Family Environmental History

January 16, 2025 By: Emmanuel Emmanuel

Family Environmental History

My family’s environmental history reflects a transition from rural living to urban life. My grandparents lived in a rural farming community in Saskatchewan, where they practiced small-scale agriculture, relying on crop rotation and livestock for sustenance (Diamond, 2005). They used traditional farming methods that had minimal environmental impact but were vulnerable to climate variability.

My parents moved to Edmonton, Alberta, during the oil boom, working in industries related to resource extraction. This shift exposed them to the environmental challenges associated with industrial development, including air pollution and habitat loss (Hughes, 2016). However, they also participated in early recycling programs and community initiatives aimed at environmental preservation.

In my generation, environmental consciousness has grown. I actively engage in sustainable practices such as reducing plastic use, supporting local food markets, and participating in community clean-up events. This evolution reflects a broader societal shift toward environmental responsibility, influenced by education and global climate awareness (Oosthoek, 2009).

Diamond, J. (2005). Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. Viking.

Hughes, J. D. (2016). What is Environmental History? (2nd ed.). Polity Press.

Mitman, G. (2005). In Search of Health: Landscape and Disease in American Environmental History. Environmental History, 10(2), 184–210.