Wednesday, 4/13

Starter #31:
Think back to all the ethics we've covered so far:
How would you characterize your own environmental ethic and how did you come to hold these beliefs? In other words, what childhood experiences,  works of literature or other influences inspired these beliefs? Think about whether or not your ethic comes from self-interest or from a true interest in non-human elements.  Or does it come from an interest in sustainability (using enough of the land for what we need while preserving as much as possible for future generations) or justice (ensuring that all people have access to clean environments)? 

• Preservationism
• Conservationism
• Anthropocentricism
• Environmental Justice
• Sustainability
• NIMBY-ism
• Nature has intrinsic value
• Nature has instrumental value
• The Land Ethic (land is part of our community, everything is connected....)

Class Biz
Camping trip planning group lunch meeting today.

Agenda
1. Share your starter in groups of 3-4
2. Review!! 
          A. "Land Ethic"

• How does this piece of rhetoric capture the first part of Leopold's argument in "The Land Ethic"?  
• ​What are THREE BIG ideas that stand out from Leopold's "Land Ethic" essay?
• Find one quote that captures ONE of those ideas
• What questions do you have about his essay (lines/passages you don't understand or BIG idea questions you don't quite get)

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​          B. Environmental Justice and NIMBY-ism (Definitions? What was the Environmental Justice                       Leadership Summit?)

3. Let's read an article on Environmental Justice in real life! First, we'll scope out the photos showing life in Mountain View, New Mexico then we'll have some time to read and discuss “The Environment is Where We Live” (just through page 2 on the online version. As you read, make note of or be sure you understand the following:

• Describe the environmental justice issue facing Mountain View.
• What are the health risks for residents of Mountain View?
• Is this a situation that could happen in Durango?  If not, do you know of any towns in Colorado where this is occurring?
• How does NIMBY-ism come into play in this article? 

For those interested, further reading on Environmental Justice legislation:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Order on Environmental Justice and a list of other types of environmental justice legislation
• Executive Order 12898 signed by Bill Clinton in 1994 to address issues of environmental injustice
• University of Colorado- Boulder's Native Communities and Environmental Justice Program

4. Open test review time + Honors Seminar on ​Cat's Cradle

• Review the definitions and ask Ashley for clarification
• Try to find areas in Leopold's essay where he articulates (either in agreement or opposition) various key terms from the powerpoint presentation