Anthropocentric Position in the Arctic Sovereignty Debate

Anthropocentric Position in the Arctic Sovereignty Debate Andrew Lawrence Introduction Motivated by the search for new trade routes and imperial accolades and glory, the Arctic has long been associated with famous explorers such as Franklin, Parry and Amundsen. As these explorers attempted to plant their nation’s flags in this expansive region, so continues today the practice of territorial claims in the Arctic. Ever changing climate conditions in the Arctic have reopened a race for new trade routes with the melting of ice in the North West Passage, as well as opened the opportunity of access to a vast expanse of natural resources. This renewed Arctic interest can be examined under the auspices of the human geography concept of environmental ethics, and more specifically the positions of ecocentrism and anthropocentrism. As will be explored here, despite all of the evidence towards global warming and its drastic effects on the Arctic, a policy of anthropocentrism regarding Arctic sovereignty is still practiced by Canada and other nations. Summary of Article According to the December 9, 2013 CBC article and interview, Canada has submitted an Atlantic and Arctic seabed claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of Continental Ice. The Atlantic seabed claim has been submitted in full while the Arctic seabed claim is only a preliminary claim that requires further scientific work. The Minister of Foreign Affairs requested officials and scientists complete additional scientific and cartographic work so the submission also includes a claim to the entire continental shelf along with the North Pole. Preliminary findings outline Canada’s claim to the Arctic seabed beyond the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone. An extension of this zone would include any natural resources beyond the current limit. Other nations including Denmark, Norway, Russia and the United States have staked interests in the Arctic region. In the press conference announcing these claims, the ministers referred to them as issues pertaining to national sov ereignty and the securing of Canada’s last frontier. Ecocentric and Anthropocentric Views and Their Relevance to Arctic Sovereignty The discipline of environmental ethics seeks to examine the questions and concerns of human interaction within the environment, and also seeks to provide a means to conduct this relationship between humans and the environment in an ethical manner (Norton, 2013, p. 125). In the twentieth century, the positions of anthropocentrism and ecocentrism were added to this discipline (Norton, 2013, p. 125). In an ecocentric position, intrinsic value is placed on all parts of the environment equally rather than placing humans at the centre (Norton, 2013, p. 127 ). Contrarily, in an anthropocentric position humans are placed as the central fact in the world where their detrimental effect on the environment is often stressed (Norton, 2013, p 128. ) The concept of anthropocentricism is especially evident in the examined article and the current issue of Arctic sovereignty, through the policy of staking claims in order to gain access to natural resources such as oil. These claims would benefit from the negative impacts that climate change, as a result of fossil fuels, have already played in this area. Interpretation of Current Issue Once referred to as the global environment’s â€Å"canary in a coal mine†, the Arctic’s rapidly changing conditions provide a broader perspective and advanced warning system on the real impact of climate change (Kofod, 2012). To the surprise of many scientists, the Arctic has been the first region in the world to show evidence that global climate change theories are in fact true (Kofod, 2012). According to scientific study the mean annual temperature increase in the Arctic, 3.7  °C, is significantly larger than the global mean temperature increase of 1.9  °C (Kofod, 2012). This rise in temperature can be directly linked to the world’s consumption of fossil fuels. Despite this outstanding evidence, the continuation of an anthropocentric perspective in the Arctic for the benefit of humans continues. The examined article discusses how any extension of Canada’s and the other nation’s 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone through the conti nental shelf will include any natural resources they contain. Often thought to be the driving factor in Arctic sovereignty, nations involved have made no secret of their intentions to extract from the vast number of stock natural resources in the region. However, a policy that centres on the extraction of natural resources for human use and which has already been directly connected to global climate change seems counterintuitive to the already fragile ecosystem of the Arctic. This detrimental effect of Arctic sovereignty position is within the auspices of the anthropocentric perspective. The subject of nationalism is another anthropocentric perspective deeply embedded in the policy of Arctic sovereignty. Nationalism is especially evident throughout the examined article and interview as both government Ministers refer to the policy of Arctic sovereignty as â€Å"drawing the last lines of Canada† and