Can we Mobilize?

"The death of or civilization is no longer a theory or an academic possibility; it is the road we live on"

I agree with this statement made by Peter Goldmark, because people have now become about self and not about community. We have lost touch with civilization and the benefits of it. So claiming that it is no longer a theory but an actual reality is somewhat accurate. To be quite honest everything has become self-centered and what I can achieve for me and mines(family). We have somewhat decreased on social development and organization due to the fact that our focus in life is narrowed! Civilization is slowly diminishing which does not give room for mobilization to occur in many developing countries. The focus is on how do I survive and how do I keep myself and family afloat? Where is the advancement with bettering our societies and communities? I believe we have lost touch a bit, but is there is possible way to regain momentum?

www.socailmail.com The shift and death of civilization in society.

The four mutually dependent Plan B goals--stabilizing climate, stabilizing population, eradicating poverty, and restoring the economy's natural support systems--are all essential to restoring food security"

www.alissonvale.com Models Stabilization

This is what it's going to take for developing countries to get back up on their feet. Just as the quote states " Rome was not built in a day", I believe this quote can relate to our development now. Developing countries will not be developed in a day. It will take planning and action to really solve the many issues that we see today, such as a lack of food security, poverty, lack of education, many health risks, etc. Plan B has great goals to achieve those changes, but will action be put in place for stabilization to occur in these developing countries. All of these Plan B goals are not only essential for restoring food security but it can decrease poverty rates and eradicate many other issues. As a bystander I am glad that there is some work and action plan being put together for these developing countries, but we have to try not to dig a bigger hole at the same time of regaining momentum. 

"Stabilizing population not only helps eradicate poverty , it makes it easier to reach almost every other goal the we seek."

www.globalpatriot.com Eradicating Poverty

When we stabilize populations that gives room for other things that need to be fixed to manifest, why because change starts with people who are motivated and stable in all aspects of life. When there is no motivation from society there will be no decrease in poverty rates which will continue to rise. So once we are able to get populations on their feet effectively, that's when poverty can be eradicated, which can increase the receiving of education, which will then reduce the spread of diseases and other health factors. It can also help with the food security. Once we bring failing populations back into stabilization it can have a domino effect and stabilize many other areas that need it. Plan B is on the right track to slowly repairing the damage that has been done, we just need individuals that will support the plans and goals. 

Plan B Chapter 3

"What we can anticipate with a warmer climate is more extreme weather events. The insurance industry is painfully aware of the relationship between higher temperatures and storm intensity"

With global warming on the rise, I believe this quote hit it on the head when it comes to insurance companies being aware as to what is arising. These higher temperatures are causing drastic changes within the environment and insurance companies will have to end up dealing with the lasting damages that present itself with these changes to the environment. Just as Brown states the effects of these higher temperatures are diminishing the production of crops that are being yielded, generate more destructive storms, such a hurricanes that can be deadly and leave land and many structures in distress.  I believe these insurance companies must be aware now then ever before because, during hurricane season, these storms intensity are increasing and are becoming more severe as temperatures begin to rise. These insurance companies cannot rely on past cost of damages because these damage costs will continue to increase as temperatures begin to increase.

www.hurricane-facts.com

"Such intense heat waves also take a direct human toll"

This is serious matter if the increase in heat temperature is causing many deaths around the world! Heat waves are a serious matter that we should not ignore, because the heat waves are going to only get hotter and we must know the consequences of our actions when it comes to feeding into global warming. These intense heat waves, are taking out whole populations for example heat waves claimed more than 52,000 lives in nine countries in Europe. That is a whole population! Droughts are happening because of these heat waves, which can lead to a lack of food production, which can also be the cause of deaths. There is no source of food coming in! The people can't be HOT and have no food. But those who don't care too much for the environment, don't really witness the damage that is happening across the world, due to climate change and temperature changes. What shall we do to prevent this??

www.blog.ted.com

"Higher temperatures can halt photosynthesis, prevent pollination and lead to crop dehydration" 

