Teach the Children Well

By Donald Respess

12 April 04

For PHI 3033, UCF-Cocoa Campus

Term Paper

Humanity has reached a critical point in its existence. This can be seen in humanity’s population explosion of the last fifty years, the exponentially growing uses of the Earth’s resources, and the extreme use of fossil fuels. These three areas are having an enormous impact on Earth’s life forms. The children of the Earth should be taught about these impacts and their implications. After all, the children are the ones who will have to live with the results. In this paper, I will first discuss the ramifications of the population situation, the level of material use currently in practice, and energy as in the use of fossil fuels. Next, I will describe a teaching plan my classmate Alice Landry prepared, targeted at middle school students. Lastly, I will describe and discuss the results of implementing this plan with a group of middle school students at Clearlake Middle School.

The Earth is giving signs all around us that humanity has reached a critical point. Greenhouse gases are increasing, which seems to have led to global warming. Ninety percent of the big fish in the oceans have been fished out. Species of life are going extinct at an alarming rate. All the while, human population has increased at an equally alarming rate. Forests are disappearing and deserts are increasing. It is becoming increasingly harder to find and supply fresh water. Areas have been damaged by mining practices, oil spills, and bad farming practices. The costs for repairs to these areas are enormous. Often true repairs are impossible. All of these factors, and more, have lead humanity to this critical point, for the future of life on Earth.

Human population is one of the most important factors, arguably the most important one, in bringing us to this critical point. One reason is that only a finite amount of biomass is sustainable by planet Earth. The more human biomass there is the less of other kinds of biomass is able to exist. The problem, from an anthropocentric viewpoint, lies in the fact that human biomass must feed on other life forms to survive. If all other kinds of biomass are reduced to such a level that they cannot be sustained, ultimately, it would lead to the loss of human biomass, or else human biomass would have to feed on itself.

For years human population operated at sustainable levels. Probably millions of years, but even if it was only six to eight thousand years, as some believe, it still does not change the fact that the exponential growth in human population has occurred in the last few hundred years and has really come to a head in the last thirty years. If one looks at the facts of human population growth, one would be hard pressed to come to any other conclusion than that continued growth at the current rate would be disastrous, save for some kind of divine intervention.

Population growth around the world is problematic, but it is especially so in industrialized nations. The environmental impact of an American is much greater than that of a person in India, and even greater still than someone in Haiti. The more the nations of the world industrialize the greater the human impact on the environment. It has been said that if all peoples of the world lived at the material level of an American it would require three Earths or more to supply that amount of material.

The use of all these materials by the industrialized nations of the world leads to many detrimental effects on the environment. America alone produces more than half of the carbon dioxide emissions in the world, which is now known to lead to global warming. Global warming is not readily apparent to the average American at this time, but, rest assured, if one asks a citizen of a large American city such as Los Angeles whether carbon dioxide is a problem, the answer would be a resounding “yes.” Solid waste is another noticeable part of material consumption. As America’s waste increases there are battles in municipalities, counties, and states as to where to dump it. It seems like there is a consensus in the land to dump it—just not in my backyard. As the population grows there are more backyards and more waste. Logic dictates that the waste is going to end up in more and more people’s backyards, if we continue down this path.

At this time it seems easier, and cheaper, to take raw materials from the Earth than to use previously discarded ones. This behavior is bolstered by the idea that there is plenty (or even an infinite supply) of these raw materials. This practice is fast becoming a critical factor in the world, as it becomes evident that there is not an inexhaustible supply of materials. Even the renewable materials are showing the wear of this infinite supply type thinking; as they are not given time to replenish their stocks. It becomes a vicious cycle characterized by the following process. First there is plenty of material. Then, when the supplies dwindle, it becomes increasingly valuable, causing more to want to harvest it, further reducing the supply, making the material more valuable still and continuing the cycle. Wisdom is blocked by those touting that we must continue harvesting for the economic good, when in reality it is a recipe for ultimate economic disaster.

Fossil fuels are not a renewable material. There is a finite supply; however large the supply of these materials. Some say that we have reached peak production (a better word might be extraction), at least of petroleum. The critical factor in this is that the industrialized world has come to base its whole existence on this fuel. Now the question is how long the fuel will last, but no matter how long it lasts, it will run out some day. In the mean time, there will be shortages causing those living on the margins to suffer.

Another critical area of fossil fuel use is the greenhouse gases emitted by burning fossil fuels. These greenhouse gases have been found to be contributing to global warming and possibly even the main cause of the warming. This warming has already had effects on the planet in the form of melting glaciers at a rapid pace and changing weather patterns. In the long run this warming could affect where humans can live and grow food crops. These pollutants have also lead to other phenomenon such as acid rain and mercury in fish. All these effects show there is a cost to using fossil fuel well beyond extracting, refining, and transporting it.

