Good:
http://www.marinebiology.org/coralbleaching.htm
This article is a good example of rhetoric because it does not overwhelm you with technical words and statistics but still provides important information on what healthy coral needs to survive and examples of environmental issues that contribute to coral bleaching. This article also uses some images to emphasize its key points.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1Xsb9Fnk_E&feature=related
This video from CNN focuses on the particular climate changes that are affecting the coral negatively. Since CNN is a large news source a lot of people would probably see this clip and learn something about coral bleaching.
Bad:
http://www.reefbase.org/global_database/default.aspx?section=t4®ion=&country=
While this website does bring up different environmental threats to coral it does not specifically describe how or why these threats work. It also gives a few characteristics of coral but is not specific at all. There is a whole skeletal and tissue system within the coral that is affected by bleaching and this article does not acknowledge this at all, it only discusses the difference in color.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VizvUYTK9f0&feature=related
This video does not present the best information because it only focuses on global warming causing the sea temperatures to rise while there are other environmental factors that are contributing to coral bleaching that are not addressed.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Cradle to Cradle
This essay by William McDonough and Michael Braungart starts out by describing an item and as the reader follows the description they come to discover that the item is a book. The authors then point out that although paper comes from trees, books are not biodegradable. I think they introduce the story this way to catch the reader's attention. They describe how the book jacket "cannot be safely composted, and if it is burned, it produces dioxins, some of the most dangerous cancer-causing material ever created by humans." I think this is supposed to appeal to the reader's emotions and to surprise them, I know that I was surprised.
Then they contrast this information with the idea of an "eco-friendly book" that is recyclable, doesn't require cutting down trees, and is even water proof. In order to make this idea seem more realistic they compare it with a Cherry Tree. They discuss how cherry blossoms decompose while nourishing insects, plants, animals and soil. Another point they make is that, "although the tree actually makes more of it's 'product' than it needs for it's own success in an ecosystem, the abundance has evolved...to serve rich and various purposes." I think the point they are trying to make with this comparison is that abundance is not a bad thing as long as any excess can be reused productively.
Furthermore, in the section of the excerpt about growth, the growth of nature is referred to as "beautiful" and "healthy", while urban and industrial growth is referred to as a "cancer". "Urban and industrial growth is often referred to as a cancer, a thing that grows for it's own sake and not for the sake of the organism it inhabits." This comparison shows that there are conflicting views of growth that environmentalists are calling into question.
I think the points that I have drawn from the article show that the main rhetorical strategy used in this piece is comparison and contrast.
Then they contrast this information with the idea of an "eco-friendly book" that is recyclable, doesn't require cutting down trees, and is even water proof. In order to make this idea seem more realistic they compare it with a Cherry Tree. They discuss how cherry blossoms decompose while nourishing insects, plants, animals and soil. Another point they make is that, "although the tree actually makes more of it's 'product' than it needs for it's own success in an ecosystem, the abundance has evolved...to serve rich and various purposes." I think the point they are trying to make with this comparison is that abundance is not a bad thing as long as any excess can be reused productively.
Furthermore, in the section of the excerpt about growth, the growth of nature is referred to as "beautiful" and "healthy", while urban and industrial growth is referred to as a "cancer". "Urban and industrial growth is often referred to as a cancer, a thing that grows for it's own sake and not for the sake of the organism it inhabits." This comparison shows that there are conflicting views of growth that environmentalists are calling into question.
I think the points that I have drawn from the article show that the main rhetorical strategy used in this piece is comparison and contrast.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
George Monbiot
I discovered from a Google search that George Monbiot is a British writer who has written multiple best selling books. He also has taught at many universities and has traveled to such places as India and Brazil. He won the United Nations Global 500 award in 1995 for outstanding environmental achievement.
In Monbiot's piece, "Heat", I think he speaks to people's emotions by describing how people in wealthier nations have lesiure time, time to travel and many comforts that others do not have. He makes the point that fossil fuels, like carbon, are critical to allowing humans to live this type of lifestyle. Carbon dioxide gas is a major cause in global warming, therefore he plays on the emotion of blame. The reader feels guilty because he points out what a great part people play in the destruction of our planet.
Monbiot uses logic by giving the reader startling statistics about the state of global warming, such as how U.S. citizens cause twice the amount of carbon gases to be emitted that citizens in the U.K. These statistics give him credibility because it shows that he has proven data and that he has done research on the topic before writing this essay.
In Monbiot's piece, "Heat", I think he speaks to people's emotions by describing how people in wealthier nations have lesiure time, time to travel and many comforts that others do not have. He makes the point that fossil fuels, like carbon, are critical to allowing humans to live this type of lifestyle. Carbon dioxide gas is a major cause in global warming, therefore he plays on the emotion of blame. The reader feels guilty because he points out what a great part people play in the destruction of our planet.