This can be very detrimental to third world countries who depend on crops and plants as their source of food. When there is an increase in temperatures that prevent the growth of these plants, there is no food! "Temperature increase due to global warming makes is harder to feed the Earth's growing population" said Brown. Crops are not growing and for many of these countries, the crops is what they sell. The wheat, rice and corn, is how they produce a source of income. But if global warming continues the people will have nothing to survive on.  Their food security is being dismantled due to the fact of increased temperatures. If photosynthesis is not occurring then plants are not growing. If pollination is not occurring as well, there is no passing on of pollen which allows other plants to grow. Dehydration among crops is going to continue to happen, if we don't get these climate changes and temperatures changes under control, otherwise it will be too late for many!

Crop dehydration www.article.wn.com

Plan B 4.0 Chapter 2

"As land and water become scarce, competition for these vital resources intensifies within societies, particularly between the wealthy and those who are poor and dispossessed."

This quote is what we witness today within society. There are individuals who hold power in high places, and these countries are up against those who are in power, for food and water resources. Those who are poor and without possession have to fight and compete for what they have grown within the land because those with wealth are coming and taking what is rightfully theirs and selling it as a source of income, not giving the opportunity for these farmers to sell their own crops. Many populations are dying out because of the competition for these vital resources. Individuals are being put out of their land and homes and are not given the opportunity to fight! Just as brown has said "the competition for land is amplified by religious differences and combined with large numbers of frustrated men." Churches have turned against churches and neighbors against neighbor, just as a mean of survival for family and self! There is social tension because of the competitions for these vital resources have increased over the years within many countries, but the people in power will take what they need and go while the poor and dispossessed fend for themselves!

www.youtube.com- Shows us what the wealthy end up doing to those that are poor

"The price of grain is now ties to the price of oil. Historically the food and energy economics were separate, but now with the massive U.S. capacity to convert grain into ethanol, that is changing. In this new situation, when the price of oil climbs, the world price of grain moves up toward its oil-equivalent value."

Its like we have to choose which one we need to have in order to survive for the week. You can either have grain for food, or oil for transportation, and this bothers me! Why, because you have those who can't afford both of these items, and when you begin to increase them both because of the equal value they possess, its difficult. now life because based on, we survive on grain one week, and the next week oil. When we continue to increase these food prices, populations begin to decrease, and that is a sad reality for some. As Brown has asked, "Do we use the grain for fuel or to feed the people?" That is a hard question that we must ask because countries are dying out rapidly year after year because of the lack of nourishment and food! People are taking away the only food security they have!

www.arihantfoods.com- Grain and Oil seeds

"Today, bodies washing ashore in Italy, Spain, and Turkey are daily occurrence, the result of desperate people"

This is the truth as to what is going on in today's time! We have people who are desperately trying to make a living for their families, and even for themselves. Just as Brown states in this Chapter that individuals are searching to make a living by doing dangerous things such as boarding on a moving vessels like trains that goes North into the states. Some make it , some don't which is the sad part about it! People risk their lives daily just to make it into the Unites States to find a source of income! But my question is, why does it have to be that way? If they were not in competition with those who are in power and have wealth they wouldn't have to risk their lives, and end up not returning back to their families who need the support and resources!

www.latimes.com-People pushing and shoving to get to food that is being handed out!

Plan B

"We are entering into a new food era, one marked by high food prices, rapidly growing numbers of hungry people and an intensifying competition for land and water resources that has now crossed national boundaries as food-importing countries try to buy or lease vast tracts of land in other countries."

I agree with this statement made within the preface because, it is exactly what is going on within our society today. We have food prices that are sky rocketing and many people who live in poverty are going hungry every single day because these prices have become non affordable to the society. Even within our fast food businesses, the prices have been raised, and when the prices were at a reasonable price, individuals didn't go hungry. Land has also been a competition, because when one finds good land and soil, it means that there is also great wealth and great resources among the land. Here comes the subject about people who are in power! Those that are in power get to determine these food prices being elevated and the number of people going hungry. They get to choose what type of land they want in various countries, and again their wealth continues to increase while many around are suffering.

