LECTURES: Discussion Paper Topics

Most topic reviews will include a small group discussion session. Two papers, derived from these discussions are required. These papers contain a brief overview of the topic, the views of the group and your opinion. Each discussion paper will give background information on the topic, the results of the group discussion and your personal opinion. The paper should be between 2-3 pages and submitted to: fgallagh@rci.rutgers.edu

Spring 2009

1) Using the work of Leopold, Stegner and others we defined what a land ethic should be. Develop a statement that defines such an ethic. Will our culture ever develop such a land ethic?

2) Benjamin Kline's book, First Along the River, ends with a discussion of the 1990's. Based upon our class discussion write a summary of the next chapter that would cover from 2000 to 2008.

3) As a class we were able to take a brief visit to an "old growth" forest stand and a white pine plantation. Discuss the ecological and economic differences between both. Estimates of the nations remaining old growth forest range from 5 to 10%. How should we manage these forests? What about our use of paper?

4) The world appears to be reaching the limits of global food production given current technology, land and water resources. Are genetically modified crops a solution or are their alternatives?

5) Although air quality has generally improved over the last ten years, there is still concern about increasing green house gases. Did the movie "The Inconvenient Truth" make a difference? The Kyoto Protocol of 1997 is an international agreement to reduce the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere. Should the United States ratify the protocol? Should emission averaging, banking and or trading be allowed? Should carbon sinks be part of calculating emission?

6) The second key to developing a sustainable society is transforming the way we use energy. The key shifts would moving from fossil fuels to alternative fuels and significantly increasing conservation efforts. With these goals in mind do you feel we should open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling?


Donegal, Ireland 2006