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The Power of Visuals and Metaphor in Environmental Literature Revised

By Lebewesen
December 3, 2016 - 20:27
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The stigma of the graphic novel is one that is still alive and well. Considered “comic books,” by many, they are often read in the sense that they provide a form of entertainment that is fun and easy to swallow. As the World Burns, however, turns that stereotype on its head. Through its use of powerful images and harsh language, this graphic novel conveys a powerful and important, message: Corporations and big businesses are the ones actually responsible for ecocide and it is up to us to stop them. In The Collapse of Western Civilization, the same topic, climate change, is discussed, but in much more scholastic terms.

A New Awareness

By mpan1
December 2, 2016 - 20:47
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Upon reading “Human Cells Make Up Only Half Our Bodies. A New Book Explains Why” by Johnathon Weiner and “Porous Bodies and Trans-Corporeality” by Stacy Alaimo I have developed a closer relationship with the environment. When reading other works such as “As the World Burns” by Derrick Jensen and Stephanie McMillan and “The Collapse of Western Civilization” I have grown to understand that if powerful corporations along with people continue to be ignorant of the degrading environment, the Earth will continue to deteriorate until it is completely destroyed. All these authors stress that we must change our ways to avoid Earth from being demolished. Despite this, I unfortunately am part of the problem as I am ignorant of environmental issues and do not seek any ways to better it.

Environment, Energy, Economics

By amanda.simone
November 23, 2016 - 18:07
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After bringing the complex debate over growing genetically modified potatoes to life, Ruth Ozeki’s novel All Over Creation closes with a technicality, albeit a crucial one. Will Quinn, an Idaho potato farmer weighing the benefits of growing genetically engineered NuLife potatoes over traditional spurs, considers leaving potatoes all together and shifting to organic hay. For most farmer’s like Will, it comes down to growing whatever will make a living. Regardless of the potential reduction in needed chemical inputs or the possible health and environment threats that are tied to the GMO debate in the story, Will has no choice but to follow the consumers’ demand to get by:

Pets: A Selfish Want or A Thoughtful Salvation

By Porkchop
November 22, 2016 - 12:00
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There is this an belief in the earth that humans supercede other species; that we have control over everything, because we can use just about every other species in some way to advance ourselves.  We find use in everything, and therefore we think of them as below us.  The only thing stronger than human force is nature and the weather - which we forget.  We try to control the weather, we try to control nature.  But in the end, we belong to the earth, we belong to nature, and our use of resources does not render us stronger than the resources we use.