In Summation Beginning with Why We Disagree we were exposed to cultural theory as a method of simplifying the entire human race into one graph among the other tantalizing bits of opinion that Mike Hulme had to offer (Hulme 2009). In all honesty his analysis was colorful and even funny at times but it was […]
Bridging the Local and the Global
Introduction It is difficult to say that Who Rules the Earth? has one central argument; the book is more accurately described as having a general mission to provide a precise and useful account of social rules. Steinberg documents these social rules in the context of a serious attempt to explain the entirety of environmentalism on […]
The Ecotypes Lens: Analyzing Human Impact
Introduction The Ecotypes survey can provide reasonable groundwork for the synthesis of a wide range of material in Environmental Studies. Various sections of the course can be easily grouped under the broad headings of Nature, Spirituality, and Time. As defined by Jim Proctor these terms can be used to analyze the political and scientific beliefs […]
From Theory to Reality
Grid Group Theory Mike Hulme introduces what we refer to as Cultural Theory in chapter six of his book, Why We Disagree About Climate Change. The model of Cultural Theory (or the four ‘ways of life’ as titled by Douglas and Wildavsky) groups all individuals into four different sections or “ways of life” (Hulme 2009, […]
Wildness: No Humans Allowed
By: Jon Hosch and Evan Howell Definition The concept of wildness is deeply rooted in notions of pure nature with “sacred connotations to some [individuals]” (Proctor). It has many very broad uses in environmental scholarship and tends to be a major driving force in activism as well as societal change (Zahniser 1964). The concept of […]
Industrial Diamonds: Impure but Valuable
Introduction Diamonds are typically are known for their high value and beauty within the jewelry industry, as well as other aesthetically pleasing goods. However, not all diamonds are used for this exquisite purpose. In fact, all the irregularly shaped or discolored diamond ore unsuited for jewels is processed for important industrial usage. These diamonds are […]
Disconnect in the Perception of Climate: PDX vs. National
By Jon Hosch and Evan Howell Introduction and Procedure On January 27, 2017 we embarked into downtown Portland to investigate public opinion on climate change. We were armed with an ENVS 160 survey rating citizen’s concern of climate change in relation to other issues on a scale from 1-10. After receiving a number of diverse […]