Eco Economy Week 1 Dqs
1) What is the main cause for the fall of past civilizations?
The main cause for the fall of past civilizations is lack of food supply. The Mayans and Sumerians met their fate from this issue. The Sumerians due to elevated salt levels in the soil due to defective irrigation systems. The issues from this resulted in killing of all their crops and food sources. The Mayans were impacted by drought and soil erosion. It is hard for any civilization to flourish when they do not have a steady supply of food.
2) How stable do you think our current economy and civilization is?
Our current economy and civilization is unstable. The CO2 emissions, reproduction rates, and food production is alarming. In the lecture it stated that “estimates are that global demand is now 30% higher than that which is sustainable.” That means we are short food, and it is not looking good for the future. We are unable to produce food quickly, the temperatures are rising, and people are still uneducated about how the things they are doing impact our future. I think in times like these it would only take a small trigger to push people over the edge, which could impact civilization as we know it.
3) How feasible is it to change from “business as usual” to a more sustainable eco-economy? How long will this process take?
It is feasible to change the way we do things. How long it takes will be determined by how quickly we can get everybody on board. We can accomplish the four main things listed in Plan B in regard to securing civilization. To reduce CO2 emissions, stabilize population growth, reducing poverty and restore the earth’s natural systems, it is going to take every individual and every group of people to see it through. A lot of things like changing driving habits, coming up with alternate transportation, recycling, spending money wisely, and being responsible about having children are things we need to do on a personal level, and should be backed up by our governments.
The main cause for the fall of past civilizations is lack of food supply. The Mayans and Sumerians met their fate from this issue. The Sumerians due to elevated salt levels in the soil due to defective irrigation systems. The issues from this resulted in killing of all their crops and food sources. The Mayans were impacted by drought and soil erosion. It is hard for any civilization to flourish when they do not have a steady supply of food.
2) How stable do you think our current economy and civilization is?
Our current economy and civilization is unstable. The CO2 emissions, reproduction rates, and food production is alarming. In the lecture it stated that “estimates are that global demand is now 30% higher than that which is sustainable.” That means we are short food, and it is not looking good for the future. We are unable to produce food quickly, the temperatures are rising, and people are still uneducated about how the things they are doing impact our future. I think in times like these it would only take a small trigger to push people over the edge, which could impact civilization as we know it.
3) How feasible is it to change from “business as usual” to a more sustainable eco-economy? How long will this process take?
It is feasible to change the way we do things. How long it takes will be determined by how quickly we can get everybody on board. We can accomplish the four main things listed in Plan B in regard to securing civilization. To reduce CO2 emissions, stabilize population growth, reducing poverty and restore the earth’s natural systems, it is going to take every individual and every group of people to see it through. A lot of things like changing driving habits, coming up with alternate transportation, recycling, spending money wisely, and being responsible about having children are things we need to do on a personal level, and should be backed up by our governments.