Blog Number 1: In Class Questions and Activity

In Class Questions:


What Promotes human connection to nature?

I believe the human connection to nature is instinctual.  Being a part of nature is necessary to our survival, as it is all other animals which is why I feel many people feel compelled to immerse themselves in nature.  Another reason I believe humans continue to feel connected to nature is the extraordinary beauty that it contains.  During one of the first classes the question was posed, "who likes to spend time outside" and a fair portion of the class raised their hands, as the question was expanded to being outdoors to do activities like hunt, fish, camp and hike, almost the whole class had their hands up.  I think this small poll helped to highlight our innate desire to be a part of nature. 


What promotes disconnection from nature?

A large portion if feeling connected to nature is realizing we depend on it for food, shelter, water, and the air (the ability to live).  This being said I believe massive grocery stores remove much of society from the understanding of how their basic needs are being met.  The ability to drive to a grocery store and grab some pasta and hamburgers eliminates the connection to nature as a source of food, a key item of survival. 


Is there a danger to a growing disconnect from nature?

The danger of not having a connection with nature is not realizing the fragility of ecosystems, this makes people more likely to be wasteful, or take harmful actions without fearing the repercussions that they may have. 


Where do your environmental ethics lie?

Although I feel linked to all three view points, I do most strongly associate with the ecocentric view of the environment. 


Activity

I choose to watch the Ted Talks: Walk the Earth... my 17 year vow of silence.  The video highlighted the impact an environmental catastrophe can have on a persons ideals.  Another important message to take from the talk is, you can not create a change without challenging your boundaries.  John Francis impressed me with his radical change, forcing me to question my own ideals and willingness to commit to a change to better the environment and myself.