Monbiot uses logic by giving the reader startling statistics about the state of global warming, such as how U.S. citizens cause twice the amount of carbon gases to be emitted that citizens in the U.K. These statistics give him credibility because it shows that he has proven data and that he has done research on the topic before writing this essay.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Revised Essay Draft
"Green isn't really my color"
My relationship with nature is not as critical as it probably should be. For the most part, I don’t identify too much with the environment on a personal level. I do feel fairly disconnected with nature; I tend not to think about it unless I have to. I suppose I should have some connection because this environment creates my home and allows me to live my everyday life, but still, I feel that the environment is more of an abstract entity, therefore I find it harder to become emotionally attached.
I do believe that the environment is a critical aspect in all human life. There is only one planet Earth, so it must be preserved, to allow it to thrive for a long time to come. My belief that humans should preserve the environment is mostly out of respect. I don’t exactly know where this feeling of respect comes from. I suppose it’s mostly just a feeling of obligation. Since this land was originally an undisturbed, sacred place, I feel that people have a duty to protect it. Although some good may have come from humans living here, essentially, it seems we have caused more harm than good. Therefore, I definitely agree that human interest should not be placed above what’s best for the environment.
I feel that it is disrespectful to destroy parts of the land, displacing animals from their habitat and killing off plant species that have been around for thousands of years. One thing I do feel strongly about in the environment is animals. I continue to be surprised by how many animals are in danger of extinction, mostly due to the destruction of the land and resources they need to survive. I remember a recent trip to the Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo with my family. My sister and I made it a point to visit the polar bear exhibit because we knew they are now endangered. It was a sad experience because I realized that polar bears have become endangered during my lifetime, remembering the time when this was not the case.
I suppose my environmental ethics have mostly come from the media. The media greatly influences my environmental ethics because honestly, without seeing these issues discussed on the news, or hearing debates on “green” energy during the presidential election, the environment would never cross my mind. I honestly know that the media does not do the greatest job presenting these issues, but when I see the issues in the media, at least it gets me thinking.
My parents do have a small influence also. My parents have always tried to do little things like recycling aluminum cans, taking shorter showers, and turning off lights to save energy. For the most part I try to follow their lead but it is easier to forget now that I don’t live with them anymore.
While I do thoroughly enjoy spending time outside on a sunny day, I’ve never been much of an outdoorsy person; I’ve never even been camping once. So therefore, I don’t have much experience with regards to the environment and my education up to this point has not changed that circumstance. In my high school experience we never really addressed many issues involving the environment. I am more of a biology person, but freshman year in high school we were required to take Earth Science. While I remember learning about erosion, recycling and other trivial things, but it seems that nothing we looked at has stuck with me enough to create a true interest in the environment at this point in my life.
I do have a feeling of being naïve. I obviously realize that there are some humongous problems facing the environment which will threaten our well being in the long run. When I do see this issues addressed on the news, I am often surprised at how devastating the consequences can be. Surely there can be other factors affecting the environment but our actions make up a huge part of the problem.
Even though I don’t identify much with nature, I do identify with important places in my life, and I would be heartbroken if a significant place in my life were to suddenly disappear. Nothing much ever changes where I live and so I hadn’t thought about a situation like that until we read “After the Flood”.
Fortunately, I have not had to deal with an experience like this, yet. Living fifteen minutes from downtown Cleveland there doesn’t seem to be many places in nature that I really identify with, but I can think of one place from when I was younger, that would be the closest thing. When I was younger, my grandparents used to take my sister and me to a recreational area in Hinckley, Ohio when we would spend weekends with them. I don’t remember it perfectly, due to my adolescence, but it was a special place. We used to fly kites out in the large meadow on sunny days, take small hikes in the wooded area, and stop by the creek to dig for red clay with my grandmother. Even though I haven’t been to this park, for nearly ten years, if I were to go back and find it drastically changed, I’m sure I would be devastated.
This essay has caused me to really reflect on my relationship, or lack thereof, with the environment. I feel almost uncomfortable stating views on the environment, including what others should do, when I am definitely not the poster child for ethical environmental behavior. I do, however, think that the opportunity presented through this class will help me to further explore my ideas and ethics, while hopefully expanding my knowledge on these important environmental issues.
My relationship with nature is not as critical as it probably should be. For the most part, I don’t identify too much with the environment on a personal level. I do feel fairly disconnected with nature; I tend not to think about it unless I have to. I suppose I should have some connection because this environment creates my home and allows me to live my everyday life, but still, I feel that the environment is more of an abstract entity, therefore I find it harder to become emotionally attached.