Solutions

Human fertility in the United States and in many other industrialized nations has been reduced to replacement levels. In other emerging nations, specifically China, a push has been on to stop the population growth. China has implemented drastic measures to control the population growth. These measures include fines and even more stringent measures involving loss of employment and housing opportunities for those who break the rule by having more than one child, and two children at the most in certain circumstances. This has not been a perfect method for reducing China’s population. There have been some damaging and unwanted side effects because the Chinese people place more value in a male child than a female child. They have been aborting female babies and worse, in the hopes of having a male child. This has created a generation where the males far out number the females. Even with the problems that have come along with this plan, the United States should support this program and plans similar to China’s in any country that has a population growing out of control.

I am well aware that a plan like China’s goes against an ingrained belief common to most Americans. So I expect my next idea would be viewed with distain by many. Nonetheless, here it is. Any woman or man on welfare or any other government assistance should be required to receive a birth control shot along with her or his assistance each month. Furthermore, any man or woman who already has three or more children should be sterilized as a requirement for receiving government assistance. Also, any country receiving food aid from the United States would be required to implement these same measures on the population receiving the food. Of course, it would be both profitable and right to educate these people on why these measures are necessary. I am well aware of how radical, challenging, and unwanted this idea may be, but if the situation is as dire as we believe then desperate times call for desperate measures. Think what the alternatives will be if humanity continues down its current path and even some of the moderate predictions come true. At the very least, humanity must be educated about the true population situation so that it can make an informed decision about its fate.

Human population is probably the most important issue in creating (or returning to) a sustainable world. Nevertheless, how we view and use the materials of the earth comes in a close second. Dr. McCluney introduced me to the best idea I have heard yet on this subject. That is the idea of leasing all durable goods such as refrigerators, stoves, and cars. The manufactures of these items would be given incentives to build the goods very well and in a way that the item would be completely recyclable or reusable. This should be done in ways that use the least amount of energy possible.

Another idea in the area of materialism would be to change the philosophy of, “he who dies with the most toys wins” to one of “the people who use what they take and only take what they need win.” This would be an amazing and healthy paradigm shift for humanity.

A part of this shift would be to quit trying to control diminishing fuel supplies and convert to renewable energy source accessible to every country under the sun in one form or another. One source (and possibly the cleanest) would be the wind. Another would be solar energy. Water through wave action is one more. All of the alternative energy sources have pitfalls that have to be explored, and now is the time to begin this exploration. We should not wait until we are out of time and out of choices.

Teaching Plan

I joined with fellow classmate Alice Landry on a service project to offer some of our thoughts on these topics to some school children in our area. The teaching program we devised will begin with open-end questions using MS Power Point. These questions will be used to stimulate interest and open discussion. They are: What is the environment? What do you think are some top concerns about the environment? Do you think environmental problems already affect you or will they affect you in the future? Do you think extinction of a species is worrisome? Which do you think is more important, a whale or plankton?

Then the focus of the program will move to population explicitly. First, the movie on population will be shown. Then a discussion will be prompted by asking the class what they saw and what they thought about what they saw. Further discussion will be prompted by asking questions like what do you think is going to happen if the population grows that large? Can the Earth hold that many people? How will this affect you? Second, The Bacteria Jar Analogy quiz will be given. After this has stimulated the class’s thinking, they will be told that some people say there is nothing to worry about, that there is plenty of room just look around at all the woods and vacant land. Then they will be told that if the bacteria could talk, at 11:55 they probably would have said the same thing as these people. The class will be asked if they can see this kind of growth occurring in their community and if so can they give some examples of this growth. Another question will be, how will this growth affect you when you are older? Third, the subject of individual reproduction will be addressed. The Power Point presentation will display the statement that planned families are actually better for the individual and the environment. A discussion on this issue will be taken as far as possible. The class’s thoughts on linking governmental aid to birth control will be explored. Should the government put a limit on childbirth will also be investigated.

Then the subject will turn from population to the area in which America affects the environment the greatest, Materialism! On power point the percentages of goods and services, carbon dioxide emissions, natural resources consumed, and pollution and waste generated by the richest fifth of the world’s population will be shown. Also shown will be the percent of metals, energy, and fossil fuels used by the United States whose population is only 5% of the world’s population. It will be apparent that although the population of the United States is low the U.S.’ impact on the environment is high. These effects will be discussed at length.

The Pentagon’s startling report on the environment and a quote from Andrew Marshall will be given next. Feelings and impressions of the students will be solicited at this point. One of the leading causes of the Pentagon’s concerns stems from the use of fossil fuels.

