Anthro 438-483, Part 2

Kohn's Research: Explores multispecies interactions and communication in ecological contexts.
Runa Culture: Emphasizes entanglement with nonhuman ecosystems, offering a new perspective on self and environment (Reno 2015; Flores et al. 2016; Di Giminiani 2016).

Discovery of Methane-eating Microbes: Thrive in deep-sea volcanic vents despite extreme conditions.
Ancient Life Origin: Speculated that life on Earth began in these harsh environments, among single-celled Archaea.
Microbial Influence: Ocean microbes significantly shape oceanic chemistry and global ecological dynamics.
Helmreich's Exploration: "Alien Ocean" (2009) investigates microbial ecology and scientists' methods of study using remote technologies (e.g., submersibles).

Microbial Composition: 90% of the human body is composed of microbes, highlighting interconnectivity between human and nonhuman forms.
Gene Interaction: Microbial genetics influenced by neighboring organisms, reinforcing findings in epigenetics about environmental effects on gene expression.
Multispecies Ethnography: Encourages consideration of nonhuman narratives in understanding ecological futures.

Anthropocene Context: Encompasses broader environmental issues beyond climate change including infrastructure, waste, and pollution.
Unequal Vulnerabilities: Environmental effects differ based on race, class, sexuality, gender, and ethnicity.

Event Overview: August 29, 2005, storm surge breached levees, flooding New Orleans.
Government Response: Sluggish federal aid contrasted with international offers of help; highlighted systemic failures in emergency management.
Socioeconomic Factors: Poor populations, primarily African American, disproportionately affected and less supported during and after the crisis.

Social Dimensions: Neil Smith argues disasters cannot be purely natural; human vulnerability and social factors play significant roles.
Technological Failures: Infrastructure projects can exacerbate disasters and contribute to social inequality in outcomes.

Environmental Impact on Bodies: Vanessa Agard-Jones (2013) examines pesticide contamination effects on Martinican residents.
Historical Context: Use of Kepone pesticide from 1972 to 1993 linked to severe health issues, particularly prostate cancer.
Gender and Sexuality Concerns: Environmental toxins intertwined with fears regarding the effeminizing of men, influenced by local gender dynamics.

2013 Carnival: Highlighted issues of environmental contamination and sexual politics; created public dialogue regarding the impacts of pesticides on health and identity.

Historical Transformation: Study of trash and urban redevelopment amidst gentrification impacts on the Black community.
Economic Displacement: Rapid changes led to the eviction of longtime residents and the closure of traditional businesses.

Built Environment Concept: Recognizing urban spaces as constructed with intentional design rather than natural evolution.
Displacement Effects: Gentrification produces waste by rendering previous community efforts as disposable, impacting social fabric.

Understanding Environmental Context: Anthropological studies emphasize how local conditions are influenced by global processes.
Conservation Efforts in Papua New Guinea: The Gimi people and RCF's community-based conservation practices illustrate local-global entanglements.

Cultural Staging: Challenges posed by tourists' fantasies of pristine environments contrasting with staged local practices.
Ecotourism Dynamics: Involvement in ecotourism as a response to external threats, facilitating modern economic participation while preserving cultural integrity.

Advocacy and Rights Movements: Increased visibility for rural populations vulnerable to systemic inequalities and environmental degradation.
UN Declaration: In 2018, the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants established frameworks for rights protection amid growing environmental concerns.

Reservation Protests: 2016 mobilization against Dakota Access Pipeline exemplifies indigenous rights and environmental protection activism against corporate and governmental interests.