I do believe that the environment is a critical aspect in all human life. There is only one planet Earth, so it must be preserved, to allow it to thrive for a long time to come. My belief that humans should preserve the environment is mostly out of respect. I don’t exactly know where this feeling of respect comes from. I suppose it’s mostly just a feeling of obligation. Since this land was originally an undisturbed, sacred place, I feel that people have a duty to protect it. Although some good may have come from humans living here, essentially, it seems we have caused more harm than good. Therefore, I definitely agree that human interest should not be placed above what’s best for the environment.
I feel that it is disrespectful to destroy parts of the land, displacing animals from their habitat and killing off plant species that have been around for thousands of years. One thing I do feel strongly about in the environment is animals. I continue to be surprised by how many animals are in danger of extinction, mostly due to the destruction of the land and resources they need to survive. I remember a recent trip to the Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo with my family. My sister and I made it a point to visit the polar bear exhibit because we knew they are now endangered. It was a sad experience because I realized that polar bears have become endangered during my lifetime, remembering the time when this was not the case.
I suppose my environmental ethics have mostly come from the media. The media greatly influences my environmental ethics because honestly, without seeing these issues discussed on the news, or hearing debates on “green” energy during the presidential election, the environment would never cross my mind. I honestly know that the media does not do the greatest job presenting these issues, but when I see the issues in the media, at least it gets me thinking.
My parents do have a small influence also. My parents have always tried to do little things like recycling aluminum cans, taking shorter showers, and turning off lights to save energy. For the most part I try to follow their lead but it is easier to forget now that I don’t live with them anymore.
While I do thoroughly enjoy spending time outside on a sunny day, I’ve never been much of an outdoorsy person; I’ve never even been camping once. So therefore, I don’t have much experience with regards to the environment and my education up to this point has not changed that circumstance. In my high school experience we never really addressed many issues involving the environment. I am more of a biology person, but freshman year in high school we were required to take Earth Science. While I remember learning about erosion, recycling and other trivial things, but it seems that nothing we looked at has stuck with me enough to create a true interest in the environment at this point in my life.
I do have a feeling of being naïve. I obviously realize that there are some humongous problems facing the environment which will threaten our well being in the long run. When I do see this issues addressed on the news, I am often surprised at how devastating the consequences can be. Surely there can be other factors affecting the environment but our actions make up a huge part of the problem.
Even though I don’t identify much with nature, I do identify with important places in my life, and I would be heartbroken if a significant place in my life were to suddenly disappear. Nothing much ever changes where I live and so I hadn’t thought about a situation like that until we read “After the Flood”.
Fortunately, I have not had to deal with an experience like this, yet. Living fifteen minutes from downtown Cleveland there doesn’t seem to be many places in nature that I really identify with, but I can think of one place from when I was younger, that would be the closest thing. When I was younger, my grandparents used to take my sister and me to a recreational area in Hinckley, Ohio when we would spend weekends with them. I don’t remember it perfectly, due to my adolescence, but it was a special place. We used to fly kites out in the large meadow on sunny days, take small hikes in the wooded area, and stop by the creek to dig for red clay with my grandmother. Even though I haven’t been to this park, for nearly ten years, if I were to go back and find it drastically changed, I’m sure I would be devastated.
This essay has caused me to really reflect on my relationship, or lack thereof, with the environment. I feel almost uncomfortable stating views on the environment, including what others should do, when I am definitely not the poster child for ethical environmental behavior. I do, however, think that the opportunity presented through this class will help me to further explore my ideas and ethics, while hopefully expanding my knowledge on these important environmental issues.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Rough Draft
My relationship with nature is not as critical as it probably should be. For the most part, I don’t identify too much with the environment on a personal level. I do feel fairly disconnected with nature; I tend not to think about it unless I have to. I suppose I should have some connection because this environment creates my home and allows me to live my everyday life, but still, I feel that the environment is more of an abstract entity, therefore I find it harder to become emotionally attached.
I do believe that the environment is a critical aspect in all human life. There is only one planet Earth, so it must be preserved, to allow it to thrive for a long time to come. My belief that humans should preserve the environment is mostly out of respect. This land was originally an undisturbed, sacred place and although some good may have come from humans living here, essentially, it seems we have caused more harm than good. Therefore, I definitely agree that human interest should not be placed above what’s best for the environment.
I feel that it is disrespectful to destroy parts of the land, displacing animals from their habitat and killing off plant species that have been around for thousands of years. I feel that preserving the environment can only help us live a better life.
I suppose my environmental ethics have mostly come from the media. The media greatly influences my environmental ethics because honestly, without seeing these issues discussed on the news, or hearing debates on “green” energy during the presidential election, the environment would never cross my mind. My parents do have a small influence also. My parents have always tried to do little things like recycling aluminum cans, taking shorter showers, and turning off lights to save energy. For the most part I try to follow their lead but it is easier to forget now that I don’t live with them anymore.
