Lectures 1-2 Flashcards
(42 cards)
Define: Interdisciplinary
To analyze processes across multiple spatio-temporal scales considering their interconnectedness / relative to more that one branch of knowledge between social and ecological realms
Define: Multi-paradigmatic
World view underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject
Define: Social Sciences Approach
This approach, a key element of the “Sustainable Development Challenge” course, involves studying human society, social relationships, behaviors, and institutions.
It explores how different social groups interact and shape society.
Define: Environmental Social Sciences
This field, also central to the course, examines the relationship between people, societies, and their natural environments, particularly at the “human-nature” interface.
It analyzes this relationship in the context of:
- development processes
- impact on social insitutions
Define: Spatial scales
Both the structure (‘the system’) and the agency (people, the local, groups)
What concepts and goals does the sustainable development encompass?
Green economy, Low-carbon economy, circular economy, climate change (mitigation, adaptation), UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
What are governance and decision-making processes influenced by?
political and cultural factors, socio-psychological factors, values, beliefs, worldviews, emotions, discourses
What do the key roles in governance for sustainability include?
state (public sector), market (private sector), third sector/society(civil society groups, NGOs, unis, media, communities etc.), hybrid forms of governance
Main waves of historical evolution of sustainable development
- From early civilization and utopian concerns to the foundation of the first world protected areas
- The first wave of environmentalism: economic growth and industrialisation in question (1960s Onward)
- The second wave of environmentalism: searching for complementarities through the sustainability journey (Late 1980s Onward)
Why was the environment an important concern for early civilizations, particularly in Mediterranean areas?
Early civilizations in Mediterranean areas were concerned about forest depletion and overexploitation, as natural resources were critical for their survival and development.
How did ancient societies integrate their connection with nature into their cultural practices?
Ancient societies emphasized living in harmony with nature and often intertwined their connection with nature into religious and magical rituals, such as those for environmental renewal, rain during droughts, and fruitful harvests.
How did the Industrial Revolution alter the relationship between humans and nature?
The Industrial Revolution shifted the relationship by promoting industrialization, which contrasted with the harmony with nature valued in earlier societies.
Thinkers like John Muir and poets like Keats and Shelley highlighted the virtues of nature as a counterpoint to industrial society.
What does the concept of “sustainable yield” refer to, and when did it originate?
Sustainable yield refers to managing natural resources in a way that allows for continuous use without depletion.
This concept dates back to the 13th century and became increasingly significant during the Industrial Revolution.
What are the main contributions of George Perkins Marsh to environmentalism?
George Perkins Marsh, in his 1864 book Man and Nature, highlighted the dangers of forest depletion, the interconnectedness of ecosystems, and the need to protect and restore the natural environment.
Differentiate between the utilitarian and preservationist perspectives on nature conservation.
Utilitarian Perspective: Advocated by Gifford Pinchot, this anthropocentric view emphasizes the wise use of natural resources for human benefit, focusing on preventing resource depletion.
Preservationist Perspective: Championed by John Muir, this biocentric view highlights the intrinsic value of nature, emphasizing aesthetic, emotional, spiritual, and ethical aspects and advocating for the protection of nature regardless of its utility to humans.
How did John Muir’s and Keats’ perspectives align in viewing nature?
Both John Muir and Keats viewed nature as a source of spiritual and emotional rejuvenation. Muir saw it as a manifestation of God, while Keats emphasized its healing and poetic qualities, as seen in his work “I stood tiptoe on a little hill.”
What was the debate in the late 19th and early 20th centuries about nature conservation centered on?
The debate was centered on whether to conserve nature for its utility to humans (utilitarian perspective) or to protect it for its intrinsic value (preservationist perspective).
What were some key drivers behind the emergence of the first wave of environmentalism in the 1960s?
The first wave emerged due to growing concerns about the environmental and social costs of the prevailing model of economic growth and industrialization, environmental catastrophes, influential publications, and the rise of social movements.
How did the Fordist model of mass production contribute to environmentalism in the 1960s?
The Fordist model of mass production for mass consumption was criticized for its environmental and social costs, with examples like mass tourism development in Cap d’Agde, France, and Benidorm, Spain highlighting its negative impacts.
Name three significant environmental disasters from the first wave of environmentalism and their impacts.
- Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945): Highlighted the devastating effects of nuclear weapons on humans and the environment.
- Chernobyl nuclear disaster (1986): Demonstrated the catastrophic consequences of nuclear power plant failures.
- Amoco Cadiz oil spill (1973): Underscored the environmental damage caused by large-scale oil spills.
What was the main argument of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962)?
Rachel Carson argued that agricultural pesticides, which she termed “biocides,” were harming humans, animals, and plants, thereby threatening entire ecosystems.
What concerns were raised in The Limits to Growth (1972) by the Club of Rome?
The report raised concerns about the consequences of exponential economic and population growth, particularly food scarcity and the unsustainable exploitation of finite resources.
How did the 1970s contribute to environmental governance and policy development?
The 1970s saw the creation of the first ministries of the environment and environmental agencies, as well as the European Union’s launch of its first two Environment Action Programmes in 1972 and 1977, marking steps towards sustainability-focused governance.
What was the focus of the second wave of environmentalism starting in the late 1980s?
The second wave focused on finding complementarities between socio-economic development and environmental sustainability, emphasizing interconnected solutions to global challenges.
