Learn I have learned a lot in ENVS 160 this semester from basic concepts to contexts to theories. However, I feel nowhere near “full”. We have been given a wonderful foundation to the basic framework surrounding the vast and complex multi-disciplined field of Environmental Studies; however, now that we have been grounded in the material, we need […]
The World Revolves Around Social Rules
Paul F. Steinberg’s main argument in Who Rules the Earth? (2015) identifies social rules as the most effective and logical mechanism of change. He defines these social rules as “understood and followed” regulations that “shape interactions among people,” (Steinberg 2015, 26-27). These regulations define the roles, rights, and responsibilities of individuals, corporations, nations, etc. (Steinberg 2015, […]
Scholarly Connections
WWD and MMW Our World in Context The texts Why We Disagree about Climate Change (2007) and Making the Modern World (2014) both serve the great purpose of laying a strong, descriptive foundation for the environmental movement. Mike Hulme and Vaclav Smil break down common misconceptions about key concepts considered in many environmental debates and movements such as […]
Complicated Simplicity
I came into ENVS 160 a blank slate, not having any background in Environmental Science or Studies courses in high school. My misunderstanding of 160 as an intro class into the diverse sciences of ecology, geology and resource management was quickly corrected on the first day. Being an enthusiast for such subjects and a perspective biology […]
Tantalum: The Tantalizing Truth
by Hannah Machiorlete, Allie Osgood, Ivy Denham-Conroy, and Ada Barbee Overview Tantalum and Its Leading Extractors Tantalum is a rare, non-corrosive transition metal found in low quantities in the Earth’s crust (about 1 part per million) with desirable properties for a variety of applications. Tantalum conducts electricity well and is a biocompatible material, providing uses for both the […]
Portlanders More Homogeneous Than Originally Perceived: A Climate Change Survey
By Allie Osgood, Hannah Machiorlete, and Ada Barbee Αccording to Why We Disagree About Climate Change author Mike Hulme, climate change has shifted from existing as a geological and environmental problem to a “social phenomenon” (xxv). Through this survey and analysis, we seek to understand the evaluation of climate change from the perspective of Portland […]