I do have a feeling of being naïve. I obviously realize that there are some humongous problems facing the environment which will threaten our well being in the long run. When I do see this issues addressed on the news, I am often surprised at how devastating the consequences can be. Surely there can be other factors affecting the environment but our actions make up a huge part of the problem.
In my high school experience we never really addressed many issues involving the environment. That could be part of the reason for my ignorance, but if I really want to make a change, even if it’s a small one, I guess it is time to take a more proactive look at our environmental demise.
Even though I don’t identify much with nature, I do identify with important places in my life, and I would be heartbroken if a significant place in my life were to suddenly disappear. Nothing much ever changes where I live and so I hadn’t thought about a situation like that until we read “After the Flood”.
Writing this essay and reading the selections that we have read in class have at least encouraged me to investigate more deeply how I do feel about nature, my environment and the world. It will be interesting to see how the feelings and ideas develop throughout finishing this paper and throughout the rest of the quarter.
I do believe that the environment is a critical aspect in all human life. There is only one planet Earth, so it must be preserved, to allow it to thrive for a long time to come. My belief that humans should preserve the environment is mostly out of respect. This land was originally an undisturbed, sacred place and although some good may have come from humans living here, essentially, it seems we have caused more harm than good. Therefore, I definitely agree that human interest should not be placed above what’s best for the environment.
I feel that it is disrespectful to destroy parts of the land, displacing animals from their habitat and killing off plant species that have been around for thousands of years. I feel that preserving the environment can only help us live a better life.
I suppose my environmental ethics have mostly come from the media. The media greatly influences my environmental ethics because honestly, without seeing these issues discussed on the news, or hearing debates on “green” energy during the presidential election, the environment would never cross my mind. My parents do have a small influence also. My parents have always tried to do little things like recycling aluminum cans, taking shorter showers, and turning off lights to save energy. For the most part I try to follow their lead but it is easier to forget now that I don’t live with them anymore.
I do have a feeling of being naïve. I obviously realize that there are some humongous problems facing the environment which will threaten our well being in the long run. When I do see this issues addressed on the news, I am often surprised at how devastating the consequences can be. Surely there can be other factors affecting the environment but our actions make up a huge part of the problem.
In my high school experience we never really addressed many issues involving the environment. That could be part of the reason for my ignorance, but if I really want to make a change, even if it’s a small one, I guess it is time to take a more proactive look at our environmental demise.
Even though I don’t identify much with nature, I do identify with important places in my life, and I would be heartbroken if a significant place in my life were to suddenly disappear. Nothing much ever changes where I live and so I hadn’t thought about a situation like that until we read “After the Flood”.
Writing this essay and reading the selections that we have read in class have at least encouraged me to investigate more deeply how I do feel about nature, my environment and the world. It will be interesting to see how the feelings and ideas develop throughout finishing this paper and throughout the rest of the quarter.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Fish-Elizabeth Bishop
In Elizabeth Bishop's poem, The Fish, her writing makes it easy to imagine the old, battered fish that she catches. The way she describes his skin that "hung in strips like ancient wallpaper" and how he doesn't fight, not at all, makes you feel sorry for him.
In the beginning the way Bishop paints his image he seems old and weak but then the reader is surprised to learn what a fighter this fish must have been. Bishop describes his mouth, that has old pieces of fishing line, with hooks still attatched, grown into his mouth. I think this is the point where she decides to throw him back. It's like she feels that he has made it this far and she doesn't want to be the one to finally capture him.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A place that I know very well is Hilton Head Island, SC.
Hilton Head is the perfect vacation destination. My family and I have been spending summer vacations there for years.
It is a small island with a relaxed town just off the beautiful beach. This vacation getaway has not been ruined by large hotels and fancy resorts, most of the guests stay in condos just a few steps from the water.
There are some great local places that everyone should check out. Shelter Cove is a picturesque shopping center right on the water where you can visit the lighthouse, shop and enjoy some great food.
Another place I love to visit is The Salty Dog Cafe. This is definetely a favorite tourist stop. The Salty Dog has a resturant right in the marina where you can look out at the boats and people jet skiing and parasailing. There is also a t-shirt shop with tons of Salty Dog merchandise that is a must have souvenier.
My favorite things about Hilton Head are that there are so many people travel there, from couples on a honeymoon, to grandparents, to families with young kids, and the best part is that, like my family, they all keep coming back year after year. And also the laid back, friendly atmosphere. There is no sense of hurry and you can always find something enjoyable to do, whether it's spending hours at the beach, bike riding on the bike trail that stretches all over the island, golf or tennis or anything other fun activity you might like to try.
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