Garrett Hardin speaks of the tragedy of the commons as a dilemma which every person sees our world as limitless which it indeed has a limit. Hardin continues to say that there is no technical solution to this tragedy, where a technical solution is defined as, "one that requires a change only in the techniques of the natural sciences, demanding little or nothing in the way of change in humans values or ideas of morality." Hardin continues to say that pollution is "fouling our own nest," and in order to live sustainable we must change our values and morals and the `freedom to breed is intolerable.` (25, Easton)
Robert Young and Orrin Pilkey discuss how the federal government should stop directing funds to beach preservation and restoration and instead the US should move away from developing the ocean front. Many engineering efforts to protect coastal beaches and infrastructure are counter productive. Young and Pilkey believe that it is unsafe for people to live on the ocean front, therefore the government should not support this. They believe that if it is so important to the community, the community should be responsible to come up with the money.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment found that over the past 50 years, humans have managed to change ecosystems more than any other time. This is justified by the growing demands for resources like food and water. (49, Easton) With such high demands we are leading towards permanent damage that will be irreversible. Here are some facts that the assessment provided that are quite shocking...
- 20% of the worlds coral reef were lost, 20% were degraded
- H20 withdraws from rivers and lakes doubled since 1960
- Reactive nitrogen has increased by 2 and phosphorus by 3
- C02 increased by 32% from the combustion of fossil fuels (50, Easton)
Amory Lovins discusses the advantages of the use of renewable resources and more efficient methods of energy use. Lovins recommends fluorescent lamps, which use 75-80% less electricity then incandescent bulbs and last 10 to 13 times longer. He also recommends window coatings that reflect heat, instead of running your furnace at a higher temperature, and also any other product like a fridge or TV that is labeled energy efficient. (66, Easton) Lovins believes that if one chooses this lifestyle where they make more energy efficient decisions will `hold out the promise of a fairer richer and safer world.` (69, Easton)
Christopher Flavin and Seth Dunn discuss how a new energy system is necessary for the 21st century. Energy is something that needs to be valued and used sparingly. Before Homo sapiens relied on only renewable energy, but in the 17th century a transition took place where humans became dependent upon coal and burning fossil fuels. To continue like this means we will continue to damage our environment and we will eventually run out of nonrenewable resources. Saying this, it becomes obvious a change is necessary. Flavin and Dunn believe that with the help of science break through, and improvement in wind and light as an energy source, we can strive towards a more environmentally friendly life. But, not only do we need to change our energy sources, we need to change our lifestyles and the high standards that come with it.
Greenhouse gases are mostly from carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels and nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture. Greenhouse gases have caused the years 1995-2006 to be the 12 warmest years to be recorded. Water vapor has increased since the 1980's because warmer air can hold more vapor. The oceans have increased temperatures which causes the sea level to rise. Mountain glaciers and snow cover have declined which also causes the sea level to rise. (129, Easton) Greenhouse gases have also cause a rise in arctic temperatures, changes in precipitation, ocean salinity, wind patterns and extreme weather occurrences. (130, Easton) If we continue to emit greenhouse gases at this rate or higher the changes we will see will be much more drastic then previously experienced. Our earth will continue to warm and sea levels will rise even if greenhouse gases are kept at a constant rate because they will remain in the atmosphere.
