Writing an Essay vs. A Powerpoint Presentation

I feel that researching a topic and putting it in a powerpoint is a lot easier for me than writing an essay.  I like the fact that I am able to break up my information on different slides and use titles, pictures, charts, and graphs to go along with the information on each of my powerpoint slides.   To me, this makes my organization of information a lot better and easier to follow.  When I create a powerpoint, I am able to write my key points on separate slides and then further elaborate.  Sometimes when I am writing an essay, I feel like I have too much information to deal with and sometimes it is hard to understand what my main points are.  I typically enjoy making powerpoints.  I do not enjoy writing essays because I usually become highly stressed and overwhelmed.

Environmental History

Throughout history, Raleigh, NC and the towns surrounding Raleigh have changed tremendously.  In the mid-1900's, the area consisted of open land.  Since then, buildings and houses have been built and are continuing to be built.  One of the reasons for such an extreme growth in the suburb area as well is due to the great location around the city which makes it convenient for individuals who work in the Raleigh area and the Research Triangle Park.  The RTP area brings a lot of businesses and workers since it is so well known.  The environment is highly effected by this because trees have been cut down and the land is cleared in order for the houses and buildings to be built.  This then makes certain species die out since their living environments have been changed and effected.

Religion & The Environment

I think there could be a relationship between religion and the environment.  As long as this relationship does not become harmful in any way, I believe religion has a chance to shape our attitudes towards the environment and ecology.  Even though most religions involve the presence of a being greater than themselves as well as faith, and the environment simply is essential to Earth, there's no reason for them to not be able to join together to benefit one another.

Article Relating to Richard Kahn's "Towards Ecopedagogy"

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/22/us/critics-rise-up-against-environmental-education.html?src=pm

Richard Kahn's "Towards Ecopedagogy"

Said by Richard Kahn, “…our moment is new – never before have the collected mass beings of the planet Earth been so thoroughly threatened with extinction as they are now and never before have so many of us raised this problem consciously and desperately together in the hopes of transforming society towards a better, more peaceable kingdom as a result.”  This statement speaks volumes for our future.  If our society does not step up and work towards making our world a better place to live, there will be a slim chance for future generations. 

            One way citizens can help make our world a better place to live, is to enhance environmental literacy.  According to the article, “95% of all American adults support having environmental education programs in schools, 85% of all American adults believe that governmental agencies should support environmental education programs, and 80% believe that corporations should train their employees in how to solve environmental problems.”  Due to these large percentages, I think it is vital for education on the environment to be a required part of the education system in schools and training systems for jobs.  “Federal and state legislatures have mandated that environmental education be included as part of the public education system’s curricular concerns with passage of legislation such as the National Environmental Education Act of 1990.”  This is very necessary because the individuals whom are educated on environmental issues are self-aware of the role they play in environmental destruction and they are more socially active in ways that can help to create a more ecological and sustainable world. 

            Another way to make our world a better place is to focus more on Ecology.  According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “Ecology is the scientific study of interactions of organisms with one another and with the physical and chemical environment.”  Ecology also includes the study of environmental problems such as pollution.  Ecology is very important and our whole society needs to work together towards the conservation and preservation of nature.  Citizens need to be aware that human interaction with nature is a key component of keeping our society from extinction.

            In order for social and ecological change, environmental education needs to remain a primary institution.  Change, for the better, deserves to be fought for.  Our citizens need to all step up and make a difference in society before it is too late.  This cannot occur unless individuals are aware of how important environmental literacy is and how important it is to work together towards the conservation and preservation of nature.

           

Water Forum & Google Alerts

After reading Water Adapting to a New Normal, I realized how neglected the topic of “water” really was in today’s society.  I learned a lot about how humans are affected by the limited water supply, and what we can do in attempt to help fix our water supply issue.

Not only are humans affected by today’s water, but so is marine life.  I follow “Pollution” on Google Alerts, and the article Government Acts Against Marine Pollution caught my eye.  Currently, there are measures being implemented to address the problem of pollution that is threatening our fish habitat.  The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to try to prevent and eliminate marine pollution.  According to United Nations Environment Programme’s coordinator for the Global Program of Action, “…up to 90 percent of sewage in developing countries is discharged untreated into rivers, lakes and oceans, posing one of the most serious threats to water resources.”  This problem needs to be taken very seriously by the government and businesses.  It is not fair for our marine life to be harmed by our careless actions. 

The Colorado River & Pollution

Many people take enjoyable things for granted, such as white water rafting.  In order for individuals to continue enjoying white water rafting in the Colorado River, higher action needs to be taken.  Many individuals do not realize how serious the water pollution problems in the Colorado River are becoming.  The pollution problems are due to radioactive material, toxic chemicals, and human waste.  These sources of pollution enter the Colorado River through contaminated groundwater.  Not only does the pollution problems affect white water rafting, it also affects the 25 million people who drink its water as well as the surrounding wildlife and parks. 

VIDEO:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwHbJ50SNFo