{"id":92,"date":"2024-10-25T15:50:42","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T15:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/resilience\/?page_id=92"},"modified":"2024-11-12T00:11:27","modified_gmt":"2024-11-12T00:11:27","slug":"activity-the-challenges-we-face","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/courses.lsa.umich.edu\/resilience\/activity-the-challenges-we-face\/","title":{"rendered":"Activity: The Challenges we face"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Critical Reading & Discourse \u2013 The Challenges We Face\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Objective<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The goal of the critical reading and discourse exercises is to explore how our attitudes and behaviors are related to different global change issues. We will read articles from the WorldWatch Institute designed to provide a framework for lively classroom discussions and activities. Then we will discuss questions related to the individual articles to better understand our role in global change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This lab will introduce a broad spectrum of concepts related to global environmental change and the challenges that go along with those changes. We will explore the current state of the world and the challenges we face in relation to global change and sustainable development. We will discuss an article from the WorldWatch Institute entitled\u00a0A History of Our Future\u00a0P. 3-13<\/a>, which gives a broad overview of the kinds of pressing environmental and social issues that we, as a society, are facing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Coming to Discussion Section<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read<\/strong>\u00a0the article from WorldWatch Institute\u00a0Challenges We Face – A History of Our Future\u00a0<\/a>– 2003 State of the World p. 3-13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read<\/strong>\u00a0the article by Steffen in Solutions\u00a0How Defining Planetary Boundaries Can Transform Our Approach to Growth\u00a0– p. 1-8.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reflect<\/strong> on the United Nations DPSIR (Driving Forces \u2013 Pressures – State – Impacts – Response) framework in relation to global change problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore <\/strong>the State of the Planet and the Planet Under Pressure graphic modules.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then… (skip to after graphics)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Figure 1 – DPSIR Framework<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

More Graphics from GRID-Arendal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The driving force \u2013 pressure state \u2013 impacts \u2013 response framework<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Figure 3 – Planet Under Pressure Module<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Planet Under Pressure Interactive Module<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

…Then,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about<\/strong> the topics discussed in the article and graphic modules that you consider to be the most pressing environmental challenges that we face, as a global society today. Are there other environmental or social problems that you feel are important that the article or graphic module do not address? What are they?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider <\/strong>the topics that you believe to be most important, in relation to the DPSIR (Driving Forces \u2013 Pressures – State \u2013 Impacts – Response) framework. For example, if you think that the availability of fresh water resources is the most pressing environmental challenge that humans are facing, apply that problem to the DPSIR framework.  For instance, consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n