Order 1381350: Executive Summary

Andrew Pelayo

ENGL 1310.101

Professor Kristen Jackson

October 17, 2018

Argument Analysis of "Cesar E. Chavez National Monument,

California, and the Future" in The Hour of Land

The main argument and/or ethical issue(s) I plan to address are: 1) Who actually decides what is ethical in pursuit of conservation efforts?; and 2) Who do we entrust to appoint people who will follow protocol with what is considered ethical? While the author provides a personal account and history of the detriment that people and industrialization have affected earth, the author fails to provide any probable solutions or suggestions for the reader to follow. I plan to provide potential solutions in an effort to possibly reach a sustainable conversation goal(s).

We have an environment where monetary and environmental objects do not always meet in the middle. Value(s) would need to be internalized and assessed by all, but this more than likely will be on a personal basis. “The development of an ethic of conservation faces another obstacle, which is the widespread perception that ethics, and the question of values in general, are beyond the reach of rational and critical discussion. It is an illusion to suppose that ethical considerations can be sidelined. Conservation objectives may indeed be defended on scientific or utilitarian grounds, but to reach a decision on these grounds presupposes an evaluative commitment to the view that these considerations should hold sway. Value judgements are involved in the decision as to which interests and considerations are legitimate; and the question of legitimacy is a matter for critical evaluation. A common and associated mistake is to picture the values that we hold as immovable points of departure, over which we have little control, and which dictate and shape all our reasonings, so that, unless we happen to share the same values, debate between us will be an empty charade. In our view, this picture is hardly true to the facts” (Holland and Rawles).

The real issue at hand is how do we decide whom makes decides what is ethical and who determines what is beneficial for the future. Several personal suggestions would be: 1) confirm how much expansion and industrialization of earth’s resources is actually required and safe for the environment; 2) How much does one person really need?; and 3) Is the overconsumption of resources really a need or just greed? Environmental surveys could be assessed in order to determine yearly consumption and place a cap on the percentage required to sustain recommended consumption. After these surveys, a panel of global environmentalists could assist with advising corporations and communities on energy conversation and proper disposal of waste.

Ultimately, my plan is to address what is necessary versus industrialization for political and economic gain. In a true conservation effort, information could be gathered to reflect the impact of over-consumption and diminishing resources. In a grassroots fashion, flyers or emails could be sent requesting that each member of a household only uses 15-20 minutes of water a day, recycle, and as part of an exercise routine, take a garbage bag, some gloves, and pick up litter. While I believe opening up a reader to all that the author has expressed in her article, I believe that action is necessary. Small campaigns concerning conservation can be started, small community meetings on how to conserve at home and in the community, and monthly neighborhood litter collection. My youngest sister’s school has a community garden that encourages the students and parents to grow their own vegetables and fruit in an effort to inspire them to eat a healthy diet and to respect their surroundings. My parents’ neighborhood has a yearly community outreach wherein volunteers gather and plant trees in parts of the neighborhood. I do believe starting the conservation effort(s) while children are young has a tremendous impact on their perception of what their surroundings should be and how much they actually need. When time and effort is put into a particular project, I do believe it leaves a lasting impact.