article discusses some of the detrimental effects deep sea mining could have on the ocean's environment. These effects include destroying fragile ocean habitats, harming marine biodiversity, and interfering with the ocean's carbon cycle, which can contribute to global warming. The mining operations will also produce waste that can pollute the surrounding environment. This could severely impact fisheries. Recently, Greenpeace officers confronted a Canadian corporation known as Impossible Metals because they were presenting their machinery to be used for deep-sea mining to investors. Additionally, Greenpeace led a peaceful protest on November 7th at the Deep Sea Mining...

 On October 31st, I attended the EcoLunch Seminar where graduate students in the Environmental Science program presented information about their thesis work. One of the students presented on the northeastern beach tiger beetle which is an endangered species in the Chesapeake Bay. I found this to be interesting because I had never even heard of this species before. The student plans to collect data by counting the number of beetles he finds on the beaches at various different times to test different conditions to determine when they are most active and the rate at which the population is declining. He also mentioned that the main reason for the decline in population of the tiger beetle is human activity like foot traffic which can kill the larvae. Additionally, sea level rise due to global warming plays a role in the population decline. Global warming is caused by human activity through the burning of fossil fuels. I think that this research is important because it can provide helpf...

  In another class, we recently discussed nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is beneficial because it does not emit greenhouse gas emissions or require fossil fuels, but there are still drawbacks. I saw one of these downsides first-hand when I went to Navajo Nation this summer in Arizona. In the mid-1900s, Navajo Nation was home to many uranium mines that helped supply nuclear weapons and energy. The government came in, used open mines, and left when the project was completed. There are many open mines still in Navajo Nation and this uranium has a huge impact on the people there.  During my trip to the reservation, residents would point out spots of yellow on the ground in the near distance, which we learned were uranium. One farm owner said that these spots surround her farm and she recently had to kill all of her sheep because they had been exposed to the uranium when grazing. She normally sells these sheep to make income, but they are now contaminated. The uranium is also affec...

 Rachel Carsons "Silent Spring" is a fascinating  piece of work to me as it talks about pesticide’s and the ethics that it brings to our world. Pesticides are a result from capitalism, which end up decreasing wildlife for human profit. The effects Carson brings up don't only just affect bugs, but animals as well. The world has definitely changed from this ethical decision, and we question today if it is really worth it? Ethics have always been the stopping point that we struggle from as environmental studies majors, because human kind needs certain things to live. For example money, which we are so centered by. Carsons writing focuses on science and the effects of what we are doing as humans to destroy out planet. It really makes us question where we go from here?

 I find the author, Edward Abbey to be a very interesting person. He takes environmental protection to an extreme in my opinion. This reading, "industrial tourism and national parks" focuses on his concern around industrial tourism. He states that he wishes no vehicles or roads to exist within a natural area. He argues through this piece that he wishes that the world is becoming too industrial and he wants to do something about it. Thus meaning, to find ways to sabotage any form of human existence from national parks. His ego is fascinating in my opinion as I read through this piece of work, and he builds himself to become a terrorist in some way. I think points that he brings up from his perspective play a large role in ethics, especially as we continue to expand in a more modern world.

 I want to talk about "Summer on the Lakes" by Margret Fuller, which focuses on an introduction to some environmental things along with feminism in the 19th century. I find this work fascinating because of how Fuller describes the world around her. She focuses on a trip to Niagara Falls, where she describes herself to become overwhelmed by what she is witnessing in front of her. This story is a travel narrative about her trip, where she places the reader right into the location she is talking about. Bringing on the ideas of romanticism, Fuller uses a deep connection to the human spirit in this environment. One other point that I find interesting from this reading is about when she brings up Native Americans and how she does not fully feel safe by herself as a woman. But overall I think this is an interesting piece of philosophical work focused around the environment. 

 Two summers ago I received a package in the mail from a friend from school, with the book Into the Wild  packed inside. My friend wanted me and a second friend to read this book before we all saw each other again the fall because she felt like it really spoke to her. As someone who enjoyed the outdoors and has often heard about this novel I was somewhat excited to begin reading it. A quick read, it was a fascinating story that to me many who had read it missed the message because of the story's context. Chris was a sick kid, although he may have sounded philosophical and profound, the self isolation and abandonment of life, absence of appreciation for life, is not something that is typical. It is one thing to desire a life that is not "traditional" and conformed to the societal expectations of a young individual, it is another to abandon your friends and family and venture into the wilderness with no preparation or understanding of your surroundings. It is a death wish. ...

