Sustainability & Paradigm Shifts

Sustainability “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”

Our Relationship with Nature Humans have tried to conquer or master nature The result is that humans have destroyed much of the earths vast resources To achieve sustainability it is essential to accept that humans are dependent on the natural environment for their own survival and wellbeing. Without a healthy natural environment, it is impossible to have a healthy society or economy.

Human Impacts

So What is Needed for Society to become Sustainable? The picture is the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. In Haiti clear cutting has completely deforested the area. The wood is used for fuel for cooking. In the DR, tourism has prompted a shift toward the protection of forested areas. The picture shows a government protected area. People who live along the border frequently move from Haiti to the DR (border is not patrolled as both countries are very poor) and are slowly cutting down forest in these protected areas in order to plant crops for food.

A Paradigm Shift

Think of a Paradigm Shift as a change from one way of thinking to another. It's a revolution, a transformation, a sort of metamorphosis. It just does not happen, but rather it is driven by agents of change. Transformations are gradual as old beliefs are replaced by the new paradigms creating a new world view

Examples of Paradigm Shifts

The first paradigm shift – The sun is in the centre of the universe, not the Earth Once thought Earth was the center of the universe…now know that the Sun is.

Spontaneous Generation (abiogenesis) Spontaneous Generation (abiogenesis) - the belief that living things came from non-living things. Ex 1: Frogs and fish were formed in the clouds and fell to the ground when it rained. Ex. 2: Flour left to sit for a few days, created mice!

Biogenesis Biogenesis – Living things give rise to other living things

Change is Difficult! Many paradigms are controversial and are not accepted by everyone, even if there is good scientific proof

Shifts to Evolution led to controversy in the 1800’s

We must shift toward sustainability or….

Web site –Paradigms Practice Sheet Answers

Conclusion - Ecology Video – The Lorax Music Video: Symphony of Science – Our Biggest Challenge

Only after the last tree has been cut down Only after the last fish has been caught Only after the last river has been poisoned Only then, will you find that money cannot be eaten Cree Indian Prophecy

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead) Never doubt the wisdom of youth and their power to make a difference!

Congratulations! You have finished the first unit of Science 10!

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