CHAPTER 2 SOURCE ANALYSIS
In Sonya Remington-Doucette’s Sustainable World, chapter 2 opens up to the readers with the term “Wicked Problems”, which was first mentioned by two Berkley professors, Hast Rittle & Melvin Webber. The text stated that there are a total of 10 characteristics of a Wicked Problem, but only 6 out of the 10 were provided. One of the 6 is “Vague problem definition”, which is the difficulty of solution finding due to everyone having their own beliefs and ways of thinking. All of the characteristics provided, being undefined solutions, no end-point, irreversible, unique, and urgent, tell you why a wicked problem comes off as very complex and how coming up with solutions tends to not work the majority of the time. The text then takes these given characteristics and puts them in real-world problems. To me, this was very helpful because you get an idea of the roles each characteristic plays in a wicked problem and how difficult it can be to come up with a final solution because you’re constantly running into another problem. It expresses that one or multiple solutions are never enough because you have so many problems in this problem and you have to take cautious, steady steps because even when you think you got it there is always going to be another problem along the way; that one of the main reasons for wicked Problems being so difficult is due to it being embedded in sociological systems that exhibit complexity. It also expresses that by understanding these characteristics, we can help shape how we approach sustainability. Sustainability is a problem that we cannot solve because we only see a portion of the real problem, so solutions that we create for the small portion we see are not enough; resulting in more problems from those who may not agree with the created solution. To address Wicked Problems we must 1.) recognize the interconnections of issues and consider holistic approaches 2.) Become more flexible to new information and changing conditions 3.) Engage multiple stakeholders to incorporate a variety of perspectives and 4.) accept that solutions are final and need time to evolve. By us acknowledging these strategies for achieving sustainability can be more effective.
CHAPTER 3 SOURCE ANALYSIS
The Chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of defining the system under analysis, which involves implementing clear boundaries and identifying current components. The chapter also classifies drivers– factors influencing the system–based on their scale, ranging from local to global. This classification aids in identifying which drivers significantly impact sustainability outcomes and prioritizing actions by focusing on the most critical drivers. Next, the chapter delves into “Casual chain analysis”, which is a method used to examine relationships between different drivers and their effects on the system. It is expressed how it is essential to understand how various factors interact and contribute to sustainability challenges. It emphasizes evaluating the extent of each driver’s influence, considering both direct and indirect impacts. Analyzing current trends provides insight into the system’s dynamic nature, helping to expect future developments. Towards the end, it focuses on stakeholder analysis, a component for addressing sustainability issues. It starts by identifying relevant stakeholders such as the government, businesses, non-governmental organizations, etc; understanding stakeholders’ motivations behaviors and behaviors is critical for effective engagement, which involves analyzing their interests and influence within the system. Understanding these dynamics allow prioritizing actions based on potential impact and likelyhood of support. Investing in a stakeholder relationship is essential for creating a supportive environment for sustainability. These could be things such as constant communication, building trust, collaboration, ensuring that stakeholders feel valued and engaged in the decision making progress.
FLINT SOURCE ANALYSIS
“THE POISONING OF AN AMERICAN CITY”
Josh Sanburn’s “The Poisoning of an Amerian City”, provides a detailed account of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. Sanburn explores the failures of government at multiple levels that led to the contamination of Flint’s water supply, disproportionately affecting the city’s poor and minority residents. The primary goal of Sanburn’s article is to expose how the Flint water crisis was a preventable disaster caused by systemic government negligence. In 2014, Flint switched its water source from the Detroit system, which treated Lake Huron water, to the highly polluted Flint River, in a bid to save money. This decision, made without proper safeguards, resulted in lead leaching into the water supply from aging pipes. Sanburn’s central argument is that this crisis was a direct result of officials prioritizing financial savings over the safety and health of residents. Sanburn emphasizes that the people of Flint, a predominantly African American and economically disadvantaged community, were disproportionately affected by this government mismanagement. His article serves as a critique of how marginalized communities are often the ones that suffer the most from public health crises, particularly when political decisions are made without their best interests in mind. Sanburn’s article draws on a wide range of evidence, from government reports to personal stories from Flint residents. He cites findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and research from Virginia Tech, which revealed dangerously high levels of lead in Flint’s water. These scientific reports provide a strong factual foundation for Sanburn’s argument that the water crisis was a public health emergency caused by negligence. In addition to technical data, Sanburn includes personal narratives to humanize the crisis. He shares the story of LeeAnne Walters, a Flint mother whose children suffered from lead poisoning, which highlights the tangible, everyday impact of the crisis. These individual accounts help make the complex issue of water contamination more relatable and emphasize the human cost of government failures. Josh Sanburn provides a compelling and well-supported critique of the government’s role in the Flint water crisis. By blending investigative reporting with personal narratives, the article highlights the human cost of bureaucratic failures and systemic inequality. Sanburn’s work not only sheds light on the immediate causes and effects of the crisis but also raises broader questions about governance, accountability, and environmental justice. Ultimately, the article serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing consequences of neglecting marginalized communities in the U.S.
MAGNIFICENT SPECTALE SOURCE ANALYSIS
In the most magnificent spectacle, John ARuskey reflects on the significance of the Mississippi River, both in its natural state and complex history of human interaction. The river has long been a symbol of power and change, impacting the lives of indigenous people, European settlers, and modern Americans alike. The author traces the river’s history from its earliest encounters with European explorers, such as Hernando de Soto, who encountered greatness during the 16th century. The river was known by many names such as “Great River” named by the Ojibwe tribe. This name best highlights the rivers’ vastness and importance affecting several states and beyond. The Missippis’ vast flows have been transformed by human intervention and industrial zones. Ruskey highlights how engineers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have attempted to tame the rivers’ unpredictable natives through projects like the Mississippi River, which created a great network of locks and leeves. While these measures have succeded in reducing some flooding, they have also caused environmental degradation, from the loss of wetlands to the decline of fish populations due to invasive species. Ruskey’s connection to the river deepens as he recounts his experiences padding the river’s waters. Despite the use of engineering efforts, the rivers’ unpredictable character remains, revealing the limits of human attempts to most such a great natural force. I believe that Ruskey wants readers to engage with the river, not only physical but cultural and that requires our respect.
CENTERVILLE SOURCE ANALYSIS