 An article posted by the Animal Welfare Institute discusses the question, "Are Aquariums Ethical?, which is an interesting conversation that oftentimes has various answers depending on who is asked. Aquariums can refer to a facility that displays tropical fish or a small freshwater fish living in a bowl on the counter. In this article, the emphasis is on the pet trade industry, however both types of aquariums have their fair share of similar flaws. To start, most fish are not housed in proper enclosures with enough space to move around and survive in. The fact that fish can be kept in small plastic bowls that are less than a gallon in size is fascinating because from an animal welfare standpoint if you kept a dog in a crate its entire life it would be considered animal cruelty, but people view fish differently. Because fish aren't mammals or even terrestrial beings, they are often perceived as unintelligent and unable to process or feel pain, which is undeniably true. In the ...

       In my Biology class we recently discussed the concept of a sixth, human caused, mass extinction event. As we look at earth, it's hard to ignore the changes taking place in our environment. Climate change, deforestation, pollution, and the exploitation of natural resources are altering the world we once knew. What's even more concerning is that many scientists now seem to agree that we are living through the sixth mass extinction event--one that is being caused primarily by human activity.            Human activities like habitat destruction, overhunting, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species are causing the rapid decline of species across the globe. According to the United Nations, we have already lost around 60% of the world's wildlife in the past 40 years. From the destruction of coral reefs to the declining populations of many species, ecosystems are crumbling at an alarming rate.      Why does...

       Historically, art, music, and nature were not just luxuries but core elements of humanity, shaping our identity and fostering a connection to our natural world. These forms of expression were essential to how people communicated, celebrated life, and made sense of their surroundings. However, as industrialization and technological advancement progressed, this  began to shift. What was once a life rooted in creativity, reflection, and balance with nature has given way to a fast-paced, consumer driven society, increasingly disconnected from the values that once defined us.      In history, art and music served functional roles--telling stories, preserving traditions, and offering spiritual and emotional resonance. Nature was embraced as a virtue, with people living in closer harmony with their environments. There was respect for the earth, with human culture and nature coexisting in a balanced, sustainable way.     However, the rise...

 In my Geography 211 class I read the paper "Taking the Naturalness out of Natural Disasters" by Phil O'Keefe. The term "natural disaster" is most often used to describe events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. While these events are part of Earth's natural processes, referring to them as "natural" can be misleading. In many instances, human activity significantly contributes to the frequency, intensity, and impact of these events, challenging the notion that they are purely "natural."  For example, the case of flooding. Urbanization, deforestation, and poor land-use often exacerbate the severity of floods. Cities built in floodplains or on unstable slopes are vulnerable to landslides and flooding. Furthermore, the destruction of wetlands and mangroves--vital ecosystems that serve as natural barriers against storm surges-- has left coastal areas more exposed to the effects of hurricanes and rising sea levels.  Wildfi...

 I recently read an article about how climate change is affecting teenagers. Across the globe, young people are witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of climate change. From wildfires in Canada to rising sea levels in Tuvalu, the stories of teens like Lucy Currie, Obama Mchembe, and Ayesha Ali reveal how climate disruption is reshaping their lives. Whether grappling with wildfires, extreme heat, air pollution, or melting glaciers, these teenagers are facing challenges their parents never imagined. Many are actively responding by planting trees, raising awareness, or preserving cultural traditions in the face of uncertainty. As they navigate these changes, they're also questioning the future of their communities, economies, and environments. By 2050, their struggles will intensify, with more extreme weather events, food shortages, and displacement expected. Their voices are a powerful reminder for the urgent need for climate action- before the consequences become even more ir...

  I recently read an article about sea spray aerosols and their environmental effects and learned a lot of interesting, new information that I think would be cool to share. This article discussed how sea spray aerosols are formed when wakes break and because 75% of the world is ocean, they are the most common aerosol. These particles are called ice nucleating particles. As they enter the atmosphere, they get inside clouds and initiate the formation of ice, giving them an effect on cloud formation and duration. Researchers are starting to study ice nuclei more which can be used to better understand weather and climate.  Clouds have a large effect on climate because they can reflect solar energy and absorb terrestrial radiation. However, the article states that this ability is largely influenced by the number, size, and type of droplets and ice particles that the clouds contain. Researchers are working to discover the chemical composition of sea spray aerosols to get a bette...

