Advancing sustainable development
Not what you're looking for?
You have been asked to prepare a speech for the annual convention of Citizens for a Greener Planet, a national environmental group, on the idea of sustainable development. Since many of your listeners are not scientists, you want to use examples that lay people can understand. You have decided to illustrate the concept by discussing the social factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island civilization. You then intend to compare these events to the on-going deforestation of the Amazon rain forest. Conclude the speech by explaining what should be done to make sustainable development a reality.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
Suggestions for a speech relating Easter Island to current environmental issues.
Solution Preview
Here are some ideas I thought of and a few that I gleaned from a few references. You will need to find several others to complete this assignment.
Only some 150 square miles in area Easter Island is a microcosm for the problems we face today. Its native inhabitants arrived in the fifth century AD and quickly established a highly advanced culture of about 7000-15000 people. By the 18th century, the few remaining islanders lived in primitive conditions. The harsh conditions of they faced are indicated in oral traditions which focus on cannibalism. To severely insult an enemy one would say: "The flesh of your mother sticks between my teeth" (Diamond 2005:109).
Little effort was required to raise crops on Easter island. This allowed for the development of a sophisticated social structure. Clans were led by chiefs and competed with each other. Among their competitions were the construction of ahus, or ceremonial areas with large statues. These immense statues required alarming amounts ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Structure of the Earth
Basic introduction to terms related to the structure of the Earth, including definitions and application of knowledge. This quiz focuses on the spheres.
Environment of the Earth
This quiz will focus on an introduction to basic Earth Science vocabulary. This info is important for an understanding of the principles involved with the study of the environment of the Earth.
Environmental Laws
The quiz tests some basic US environmental laws and policies.
Gems, Fossils, and Space Rocks
Brief introduction to basic information related to gems, fossils, and space rocks. Great for introducing a science unit to students!
Energy
This quiz provides a brief review to different energy examples. How is energy evident in our world? This vocabulary is important to understand the connection between energy and matter.