The facts about fossil fuels will be presented to the class in regards to how much longer they will last and the side effects from burning them. An open discussion will be encouraged on these facts. Ideas on alternative fuels and lifestyles will be offered for discussion also. Programs and alternatives that are available today or in the near future will be made known, for example hybrid cars and FPL’s renewable energy program. Alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear will be discussed along with their shortcomings. The question will be poised, should these alternatives be explored even if they cost more to use.

Now the discussion has lead to the idea of community. The students will be asked if they feel a sense of community. A definition of community will be given. Examples of the series of questions that will be asked are: Do you feel like a part of the school community? Do you feel like a part of the world community? Do you feel like a part of the natural environmental community? How much time do you spend outdoors? What do you think is causing environmental problems? Do we have to do something about these environmental problems? All these question and more will be discussed with the class.

The conclusion of the presentation will offer ways to get involved such as internet sites; writing to newspapers, radio stations, or television stations; starting an environmental group; and writing to those in governmental office. The final recommendation will be made to be aware of everything you consume.

Implementation of Teaching Plan

The first step was to solicit middle schools where the class could be taught. Two schools where contacted via connections I already had established. Alice and I first presented the teaching plan to Mr. Mike Blake, a Social Studies Teacher at Clearlake Middle School in Cocoa. Mr. Blake received the plan with much enthusiasm and optimism for the reception of the message by “his kids.” A second school was also approached that was Madison Middle School in Titusville, where Alice and I met with the School Principal. He listened intently and studied the outline of the teaching plan. He made the comment that one has to be very careful not to be political when teaching on this subject. We assured the principal that we were aware of that and would stick to the facts. He explained that Madison already has an Environment Club and that many of the topics in our plan were already being taught at that school. He thanked us for the plan and said he would pass it on to his teachers. He gave no indication of interest in having Alice and I make the presentation. On the other hand, Mr. Blake at Clearlake Middle School indicated his Principal was welcoming us with open arms.

Plans were finalized and the date was set for the presentation. The plan was to teach all five of Mr. Blake’s classes. Alice and I arrived early Tuesday morning and along with Mr. Blake we prepared for the presentation. When the students arrived Mr. Blake introduced us as being from UCF and bringing extremely important information about the environment and energy. The presentation began with asking the students a general question, “what is the environment?” From this the program was implemented as planned for the most part, with variations in discussion being lead by the students.

Some of the many interesting and insightful comments made by the students were, “Don’t use what we don’t need.” And when answering the question about which is more important a whale or plankton, “Equal in the cycle because each is a resource for the cycle.” Another comment was, when discussing materialism and what is of real value, one student said, “Our lives are priceless.” There were so many rich and wonderful statements by the student I considered it of real value to hear them. When talking about larger companies who make hollow promises they don’t keep, such as Exxon and the Alaskan oil spill a student said, “They are hypocritical because they still pollute.” Another member of one of the classes said in regards to immigration, “All the land will be taken up if people keep coming to America.” One student’s answer to the question of why should you care about the environment was, “Because if we don’t, there will be no future.” Another student said, “What difference does it make I can’t do anything anyway.” Alice answered this student by saying, “If we all work on this then maybe we will make a difference, but we won’t make a difference if we don’t try.” Alice and I would have liked to tape record these classes so we could share more comments with you, but after discussing this idea with Mr. Blake it was decided that might not be prudent. The presentation and class discussion was so fast paced and mentally challenging that it did not lend itself to taking notes. I assure you these presentations were worthwhile and effective.

The Titanic of Humanity

As I was writing this paper a useful analogy came to me. All the people like me, seeing with our own eyes the danger directly ahead of us, are like the helmsmen of the Titanic seeing the iceberg dead ahead. Dr. McCluney and the other thinkers whose ideas we have studied in this class are like those who had studied the North Atlantic for years and recommended caution when crossing. The owners, investors, and chief executive officers of today’s global economy resemble the Titanic’s owners, investors, and captain. Another ship in the North Atlantic at the time, the U.S.S. California, recognized the danger, stopped until it was safer to proceed, and sent a message back about the danger. The California represents those countries that have had grow-and-consume policies, but now proceed with caution. Today’s media is like the radio room of the Titanic, receiving warning messages but deciding they are not urgent, therefore not deliver them. The Titanic itself represents humanity; thought to be able to withstand anything it comes up against. I believe there would have been those in Titanic’s time still crossing under sail, saying why so big? Why so fast? What’s the hurry? These few remind me of the indigenous peoples of the world whose simple lifestyles have served them well for years. Let’s take a look at the players in the Titanic story.

Helmsmen

The helmsmen are people proceeding under orders. These orders are similar to the paradigm of today that people follow, even though they know it is not safe. I can imagine the helmsmen when they first saw the iceberg thinking “this is the unsinkable Titanic, should the ship be turned or would it be better to smash right into the burg?” In hindsight it has been said that the Titanic might not have sank if it had smashed headfirst into the iceberg instead of turning which resulted in tearing a gash in the side of the ship and opening up many of the watertight compartments. Now that the helmsmen of humanity see the danger ahead the questions are asked: is it too late to turn? Will more damage be caused by turning so late in the journey? Will this sink humanity? Can anybody survive? The helmsmen did the best they could with what they had to work with and so should we. If we try with the best intentions to make the right decisions then there is no shame in the effort, even if it fails.