â€Å"Canada’s last frontier†. This anthropocentric view forgets the Native peoples living in the Arctic regions, who often live an ecocentric lifestyle, and have been forced to adapt, often more readily, to the southern problem of climate change. Often these Native people are used as political pawns in staking a case for nationalism and territorial rights within the Arctic sovereignty debate (Saunders et al., 2014). Conclusion My understanding of the issue of Arctic sovereignty has been enhanced through the application of geographical concepts that further explore the issue in greater detail. The flag waving, patriotism and need for military assets are often the only aspects of Arctic sovereignty reported by the government and media. Through the application of environmental ethics and the position of anthropocentricism to this issue it can be seen that Arctic sovereignty is a far greater issue than simply redrawing the boundaries of a country’s borders. Although on the surface it may seem Canada as a whole would benefit from Arctic sovereignty the examination of policies show that the Arctic and its people have already been negatively impacted by anthropocentric policy and a need exists to address this policy from an environmental ethics and put in place ecocentric policies. Bibliography Norton, W. (2013). Human Geography (8th ed.), CH 4: (116-157). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press Canada. Kofod, J. (2013). Arctic Economic Opportunities, Environmental Obligations and Security Stakes. NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Sub-Committee On Transatlantic Economic Relations. Retrieved from www.tbmm.gov.tr/ul_kom/natopa/docs/raporlar_2012/e1.pdf Paris, M. (2009). Canada’s Claim to Arctic Riches Includes the North Pole. CBC News. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-s-claim-to-arctic-riches-includes- the-north-pole-1.2456773 Saunders, D., Huebert, R., Shelagh, G., Byers, M., Simon, M., English, J., Davis, W. (2014). Is climate change a northern catastrophe or an Arctic opening?. Arctic Circle Panel, Globe and Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/the-north/is- climate-change-a-northern-catastrophe-or-an-arctic-opening/article16480890/

How Far Did the Position of Black Americans Improve in the Years 1945-1955?

The US military involvement in WW2 was to have a lasting effect on civil rights and racist attitudes. The conflict brought on many changes that would highlight African American civil rights, for example it created many jobs for black people, not only in the defence industry but also to meet growing labour demand. Although between 1945-1955 there was indefinitely progress made for the position of black Americans, there were also limitations to that progress. The population of cities in the north such as Detroit grew dramatically as black people migrated during the war. Although there was a lot more availability of employment for African American’s, they would often find they were discriminated against, for instance not receiving equal pay to white workers. Employers would usually use the principle ‘Last to be hired, first to be fired. ’ It was a rarity for African Americans to be promoted as when they it would follow with walk outs and riots from white workers. In order to prevent the march on Washington movement, President Roosevelt agreed to set up the Fair Employment Practices Commission in order to accommodate equal opportunities for black people in defence industry jobs. This also led to increase in labour jobs, there was a 25% increase in African Americans working in the iron and steel industry. The numbers employed in government service increased from 50,000 to 200,000. However it had its limitations, railroads usually refused to hire black people and in the Deep South prejudice remained on employment issues. The NAACP campaigned to challenge the ‘Plessy v. Ferguson’ doctrine. Inequality was easily spotted in education. For example research showed that the pupil-teacher ratio was 20% better in white schools than in back, in addition to this white teachers generally receiveda much larger salary in comparison to a black teacher. The NAACP proceeded to sue on behalf of black students, which eventually resulting in the ‘Brown v. Board of Education’ legal case. Following the Brown case, Earl Warren who was the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, agreed that not only was segregation in education demoralising for African Americans, but segregation in general too. However this stirred up protest in the south. The White Citizens council formed the ‘Southern Manifesto’ in order to fight the brown case. There was also slow progress to the integration of public schools as The Supreme Court had not set a time limit, instead it had stated progression to e done with ‘deliberate speed. ’ There was also no action enforced by President Eisenhower who was reluctant to avoid stirring further opposition. Altogether, there was progress in economic status for African Americans. Due to the creation of trade unions and activist groups, something was finally being done about inequality for Blacks. However this gentle action was often faced with forceful opposition, or simply not enough being done, therefore hindering progress.

