11.6: Student Resources

Key Terms/Glossary

• Anthropocene: a geological theory that suggests human activities have had a profound and lasting impact on the Earth's geology and ecosystems.
• Biodegradable: materials or substances capable of being broken down naturally by biological processes into harmless components, often by microorganisms.
• Biodiversity:  the variety of life on Earth.
• Collective action problem: a theory in which a group of individuals, despite having a shared interest or goal, may not take action to achieve that goal because individuals have the incentive to free-ride. 
• Common-pool resource: A shared resource, such as a fishery or pasture, where individuals or groups have access, and use may affect others, posing challenges for sustainable management.
• Commons: refers to shared resources or areas that are accessible to the public (e.g., land, water, air, and other natural assets), rooted in the idea that certain resources are held collectively rather than privately owned.
• Conservation ethic: a perspective emphasizing the responsible use and sustainable management of natural resources to preserve biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental quality.
• Cost-benefit analysis: a systematic approach for evaluating the pros and cons of a decision, policy, or project by comparing the costs incurred with the benefits gained.
• Deforestation: the large-scale removal or clearing of forests, primarily for agricultural, logging, or urban development purposes, leading to the loss of forested areas.
• The Degrowth Movement: advocates for a deliberate reduction in economic production and consumption to achieve ecological sustainability, social equity, and overall well-being, challenging the traditional pursuit of continuous economic growth.
• Free rider: an individual or entity that benefits from a collective good or resource without contributing its fair share to its creation or maintenance.
• Greenhouse gases: gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and influencing global climate patterns.
• Greenwashing: the deceptive or misleading marketing practices by organizations, where they present a false or exaggerated environmental image to portray themselves as environmentally friendly, often to mask unsustainable practices or products.
• Less Developed Countries (LDCs): States characterized by lower income levels, lower industrialization, and lower Human Development Index (HDI) scores compared to more developed countries.
• Negative externalities: unintended and adverse side effects or impacts of an economic activity that affect third parties who did not choose to be involved in that activity.
• North-South divide: a global socio-economic disparity, often referring to the economic and developmental differences between the more affluent Northern Hemisphere and the less affluent Southern Hemisphere.
• Promethean Theory:  an environmentalist theory that views technology and human ingenuity as solutions to the environmental problems associated with the Anthropocene, rather than the cause.
• Renewable energy: energy derived from naturally replenishing sources, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are considered sustainable and have lower environmental impacts.
• Sustainable Development Paradigm: a set of principles that guide the integration of economic and environmental concerns with social considerations in development processes.
• Urbanization: the process of increasing population concentration in urban areas, accompanied by the growth and expansion of cities, often associated with industrialization and economic development.

Summaries

11.1: Introduction - Core Environmental Concerns

This section explores waste disposal, revealing societal disconnection from its production and disposal. It highlights the intentional design of waste management systems enabling individuals to distance themselves from environmental and ethical repercussions. The discussion spans global economic, ethical, and political decisions influencing the environment, touching on broader challenges like water and air quality, chemicals, energy, biodiversity, and natural resources.

11.2: Background - History of Environmental Challenges- From the Industrial Revolution to Climate Change

This section then delves into the Industrial Revolution's environmental impacts, emphasizing the shift to industrialized systems and urbanization's unsanitary conditions. Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and the environmental justice movement's emergence are discussed, leading to international cooperation highlighted by treaties like the Montreal Protocol. The narrative concludes with challenges in climate change negotiations, stressing the need for inclusive approaches.

11.3: Theories and Concepts - Understanding the Tragedy of the Commons and the Anthropocene

This section continues by exploring collective action problems in addressing global environmental issues, focusing on climate change's negative externalities and the "Tragedy of the Commons." Various environmental theories, including the Anthropocene theory, Promethean environmentalism, Sustainable Development, and Environmental Justice are introduced. 

11.4: At Home and Abroad - Understanding Waste from the Bottom, Up

This final section delves into the global implications of waste disposal, highlighting the success of U.S. environmental justice movements. The international dimensions of waste movement are examined, focusing on the Basel Convention's role in regulating transboundary waste movement. The section concludes by emphasizing the need for multi-scale action to address injustices associated with the transnational movement of waste, offering insights for approaching broader global environmental challenges through a global studies lens.

