SCI feedback6
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science_feedback_6.docx1.
Environmental justice and social justice are two very different things. In an attempt to satisfy one, the other is usually affected negatively. For example, it is socially acceptable for everyone to own a car. The pollution that is accumulated because of the amount of cars on the road is astounding. Social justice is served because everyone can transport at their leisure, but the environment is taking a big hit because of it. There are ethical implications in nearly every type of social and environmental justice. We have to decide which decision is better and make necessary adjustments so either sacrifice our social desires, or to sacrifice the health of our environment. With the car example, there are times where we try to make compromises. In big cities where vehicle pollution is the highest, there is a big push for the use of public transportation such as the train and metro. This attempt at environmental justice will cut down on smog, traffic, and pollution.
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We as consumers must remember that eating ethically requires us to be mindful of the other living species that we share our environment with. We must strive to choose foods that minimize harm and are protective of the environment, consumers, farmers, and all those involved in food production and distribution. Environmental concerns include fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and hormones and high volumes of animal waste produced by CAFOs, all of which can contaminate soil, air, and water. The Social concerns include human health, humane treatment of animals, and the fair treatment of food and farm workers.
Classism, racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression are deeply connected to economic justice, which is a prime determinant of access to food. Some people aren’t able to pay more for ethical food. Yet all we can do is play our role in improving the ethics of food.
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In tropical rainforest small trees don't grow with there parent trees. Researchers from University of California did a study that the scientist evaluated data from six forest censuses conducted over the past decades on Barro Colorado Island in the Panama canal. A total of 300 different tree species grow in this 50 ha lowland rainforest. 65 species were selected on an area measuring 1000 X 500 meters. Each species was represented by at least 50 recruits and at least 50 adults, so as to rule out statistical errors. researcher analyzed the spatial distribution between different generations and found no spatial association between the parent trees and their off-spring in and around three-quarters of the species. Their results were very surprising, the seeds dispersal in this tropical forest is usually very limited. The offspring should grow closely to the parent trees. The researchers call the pattern they observed Spatial Independence, they believe it stems from random spatial processes including the seeds dispersal by animals.
The results of the study support the neutral theory developed by Stephen Hubbell of University of California. Neutral theory attempts to explains the biodiversity of tropical rain forests with the simplified assumptions that all tress species behave in the same way. How can they behave the same? Do we as humans behave the same just because we are the same specie? No so why should trees?
References:
Smithsonian tropical research institute. If trees could talk: Forest research network reveals global change effects.
www.science daily.com/releases/2014/09/140926091330.htm
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