3.8: Resources and References

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Review

Key Points

Human evolution has been marked by a series of momentous transformations, each allowing us to support greater numbers and greater levels of consumption.
Humans have a great proclivity to expand their habitat, to adapt hostile environments to their needs and to adapt their cultures to environmental contingencies and changes.
Some civilizations that proved unable to do so disappeared. Others who were able to meet challenges presented by their environments flourished.
The present situation represents an unprecedented challenge as for the first time the challenge is global, human numbers are staggeringly high and getting higher, and we continue living lives based on unsustainable practices. We cannot continue to live this way.
Human security on a global and equitable basis now seems farther away than at any time in human history. Our heavy use and reliance on fossil fuels for energy is a major reason but by no means the only one.
Our collective global ecological overshoot has led to a situation where some aspects of human security have become unachievable because they conflict with other areas.

.Extension Activities & Further Research

In what ways are humans the most dangerous species? Dangerous to whom?
What do you think are your ‘fundamental requirements’?
Ask yourself: How do I benefit from fossil fuels? What would happen to me if they were not available anymore?
Describe Step 6. How do you see it evolving over your lifetime?
If you were the Secretary General of UN, what recommendations would you give to the working groups in charge of the SDG programme?
Explore how our current environmental crisis is likely to affect each of the four pillars of human security, first in your community, then in your country, then globally.
Where do you see the greatest obstacles toward the adoption of effective policies to cope with the loss of fossil fuel energy and its consequences? Consider factual circumstances as well as popular beliefs, cultural traditions, ideologies, etc.
What are your responsibilities to future generations?
What are your responsibilities to the Earth?
Watch the documentary Living in the Future’s Past. It streams on Amazon Prime; use the Living in the Future’s Past study guide [PDF].
Suggest some changes that you could make to your personal life (that possibly aren’t already as well publicised as walking, biking and carpooling) to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Estimate the chances that these changes can be scaled to a community level or national level. The objective is to initiate some thinking about some innovative solutions.
A well illustrated summary of the key features of the Anthropocene is found in Encyclopedia of Earth’s site Welcome to the Anthropocene. Identify which features manifest most prominently in your home community or region.

List of Terms

See Glossary for full list of terms and definitions.

biological capacity
degrowth
ecological integrity
ecosystem
ecosystem services
environment
overshoot
ppm

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Long Descriptions

Figure 3.1 long description: Graphic of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, numbered 1 to 17. In order, they are:

No poverty
Zero hunger
Good health and well-being
Quality education
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Reduced inequalities
Sustainable cities and communities
Responsible consumption and production
Climate action
Life below water
Life on land
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Partnerships for the goals

Media Attributions

Footnote

This is an excellent introduction to the basic aspects of ecological change. It is well written and is possibly more relevant today than when it was written in 1982. Strongly recommended.
This spells out our current situation and underscores the need to stay below 1.5°C.
An important description of how chemical pollution affects human health.
A well-written, enjoyable, and excellent description of the energy options available to us today.
A good summary of our current predicament with respect to consumption and the use of resources.