"Plan B. Its goal is to move the world from the current decline and collapse path onto the new path where food security can be restored and civilization can be sustained."

The world is at its worse state in some parts of it and I believe that Plan B is one way to really revive many countries back to its original state or at least close to it. Plan B being a path to bring food security for many countries that deal with health issues, and have a lack of education is a good start. Many countries death rate is due to the lack of food security, education on health, and really just a lack of education. I feel like Plan B has a sense of urgency to help those who are in need, and to provide education in food security for those who cant find a source of income and their way to maintain a healthy life. Just as the title of the book says Plan B is way to mobilize to save civilization and that is what is being done. But what I feel is there will always be an obstacle that is going to hinder the Plan B from progressing forward, but I believe that this Plan B can prosper in many ways!

"Eradicating poverty is a priority goal for three reasons. One, in combination giving women everywhere access to reproductive health care and family planning services it is the key to accelerating the global shift to smaller families"

I would have to definitely agree with this statement. I believe that this is something that should be discussed everywhere within the global regions. Again a lack of education about something means there is a likely hood for misinterpretation to evolve. With Plan B educating women across the nations about reproductive health care is definitely a way to reduce health risk factors and the production of children in harsh conditions. Most of these children are born into families that live in poverty and many mothers cannot provide for their offspring. Providing this education could probably change the global shift to smaller families and shift poverty. This will assist in stabilizing communities and also food security!

Biodiversity: Who's Ruining It?

"Biological diversity and cultural diversity is are intimately related and interdependent"

I would have to definitely agree with this statement because when we understand the definition of biological diversity and cultural diversity we witness the two intertwine. Biological diversity shows us the variations of species, genetics, and ecosystems that are present on the earth, and cultural diversity is the different ethnic groups that are present on the earth. People within these cultural areas, rely on biodiversity as their source of food, medicine. and economy. Within the natural environment it provides a way for different cultural activities to develop, and different languages and belief systems to evolve. Shiva makes a good point that if we were to destroy biodiversity, we also destroy the "livelihoods of the large majority of Third World people who make their living as farmers, fishermen, craftspeople and healers." Because biological diversity and cultural diversity are interdependent it could possibly put people that depend of the environment at risk of falling into poverty if biodiversity were to undergo destruction.

Image of Diversity www.greenreview.blogspot.com

"Agricultural biodiversity is the basis of economic life for two-thirds of the world's population---those people who live in rural economies in the Third World."

I come to understand that in most countries, agricultural is really big and it is for many, a source of income for their families. They use the different variety of crops that the environment provides and make food, medicine, and make shelter. I think this is a very creative idea for those living in Third World countries, but the sad part is the production that comes from this, doesn't go to them, but those that are in power will make the decision of the distribution. As Shiva states "the poor depend on the wealth of biological resources and their knowledge and skills related to biodiversity." When biodiversity decreases because of the possibility of industry it puts them back into an impoverished state and they are stripped from healthcare and a source of food. Well the question is what do we do to ensure that doesn't happen in these Third World countries?

Third World Poverty www.getrealphilippines.com

"The Empty Earth Syndrome"

I just like this whole entire section, because it speaks on one of the potential causes of poverty that is happening today. Shiva describes to her readers two causes why Third World countries that are located in areas that contain biological wealth is consistently being destroyed. And that is because of "The Empty Earth Syndrome." Shiva describes this with two meanings. The first is people see the earth as empty if it is not filled with industrialization. They take what has been preserved and what these Third World countries use as a source of income, and build right on top of it, because they see that it is land that is filled with nothing. They witness no limits, Shiva describes those limits as "limits set by nature and set by other cultures to be respected." Those in power and have great wealth, use the land as an opportunity to produce wealth while, the Third World becomes poorer. The second Shiva describes is mono-culture "the idea that world is one-dimensional and diversity is seen as a disease or a deficiency" it produces a mindset that says biodiversity is not important and that's what produces "The Empty Earth Syndrome."