“It is through what we wear that we all establish our identity.” Briefly support or contradict this claim

Let us imagine a world where it was acceptable to roam the streets unclothed. Would you still conform to the norm that stated that it was usual to wear clothes? Most would, but there would be a minority who would take the liberty of going out naked. They would be viewed by the majority as anti-conformist and it could have spiralling effects on other aspects of their life – such as their identity. If a teenager wants to rebel against norms, it is very easy. They simply need to turn up to a dinner party in jeans and a t-shirt and no more need be done. They would have firmly set an impression in the minds of the other â€Å"black tie wearers†. It could lead to exclusion from the group even if they knew each other previously because it is showing a side of the person that may have previously been hidden. There isn't a human being who doesn't take appearance into account when getting a first impression of someone. It is what initially attracts one person to another and can give an idea as to what the person may be like. However, identity can be established in many ways and clothing is just one of these methods. When looking at a particular group of people, it is usually possible to examine the trends that they exhibit and spot people who look out of place and may be trying to change or enhance their identity through their clothing. Describe the connection between one particular trend in pop music and what its followers wear. â€Å"Mom. I wanna be just like Britney Spears† were the eight words which rang across the world when Ms. Spears released her saucy â€Å"Baby One More Time† video. Suddenly, it was trendy to dress in school girl uniform and the boys were instantly turned on by teenage girls dressing just like Britney. Had it not been for Britney's video, dressing in uniform at any time other than in lessons would, most likely, still be very â€Å"un-cool†. Since her first single, Ms. Spears has been an international jet-setter and trend setter. With each premiere, awards ceremony and after-show party she has attended, she has been the subject of miles worth of newspaper columns. Teenage girls everywhere have been unable to avoid the tactless and shameful promotion that Jive Records have elicited from Britney and living in the 21st century, it has become almost impossible not to be influenced by the publicity surrounding America's most famous Virgin. From controversy to contraception, Britney has been linked to everything. The initial hype surrounding her showed that she was popular amongst teenager boys and this was, no doubt, one of the main reasons thousands of teenage girls began to idolise her. Her sweet and innocent image meant that it was cool to be like Britney and this soon led to an explosion in mini-Britneys. There was a risk that she wouldn't catch on though and that she would fizzle out as another one-hit wonder. However this was soon disproved when she was pursued quickly by the other pop teen queen Christina Aguilera. Just when parents thought that Britney would be a temporary phase that their kids would go through, Christina pops up onto the scene. Bringing yet another set of catchy pop tunes, Christina enforced the idea that it was necessary to look gorgeous, be a size 8 and have a perfect body. Pig-tails were in and pony-tails were out; short skirts became even shorter and breast enlargements were being ordered left, right and centre. Despite their persistent denial of buying the plastic treatment, private clinics saw an enormous increase in their waiting list around Christmas time. It became cool to wear tight tops, to dress in leather and run around school doing Britney and Christina style dance routines. However, times change quickly and schoolgirls are already becoming bored of their teen idols' style and as Britney turns unfavourable in their eyes, it is now necessary for them to look at the older and more respected artists. Singers like Jennifer Lopez, Samantha Mumba and Janet Jackson who all have unparalleled style are the new trend. As teenage girls want to mature into appreciated women, their dress sense also proceeds in parallel and they begin to move away from the â€Å"bubblegum† image into a more adult look. They will however, all too often find themselves pre-occupied with the idealistic look of women in beauty magazines and on screen. Although this shouldn't be the case, it is an inevitable consequence of living in the midst of technology as we do and at least through these more mature artists, teenagers are growing up quicker. It is ironic to think that Britney is now modelling herself on her fans in order to please them. As they mature and advance in their ways of thinking and styles and trends, Britney is now evolving into a more mature and focused artist more in the style of Janet or Madonna. What is worrying though is that there doesn't seem to be another level to which artists like Britney can go to after her fans get tired of her present scheme. Unlike the real divas, Britney has a shelf life and it is almost up. Unless she can creatively reinvent herself with yet another new style, her fans will have to look elsewhere for inspiration and it may well be to an anti-conformist who exhibits qualities that are rebellious and not in line with conventional trends.