Suggestions for Further Study

Websites:

• Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA): GAIA is a global network promoting sustainable waste management alternatives, with a focus on reducing incineration. Access valuable resources and reports on their initiatives for a toxic-free world.
• Basel Convention: The official site of the Basel Convention provides information on the international treaty controlling the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. Explore the convention text, publications, and global implementation updates.
• International Collective Action Network (ICAN) Description: ICAN provides resources and insights into collective action problems, focusing on international cooperation and challenges in addressing global issues like climate change.
• Global Environmental Justice Atlas Description: The Environmental Justice Atlas maps environmental justice issues worldwide, offering case studies and information on how environmental challenges intersect with social factors and impact communities globally.
• World Resources Institute (WRI): WRI is a global research organization that focuses on environmental sustainability. You can find valuable resources and insights on collective action problems, environmental theories, and climate change.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): The IPCC is a scientific body that assesses climate change science. It offers comprehensive reports and assessments on climate-related topics, including the Anthropocene and global efforts to address climate change.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Air: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers resources on air quality and the impact of air pollution. It provides information on the sources of air pollutants, their effects on health and the environment, and measures to improve air quality.
• Water Crisis: Water.org focuses on addressing the global water crisis. The website provides information on challenges related to water quality, scarcity, and access. It also highlights the organization's efforts to promote sustainable water solutions and access to clean drinking water.

Documentaries:

• Trashed (2012) This documentary, narrated by Jeremy Irons, examines the global waste crisis, showcasing the environmental and health consequences of improper waste disposal and the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices.
• A Plastic Ocean (2016) Explores the pervasive issue of plastic pollution in our oceans through this documentary. It reveals the impact of plastic waste on marine life and ecosystems, urging viewers to reconsider their consumption habits for a sustainable future.
• Anthropocene: The Human Epoch (2018) This documentary visually explores the Anthropocene epoch, showcasing the profound impact of human activities on the Earth's geology, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Our Planet (2019) - This nature documentary series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, explores the beauty of the natural world and addresses environmental challenges, including climate change.
• Before the Flood (2016): Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary explores the impacts of climate change, including deforestation and fossil fuel consumption, while also presenting potential solutions.

Books:

• Bullard, R. D. (1990). Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality. Westview Press.
• Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Houghton Mifflin.
• Hardin, G. (1968). The Tragedy of the Commons. W. H. Freeman and Company.
• Hickel, J. (2020). Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World. Penguin Random House.
• Kolbert, E. (2014). The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History. Henry Holt and Company.
• Leonard, A. (2010). The Story of Stuff. Free Press.
• Rosner, H. (2020). Fossil Capital: The Rise of Steam Power and the Roots of Global Warming. 
• Simmons, I. G. (2016). Global Environmental History. Edinburgh University Press.
• Stuart, T. (2009). Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal. Penguin Books.

Review Questions

1. What is a consequence of the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality in municipal solid waste management?
   1. Reduced efficiency in waste processing
   2. Increased consumer awareness
   3. Externalization of environmental and societal costs
   4. Decreased waste generation
2. What major technological innovation played a key role in the Industrial Revolution, enabling the shift from agrarian to industrialized economies?
   1. Automobile
   2. Steam engine
   3. Telegraph
   4. Printing press
3. Which international environmental agreement aimed at addressing ozone depletion is considered one of the most successful in history?
   1. Kyoto Protocol
   2. Paris Agreement
   3. Montreal Protocol
   4. Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution
4. How does the concept of the "Tragedy of the Commons" relate to the global environmental challenges discussed?
   1. It highlights the benefits of individual actions for the collective good.
   2. It emphasizes the need for technological solutions.
   3. It addresses the fair distribution of environmental benefits.
   4. It warns about overexploitation of shared resources.
5. Why is waste management considered an environmental justice issue?
   1. Because it only affects affluent communities
   2. Due to the unequal distribution of waste disposal sites, impacting marginalized communities
   3. It is not, because waste generation is a natural process
   4. Because waste disposal has little to no environmental impact

Critical Thinking Questions

1. How does the "out of sight, out of mind" mentality associated with municipal solid waste management contribute to the environmental and societal costs being externalized in consumer's cost-benefit calculations? What ethical implications arise from this disconnection, and how might a more connected approach influence individual behaviors and decision-making?
2. How did events like the Great Smog of London and the publication of Silent Spring contribute to increased public awareness about environmental issues? What role did these events play in shaping environmental regulations and the establishment of environmental organizations like Greenpeace
3. Compare and contrast the Promethean environmentalism perspective with the sustainable development theory in addressing global environmental challenges, especially in the context of the Anthropocene. What are the key differences in their approaches, and what implications do they have for mitigating environmental issues?
4. How does the concept of "environmental racism" manifest in the context of waste management, and what impact does it have on marginalized communities? Discuss potential solutions to address this issue.