Student name:___________________________

Student #:___________________________

TA name:___________________________

As we discussed in class, views on the seriousness of environmental problems vary widely. Some analysts claim that modern, industrial society threatens the very existence of humans and the bio-sphere, while others see human ingenuity and technology as likely to overcome or at least adapt to environmental problems. The textbook is good at pointing out problems and solutions, and is reasonably well-balanced, but could still be read as leaning toward the "Cassandra" end of the argument, so this exercise requires you to take up the argument of the "Cornucopians" drawing, I suggest, on at least two mentioned in class: Julia Simon and Bjorn Lomborg.

Any reasonably competent web surfer can find dozens of sites with useful, solid information on the views of these and other anti-environmentalists thinkers, so explore as you see fit. Then build two lists. First, a list of the arguments by the optimists as to why our environmental problems are not as dire as suggested by most environmentalists. Then build a list of at least five distinct dire environmental predictions and concerns you have heard, and then list a possible solution or a reason the problem is not as significant as often argued. Although we’re early in the class, I expect you have a mental list already, but you can indeed look ahead through the text for ideas. Print out and use this page, (over if you need more space).

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Recitation discussion topics: How do the optimists explain or acquit obvious problems like species loss? Might the reality best be viewed as a mixture, perhaps time-specific, in which we are in a period of growing problems that can be overcome by market forces and technology at some time in future?