The Recycling Process Converts - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1109 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2019/03/14 Category Environment Essay Level High school Tags: Recycling Essay Did you like this example? The Recycling Process Converts The recycling process converts end of life or unwanted materials into new products with new or similar functions. Elastomers are rubbery materials with an elastic property. Elastomers can be recycled in various ways after the original product has reached end of life. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Recycling Process Converts" essay for you Create order An example of a product that reaches end of life and goes through a recycling process are tires. Tires become unwanted when they have become worn down to the point of no longer being safe for road travel, or after irreparable damage has occurred. There are three large markets for scrap tires, they include: tire-derived fuel, civil engineering applications, and ground rubber applications/rubberized asphalt. Around 117 million end of life tires were utilized as Tire-derived fuel in 2015. Tire-derived fuels are a viable alternative to the use of fossil fuels, if proper regulatory controls are in place. Scrap tires have a high heating value and are sought after for this property for use in cement kilns as well as other industrial applications. Tires produce the same amount of energy as oil and 25% more energy than coal. The ash residues from Tire-derived fuels may contain a lower heavy metals content than some coals. NOx emissions are also lower compared to many US coals, particularly h igh-sulfur coals. Civil engineering applications consumed 17 million old tires in 2015. These applications can replace other materials such as polystyrene insulation blocks, drainage aggregate, or other types of fill. A significant amount of materials used in civil engineering applications have come from stockpiled tires. Ground rubber usage consumed 62 million tires in 2015. Ground rubber is used to manufacture many products, including: asphalt rubber, synthetic sports field underlay, animal bedding, and many more. The largest use of these is asphalt rubber utilizing around 12 million tires annually. California and Arizona are the largest users of asphalt rubber. Other uses for ground rubber are for groundcover under playgrounds, anti-fatigue mats, running tracks, animal bedding, underlay and infill for athletic fields, and equestrian footing. Tires must go through a recycling process before it can be reused for other products/uses. Most tires are collected from retailers when they are changed out for new tires, they are then sold to processing plants to prepare them for their long journey ahead. The tires contain steel wire to make them stronger, this wire must be removed before the rubber is recycled. Tires are cut into small pieces and treated with chemicals to create fine granules. This process may be done either mechanically by use of a shredding machine, or cryogenically where tires are frozen with liquid nitrogen then broken into crumbs by a hammer mill. The particles are steel are removed with a huge magnet. The rubber then goes through another screening process to ensure no wire or other contaminants remain. This stage also sorts the remaining rubber pieces by size for packaging and selling to any organization that needs the reclaimed rubber. Another Elastomer product is rubber boots, or rain boots. This product typically is not recyclable by regular recycling processes. De-vulcanizing the rubber breaks down the bonds which were formed in the vulcanizing process which poses a challenge to maintain the characteristics when recycling. Many people have found other ways to recycle old worn out rubber boots, such as repurposing them into outdoor planters. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) materials have the potential to be recyclable since they can be molded, extruded and reused like plastics, but they have typical elastic properties which are not recyclable owing to their thermosetting characteristics. Thermoplastic elastomers have outstanding thermal properties and material stability when exposed to a broad range of temperatures. TPEs also consume less energy to produce and can be colored easily by dyes, and allow economical quality control. Two important manufacturing methods with TPEs are by extrusion molding and injection molding. Recently, TPEs have been used in 3D printing giving them a wide range of uses. Other ways TPEs can be processed are by blow molding, melt calendaring, thermoforming, and heat welding. The recycling of plastics and elastomers are categorized by several numbered categories, most of which can be found printed on the product itself. These numbers have a triangular set of arrows around the number showing its recycling category. These categories are as follows: PETE: Polyethylene terephthalate (e.g. Soft drink bottles, fruit juice containers) HDPE: High-density polyethylene (e.g. Milk jugs, cleaning agents, laundry detergents, shampoo bottles, washing and show soaps) PVC: Polyvinyl chloride (e.g. Trays for sweets, fruit plastic packaging, food foils) LDPE: low-density polyethylene (e.g. Crushed bottles, shopping bags) PP: Polypropylene (e.g. Furniture, luggage, toys, car bumpers) PS: Polystyrene (e.g. Toys, hard packing, refrigerator trays, costume jewelry, CD cases, vending cups) OTHER: other plastics (e.g. Acrylic, polycarbonate, polyactic fibers, fiberglass) Polyethylene Terephthalate is one of the most commonly used plastic product and is found in most water and soda bottles. PET bottles are recyclable and should be recycled, but cannot be reused. When recycled, the plastic is crushed and shredded into small flakes and reprocessed to make new PET bottles, or can be spun into polyester fiber and used to make textiles, such as carpets, stuffing for pillows, lifejackets, or coats. High-Density Polyethylene is a stiff plastic used to make milk jugs, toys, and some plastic bags. HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic and is also considered one of the safest forms of plastic. Processing of HDPE is simple and cost-effective to recycle for secondary use. HDPE does not break down under exposure to sunlight or extreme heating and freezing, thus it is commonly used to make picnic tables and park benches. Products made from HDPE are reusable and recyclable. Polyvinyl Chloride is a soft flexible plastic and is used to make such things as plastic food wrapping, cooking oil bottles, children and pet toys, and plastic pipes and parts for plumbing. PVC is relatively impervious to sunlight and weather and is used to make window frames and garden hoses as well. PVC contains numerous toxins which it can leach throughout its entire life cycle, so it has been dubbed the poison plastic. Products made with PVC are not recyclable but some can be repurposed. PVC products should not be reused for applications with food or for childrens use. Many products can be recycled after they have reached their end of life and reused with a new purpose. Sadly more plastics end up in landfills rather than going to recycling centers to be processed and reused. The costs for recycling these products are very cost effective compared to the manufacturing of new materials. Everyone should do their part and help recycle more materials and put less strain on our resources.