Biodiversity Threat www.nature.com

Obligation To Endure

"The most alarming of all man's assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers, and sea with dangerous and even lethal materials"

I agree that man has been the cause of the contamination and the pollution we see today. We have done irreversible damage to the environment and not only are animals suffering, but us humans are suffering to by inhaling toxins that can be odorless and toxins that are present in our everyday environments which later down the line can cause complications to our health. Contamination can start from just loitering things that don't decompose and letting them sit for years. Contamination and heavy pollution can be found in areas that are heavily industrialized for example Chicago. What will it take for the people who reside upon these environments to really cherish what is around them? The damage has been done already with the environment, but why continue to harm it, to make more buildings and businesses?

"Only within the moment of time represented by the present century has one pieces---man---acquired significant power to alter the nature of his world"

Man has so much power in this place we call earth. If man with power says something should happen, most likely it is going to happen, because of the power that is being exercised at hand. Chemicals that are produced today to kill insect and other creatures, is made by the decision of one who is in power, and they are the ones that are making the environment an irreversible process if going back to it's natural state. The way the environment is lies in the hands of one with power. Global warming and contamination within many bodies of waters is due to the decision of someone that is in power. But the question is what do we do to stop those that are in power from making irreversible decisions about the earth and land we live on?

"It is also an era dominated by industry, in which the right to make dollar at whatever cost is seldom challenged"

Because people within power are money hungry individuals they tend to see that these insect prays and pesticides that, yes can be beneficial to those who are in need of them, but can be very harmful to the environment, but because it is producing a great amount of wealth, the production is still going to take place. But I wonder if there is remnant that is willing to fight those that are in power and say your products is killing the people that care about their environments, can you stop producing these products for our safety and our children's safety!

The Nature of The Everglades: Did You Know?

"The word "glade" is one the oldest English origin. It comes from the Anglo-Saxon "glaed," with the "ae" diphthong, shortened to "glad." it meant "shining" or "bright," perhaps as water."

This sentence has a great, and valuable meaning to me as a Floridian. I have lived in Florida all my life, and I have taken many field trips to the Everglades, but never knew the significance, or the meaning of the word "Everglades." Now as a student at Florida Gulf Coast University who lives on the east coast (Broward County), the everglades has been something I have unwarily been attached to my whole entire life. Driving back and forth on Alligator Alley at the age I am now, I saw the beauty of the Everglades, but never knew the history behind the meaning of the actual name, and why this big body was known as the "Everglades." See that it means "Shining" or "bright" I would have to definitely agree with that translation. When the Sun hits the water it begins to glisten and the water becomes very bright. As I drive on the Alley again I will never forget the meaning of "Everglades."

www. everglades-wilderness-waterway.com
This is a Photo of the Florida Everglades

"There must be heat and wetness for the porous thirty or more eggs  the female alligator lays."

This sentence further explains how female alligators prepare to lay their eggs in this big swamp. This sentence is very interesting to me, because I did not know this was the process that female alligators had to do before hatching their eggs. Living in a city where alligators are present everywhere, I thought this was something I would have known, but I didn't and having a fond interest in alligators it opened my eyes to how the preparation before the birthing happens. The water-weeds are of good use in the Everglades, instead of just a plant that's there! It's a source used by the gators through a 2 month process before the eggs hatch! Seeing the difference as to how both the alligator and the crocodile and how they lay eggs was also very interesting to me, when reading this excerpt. It just goes to show there is a lot more going on in the waters of the Everglades, then we really think!

www.blackmorephoto2013.wordpress.com

"To understand the Everglades one must understand the rock"

When I read this part, I didn't understand what rock the author was talking about and the description came along and I understood why the rock is present. I didn't know there was a rock present that helps to separate fresh and saltwater from mixing! Again living in Florida for the majority of my life, I never know there were borders to the Everglades, because it just seems like a big body of water that is endless! Now to find this out, its ruins my preconceived notions I have had for a long time about the Everglades! 

This is oolitic limestone, what is found at the bottom of the Everglades!
www.jaynesunshine.blogspot.com

Sol MacIvey: A Land "Remembered"

Briefly describe who the character is and their role in the novel.

