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These articles provide diverse perspectives on environmental issues, ranging from theoretical concepts to case studies and policy recommendations. Reading these pieces can deepen your understanding of environmental challenges and inspire actions toward sustainability and conservation. Below are articles, grouped in categories, that can help frame our thinking on environmental issues.
- The Tragedy of the Commons by Garrett Hardin (1968) - This influential article discusses the concept of the tragedy of the commons, where shared resources are often overexploited due to individual self-interest. It highlights the challenges of managing common environmental resources and the need for collective action.
- Thinking Like a Mountain by Aldo Leopold (1949) - This essay reflects on the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of ecological thinking. It emphasizes the need to consider the broader implications of our actions on the environment.
- The Great Barrier Reef: An Obituary by Rowan Jacobsen (2016) - This article explores the devastating impacts of climate change and human activities on the Great Barrier Reef. It serves as a wake-up call for the urgent need to address climate change and protect fragile ecosystems.
- Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis (IPCC Report) - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) periodically releases comprehensive assessment reports on climate change. The latest report, released in 2021, provides a detailed scientific assessment of the physical basis of climate change, including its causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies.
- The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert (2009) - This article, which later became a book, explores the ongoing mass extinction of species caused by human activities. It highlights the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss and the consequences of human-induced environmental changes.
- Can a City Be Sustainable? by Richard Florida (2016) - This article discusses the concept of sustainable cities and explores the various dimensions that contribute to urban sustainability, including transportation, energy, and social equity.
- The Climate Mobilization: A Strategy Paper by Ezra Silk et al. (2016) - This strategy paper outlines a comprehensive approach to address climate change by mobilizing resources and transitioning to a sustainable economy. It proposes bold actions to achieve rapid and meaningful climate mitigation and adaptation.
Below are a series of article that contain material that forms the foundation and background for the Charter for Compassion's Environment sector. The intent of offering these articles is to inspire you with the realities and possibilities that are present in the environment movement and to provide ideas and processes that are being developed, experimented with and used successfully in various communities. These programs and ideas can be considered by any educational institution as they explore their compassion action plan.
