Connecting Past and Present
September 19, 2023 By: Saman Darabian
Media Item 1: Podcast: Finding nature in cities by Mike Gaworecki on 22 July 2020
URL: https://news.mongabay.com/2020/07/podcast-finding-nature-in-cities/
In the podcast, the hosts and guests emphasize the value of urban green spaces in providing access to nature for people living in cities. This aligns with Pinchot’s idea of “wise use” in conservation, which involves utilizing natural resources in a sustainable manner for the benefit of both present and future generations [1]. They also explore the ways in which urban green spaces can be designed and managed to maximize their benefits for both people and the environment. This focus on the human-nature relationship aligns Little’s argument about the social, political, and economic factors that influence the Canadian forest conservation movement [2].
Media Item 2: “No Other Lake”: a short film by Jordan Rowell in 2022
The film highlights the importance of preserving natural areas and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their impact on the environment. It also encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationship with nature and to take action to protect it. The film’s emphasis on the importance of connecting with the natural world aligns with Nash’s idea of the “land ethic,” which emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and nature and the need for responsible stewardship of the environment [3].
References
- Pinchot, G. “Chapter IV: Principles of Conservation.” In The Fight for Conservation, 40–52. New York: Doubleday, 1910.
- Little, Jack. “Question 9 – Canadian Forest Conservation Movement.” November 17, 2015. Thompson Rivers University, 5:41.
- Nash, Roderick Frazier. “Chapter Ten: Hetch Hetchy.” In Wilderness and the American Mind. 5th ed. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2014.
Thank you so much for your post Saman, the article/short film “No Other Lake” made me remember when I was taking my 4 year old daughter to High Park here in Toronto, ON where we live. It’s a city park, but it is in fascinating how she connected with nature. She found endless fascination and entertainment in exploring the vibrant colors of flowers, observing tiny bugs crawling across the ground, and watching playful squirrels in action. It was a world of wonder that could hold her attention for hours on end. Newer generations, particularly those in urban settings, can easily become disconnected from nature. That’s why it’s crucial for parents and guardians to emphasize the significance of caring for the land, ensuring that future generations can also cherish and benefit from the environment as they grow up.
Great choice in both articles, and thank you for your post. I thoroughly enjoyed the short film you chose to post about. The importance of humans to take responsibility for their impact on the environment has an increased importance as we try to navigate climate change. I personally have always held my connection to nature close to me, choosing to act in a sustainable manner towards the environment has always been important to me, as I believe it should be to everyone.