     Growing up in Virginia Beach is something I will always be grateful for. I have lived in Virginia Beach my entire life and lived in the same house since I was two years old. I love living in virginia beach and the way it has helped me connect to nature around me. Growing up I spent the weekends driving around Pungo, the more rural portion of Virginia beach exploring the outdoors or stopping at farm stands getting fresh produce and speaking to the farmers themselves. That was a very special experience for me growing up as a kid. Growing up around so much water was also a privilege being able to go walk around Back Bay wildlife Refuge and see an unpopulated beach being able to observe all of the birds and small animals living in their natural environment. As I got older I was able to drive to several different beaches from the north end at the oceanfront to chicks beach on the bay or even sandbridge beach whenever I wanted a fun day with my friends or needed some time ...

    One thing that has personally interested me this semester is the horrible flooding in North Carolina along the Appalachian mountains due to hurricane Helene. The flooding in North Carolina was the worst the area has seen in close to 1000 years. Many residents were completely unprepared as the hurricane was predicted to hit primarily the gulf of florida and then significantly lose its power once hitting land. The land quickly became inaccessible due to the large amount of flooding cutting roadways off and the difficulty of the terrain in appalachian. This left many people stranded without power, food or water. The high levels of flooding were a result of several different factors all stemming from hurricane Helene. The weather front stalled over North Carolina bringing even more rain and wind. The area also experienced the upside effect in which moist air from the storm raised up above the mountains and then condensed into rain dumping even more water onto North Caroli...

     The reading Contact and Contagion: The Roanoke Colony and Influenza was assigned in my anthropology course. This reading talks about two explorations 1) John Smith and 2) Thomas Hariot and how upon these explorations visits with local tribal leaders led to the devastating disease that wiped out the American Indians in the Roanoke colony. Peter Mires investigates what contagion was responsible for the major reduction in the American Indian population. Mires states that the possible suspects are smallpox, plague, yellow fever, influenza, malaria, measles, and typhus but after observing the writings that describe their explorations he concludes that influenza was the most conceivable suspect. But after reading this article I thought about how learning about this history and these facts can help us in the present and future come up with solutions by reviewing history. And it made me think of the quote by George Santayana, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to rep...

 The movie we watched in class, which focused on water fascinated me because of how ground water really is important for the world. We extract it from the ground for survival of ourselves, which also helps crops and all living beings. I would really like to discuss Florida in this blog. As a SCUBA diver I have taken many trips to Dunnellon Florida. In this area, it is full of farmland and country and also has tons of famous freshwater springs beneath it. I am personally fascinated with how there are huge underwater caverns directly beneath all the farmland in the area. I hear stories of sink holes or farms only being able to build on certain areas of land so they would not collapse into the ground. I think that our discussion after watching the film was important because this is a real problem we as a society come across and need to find solutions soon. Capitalism, another topic mentioned in this film is a problem where pollution is large. This is also where big companies work to t...

These past few weeks have been super exhausting, both emotionally and physically. I have been sick with a cold for the past two weeks and have had so many assignments and other stressors. Due to this, I’ve decided to be more intentional with my time, especially with how and where I dedicate it. So, recently between my classes, I’ve been spending my free time outside just enjoying the outdoors. I’ve noticed a very strong shift in my mood during the time I spend outside which helps to balance my emotions and makes me far less stressed. I wish I could have more time to spend outside because it helps to ease my mood and I’ve noticed that I can breathe far better when I’m out in ‘fresh’ air. However, I only have around 15 minutes between classes to spend outdoors and after classes, I have to dedicate my time to work and homework. I find myself resenting classes that I typically enjoy because of how hefty my workload has been recently. However, I feel that I’m handling my assignments well, a...

Growing up, my parents always told me that landscaping can be just as important to the value of a suburban home as the house itself. Having a shaven, green lawn bordered by small, symmetrical evergreens and splashes of color from annual flowers makes a property more uniform and enjoyable to look at from the road. Its attractiveness to the human eye allows those passing by to know that the owners are upholding the standards of a well kept home and conforming to the expectations of a suburban homeowner. Americans plant lawns with foreign grasses and maintain them to the societal definition of neat for the ascetics, but what about the practicality? How much water is wasted to keep the grasses green, how many living shrubs are ripped out because of their shape or size, how much gas is released from maintenance and mowing? The amount of time and money that goes into our lawns seems almost ridiculous when you step back for a second: the landscaping outside a house provides nothing to the own...