Solomon MvIvey
In the novel "A Land Remembered" Solomon MacIvey is the son of Tobias MacIvey and his wife Emma. The Novel begins to open with Tobias's son Solomon rolling through Key Biscayne which is located in the county of Miami-Dade! Solomon's roll within the novel is  known that he is the last one that is living from the Generations of the MacIvey's and he has lived to see the changes that has happened within Southwest Florida. Throughout the novel Solomon (Sol) is the main character that readers will encounter and relate to on different levels.

www.unlockkeybiscayne.com

What is the relationship between the character and their environment and the natural world? 

The relationship between Sol and the environment and the natural world, is Sol and his past family have made many, many investments into land. They used land to make a living, and also their interaction to cattle. Before things became so industrialized, Sol has had a solid relationship with the natural world, seeing his father invest in to land for farming and the building of preservation, but money and wealth eventually became his priority and the lack of care to the environment and natural world began to decrease as the story progress's!

http://www.quickmeme.com/p/3vy8x6

Where does this character experience a strong sense of place and what legacy will/did they leave behind for others?

www.patricksmithonline.com

Sol experiences a strong sense of place in Chapter 1. Sol MacIvey is rolling throughout Punta Rassa and is having his driver take him through the memories of his past life and the construction that holds his family's name on it. He gets a strong sense of where he has allowed money and greed to ruin what his father and grandfather have built up for many years. He drives through certain neighborhoods, and gets a sense of familiarity with some of those places. Another sense of place is at the Seminole Village, where he had not been for decades where the people that came before him, had a solid relationship with. Sol didn't reproduce any more MacIvey's, and the legacy he left was many industrialized cities!

How do you relate to this character?

I don't relate to Sol. I wouldn't allow money or greed to ruin what my family has worked so hard to build and worked so hard for me to have the life that I have, and then end up regretting what I did to ruin what was built before me. If there was a relation between Sol it would be both of us choosing to live in a more industrialized area rather then nature.

Land Ethics: Is it right or wrong?

Agree Quote: "In Short, a land ethic changes the role of Homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it."

I agree with this statement because it lets us know that as humans we have evolved in many different ways and it shows the inevitable changes that were made. As years have gone by our perception of being conquerors of the land-community has deteriorated. More and more people became accustomed to the lifestyle in the city and less and less people became disinterested in taking care of their community values. Later down in the article Leopold says that trying to be a conqueror of the land can lead to self defeat. It leads to self defeat because one who wants to be  in that "conqueror role" must know the ins and out of the community and the end result is they don't know, just as Leopold states. This alone states that we are just a plain member to and a citizen of the community because we don't know what the lands use is.  Often times we don't know about what it takes to keep the land in good conditions, we often times don't know the great values and goods and the bad about the land. I definitely agree as one who is just a citizen of land-community. I can't tell what is valuable about the land, and what its going to take to keep the land in good health. Someone cannot be a conqueror over the land if they don't have the ability to or a responsibility to the health of the land, and that is most times why the quest is cut short!

Homo sapiens evolving
www.importancia.org 

Agree Quote: "We can be ethical only in relation to something we can see, feel, understand, love or otherwise have faith in."

I would have to definitely agree with this statement made by Leopold. Why, because we only tend to care for the values of places, people, and things when there is a sense of attachment to them. When an individual has that attachment to the environment or land, there will be an ethical viewpoint for them. That individual will get a sense of wanting to take care the environment, fight for it to be kept in healthy conditions, for the atmosphere as well as the animals that are present within that environment. If I am unable to see or feel something or I don't have a sense of attachment towards something, why would I place any ethical value to it? The reason I believe I have no ethical value to the environment, is because I don't have a sense of attachment to it. It will be difficult for me to find good in keeping the environment healthy. 

www.deepgreenpermaculture.com

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"When one asks why no rules  have been written, one is told that the community is not yet ready to to support them ; education must precede rules."

I strongly agree with this statement by Leopold. I agree that if any rules and regulations are going to be set in place for the environment, there must be an educational standing that will support the rules that are being set in stone so individuals who actually want to study the understanding of the ruling, but I'm not necessarily grasping the knowledge as to why that is.