Thinkers

The thinkers, in the days of the Titanic proclaimed there is no such thing as an unsinkable ship. They agreed that the Titanic was well built, but also stated that it was untested. These thinkers pointed out that there are always unknown contingencies. A careful, prudent testing of the ship would be wiser than a go-for-broke roll of the dice with a ship full of passengers steaming at full speed through dangerous waters. Today’s thinkers are saying that humanity should proceed cautiously down this grow and consume course. They say slow down let’s take data and chart the course. Let’s test the assumptions empirically for answers. They ask, why is it necessary to go full steam ahead when their scientific method shows that there are icebergs ahead. They also point out that there are not enough lifeboats on board if their predictions are correct. The thinkers were ignored and silenced in the days of the Titanic and they seem to be ignored and silenced now.

Owners, Investors, and Captain

In the days of the Titanic all that seemed to be important to owners and investors was how much money they stood to gain. The accolades for building the biggest, fastest, and most efficient ship was another sought-after prize by the owners and investors. The captain’s job was to take the tools he was given and deliver a performance that would win the prize. So narrow was the vision of this combined group of people that they were blind to what was at stake and how great the loss could be. Today there are owners of global businesses along with the investors whose only goal is to make money. The size, speed of growth, and fiscal efficiency of their businesses is the measure of their success. The environmental damage and human misery caused by their actions do not add into the equation. Finally, the chief executive officers are expected to make the decision that will bring this success and are rewarded richly for making the unconscionable choices necessary to win the prize. All these people seem to be blind to all they stand to lose for their folly.

U.S.S. California

The California was steaming through the same waters as the Titanic, although not as fast. This was not the California’s first voyage through these waters and it was not looking to win some kind of prize as the fastest, biggest, or best ship on the ocean. There are many European countries whose businesses have been in the world market for some time. These businesses might not be as concerned with being number one in profits as much as U.S. based global companies. These European businesses seem to have recognized the need to change and are working with their governments on implementing these changes. These changes have to do with the way the companies do business in relation to the environment. For example they are building their durable goods so that they can be recycled more efficiently and changing their manufacturing plants to be less polluting. These European countries have made many changes themselves including a variety of green taxes that reinforce environmentally responsible behaviors and punish wasteful polluting behaviors. These countries have signed many world agreements on the environment and sent messages to the U.S. to do the same. So far the U.S. has been reluctant to sign.

Radio Room

The radio room of the Titanic received messages from the California that could have altered the fate of the Titanic. If these messages had been reported correctly, immediately, and to the right people, a discussion might have taken place in which a decision would have been made to slow down and change direction. Because these messages were not delivered, there was no discussion. The Titanic’s fate was sealed. Today the media is behaving much like those in the radio room of the Titanic. The messages keep coming in but the media deems these messages unimportant (not newsworthy). The media seems to only want to talk about some symptoms of an unhealthy world, but never about the disease causing these symptoms. The radio room of the Titanic was busy with the useless social chatter of people bored with their opulent lifestyles, striving to fill their lives. Today the media believes that what some movie star is wearing or who they are dating is news. Who was voted off the T.V. show Survivor is worthy of a special report in the eyes of today’s media.

The Titanic

Humanity is represented by the Titanic. It is too late for humanity to turn without some damage, and the damage in the long run could be greater by turning at this point in the voyage. Possibly if humanity continues on its current path, the great crash that will occur when it comes up against the limits of nature will stop it dead in the water and force the changes needed for survival. In this scenario many lives will be lost and much damage will occur, but I do not think humanity will sink. Also, possibly, in this same line of thinking, if humanity turns and scrapes along the side of nature’s limits, never planning to stop but continuing on the voyage damaged, all chance of survival will be lost and, like the Titanic, humanity will sink into the abyss of time. Of course, like the Titanic, even if humanity sinks there could be some survivors on humanity’s few lifeboats. These survivors would be the privileged of the world, for the most part, just like on the Titanic. The poor of the world would most assuredly die like those in steerage on the Titanic who were locked in the bottom decks with no chance for survival.

What of the indigenous peoples of the world, those who have not added any part to the destruction of the environment. How cruel and unjust if they should have to suffer the same fate as those of us whose folly has brought humanity to this point.

Unlike the Titanic’s story, humanity’s story is not yet finished. An amazing opportunity lies before us, to make life sustainable, and in so doing, fulfilling as well. These are without question simply amazing times for humanity. It is good to be alive.