Development of Environmental Thinking

GEOG1000A/1003A Environmental Change

DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL THINKING

Empirical Evidence

  • The course focuses on the empirical evidence surrounding environmental change and how this informs our understanding of resource management in relation to population growth.

Resources vs Population Growth

Graph Analysis

  • Discussion questions regarding resource availability and population growth related to graphical representations:

    • Does this graph represent reality?

    • Critical analysis of potential inaccuracies in graphical representation of resources vs. population.

    • What is missing?

    • Points for consideration around lack of factors such as technological advancements, social policies, etc.

    • What could alter these outcomes?

    • Discuss potential shifts that could change the expected outcomes, such as improved technology, governance, and resource management practices.

Technology, Population Growth, and Management

Empirical Evidence

  • Importance of relying on empirical evidence over theoretical debate:

    • Definition of empirical evidence:

    • Data derived from observation, documentation, and experimental processes, forming the basis for understanding real-world outcomes.

Theoretical Perspectives
Lee's Perspective

  • Malthusian vs. Boserupian models:

    • Lee argues:

    • Resource scarcity evokes a Malthusian response, featuring checks on population growth (

      • Preventative checks: methods to prevent birth rates from rising.

      • Positive checks: events leading to increased mortality rates).

    • In some instances, Boserupian forces, which involve technological adaptation, prevail.

    • The interaction between population dynamics and economic structure determines which response will manifest.

Bilsborrow's Findings

  • Shares Lee’s view but emphasizing the diversity of responses:

    • Focus on the developing world:

    • Understands resource pressure in rural areas as multifaceted responses.

    • Introduces a classification of responses to population pressures as:

      • Demographic Responses: deliberate reduction in population.

      • Economic Responses: improvements in agricultural efficiency.

      • Demographic-Economic Responses: out-migration from affected areas.

  • Coexistence of Responses:

    • Both Boserupian and Malthusian responses can occur simultaneously, depending on the technological landscape.

    • Example:

      • If a region is underdeveloped, there is a higher potential for development, leading to increases in production.

      • Conversely, in developed areas, a Malthusian approach (scarcity leads to checks) is more probable.

    • Also notes that communities may lack innovation capacity.

Wangari Maathai’s Perspective

  • Notable Kenyan environmentalist awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

    • Key Argument:

    • Governance is crucial in addressing environmental challenges related to population growth.

    • Without effective governance and recognizing the role of poverty, both population reduction efforts and innovative approaches cannot succeed.

    • Responsible for establishing the Green Belt Movement, focusing on reforestation and sustainable resource management.

The Green Belt Movement

  • What is the Green Belt Movement?

    • An initiative started by Maathai intended to combat deforestation and promote sustainable environments primarily through tree planting.

Case Study: Machakos
Background

  • Machakos, a Kenyan village studied from 1930 to 1990:

    • Population growth from 238,000 to 1,393,000 (3% per annum).

    • Environmental challenges faced:

    • Low soil fertility, high erodibility, frequent droughts.

    • Aligns with Malthusian predictions of resource depletion from overpopulation.

Adaptive Strategies

  • Initiated in 1937:

    • Government instituted soil conservation measures, such as terracing.

    • Support from donor agencies provided tools, food aid, and supervision.

    • Crops diversified to include coffee and cotton, resulting in improved yields.

    • The community was able to triple their livelihood while maintaining ecological integrity.

Factors for Success

  • Integrated management involving:

    • Collaboration among families, local leadership, educational institutions, and government bodies.

    • Innovation in farming techniques significantly contributed to this success.

Evaluating Continued Success

Inquiry Points

  • Can the Machakos model be replicated successfully in Kenya and other contexts?

    • Discussion around the scalability and adaptation of successful practices from Machakos to other regions experiencing similar pressures.

Implications for Malthus-Boserup Conjecture

Graphical Representation

  • Task to attempt sketching the relationship over time between resources and population growth through the Malthus-Boserup lens:

    • A focus on how these theories interact over time and their implications on resource management.

THE GREEN REVOLUTION

Overview of the Green Revolution

Historical Context

  • The Green Revolution is previously discussed in relation to Boserupian theory regarding agricultural innovation.

    • Recognizes that Norman Borlaug, a key figure in the movement, acknowledged the limitations of technological fixes to population growth.

Borlaug’s Insights

  • In his Nobel lecture, Borlaug highlighted:

    • Short-term success in combating hunger but cautioned against ignoring population growth pressures:

    • Emphasized that while agricultural innovations provide temporary food security, if population growth is not managed, improvements will be transient.

    • Referenced the "Population Monster":

    • Urges recognition of population growth as a significant threat to sustainable development.

Causes of Environmental Issues

Theoretical Explanations

Neo-Malthusian Theory

  • Posits that:

    • Demographic pressures lead to the overuse and misuse of resources.

Ignorance

  • Unawareness of ecological systems leads to adverse outcomes due to mismanagement.

Tragedy of the Commons

  • Refers to shared resources being overexploited due to common ownership dynamics.

Poor Valuation of Resources

  • Resources inadequately conveyed or valued leads to mismanagement.

Dependency and Exploitation

  • Marginalized communities struggle under the influence of dominant power structures compelling inappropriate resource use.

Human Domination Over Nature

  • The prevailing mindset of superiority over nature leads to deliberate resource mismanagement stemming from consumerist culture.

Task: Timeline of Environmental Thought

  • Assignment to create a timeline showcasing key events in environmental thinking, including influential figures and their pivotal publications.

  • Critical Reflection: Has there been a discernible evolution in public understanding of the causes of environmental change?

Study Reminder

  • Encouragement to begin preparations for the upcoming class test, emphasizing the comprehensive understanding of environmental thinking and empirical evidence.