Global Warming

Global warming is causing many problems throughout the world. Temperatures continue to rise and there seems to be no end in sight. Humans are the cause of global warming. Many people seem to believe that the rising temperatures are a natural occurrence. However, the pollution that we release into the atmosphere and the many trees and other plants that we cut down both contribute to the rising climate. We are presently following a path that is slowly destroying our planet.

       Looking into the future, there does no seem to be any sign of cooling temperatures. Island Civilization would ensure that the rising temperature, due to humans, would decrease tremendously. People would not be producing nearly as much pollution. Roderick Frazier Nash discussed the possibility of teleportation as a means of travel. This alone would cut down much of the pollution that currently, humans allow to be released into the atmosphere. Island Civilization would also decrease the number of trees and plants that are cut down. Living in “island civilizations” would detract humans from damaging contact with the environment. Man would no longer cut down the nature that absorbs the carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.

The rising temperatures are harming many different environments, from coral reefs, to the Arctic and Antarctic. In the Arctic and Antarctic the ice is melting rapidly. Animals such as polar bears are struggling to survive due to the melting ice. The ice is their home and their key to survival, without it the polar bear species will become extinct. If the global temperatures continue to rise, in the distant future there may no longer be an Artic or Antarctic.

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/GlobalWarming/

Island Civilization

        The Earth, in its existing condition and with the current behavior of our species, will be destroyed in time. Humans do not consider the distant future. The only contemplation of the future done by our species is for a couple years down the road. We do not see ourselves as a whole, but rather as individuals that do not play large roles. The consequences of our species’ actions are presently destroying the wilderness and the Earth. The idea of Island Civilization is one that is bizarre, and seems to be rather impossible. It will cause much controversy, but in the long run it will lead to a lasting planet Earth. Saving the planet, after the trends and behaviors that humans have set is the hardest obstacle for mankind.

            The relationship and how humans view the world has changed drastically throughout time. In the beginning there was no wilderness, no area that was uncivilized and untamed. It is when humans divided themselves between the wild and the civilized that the wilderness became distinct. Destroying the land and establishing civilization meant success for much of humankind. As time progressed the way humans viewed nature began to change and develop. Humans could see the beauty and the fun that the wilderness held within. This helped the arguments for the preservation of the wilderness. The humans’ perspective of wilderness changed yet again when they viewed it as an equivalent. Wilderness was created by God, and therefore should be treated like so.

            Considering what could be in the future there are many scenarios about the condition of the Earth. For example, the garden scenario in which humans will have total control over nature. Humans will have altered every inch of the earth. The diversity will be gone, there will no longer be untamed and untouched nature. Humans will have officially tampered with the development and evolution of the planet. Another possible scenario is called future primitive. In this scenario we will think back on the technological civilization that we have been striving for as a mistake. The human race will go back to the hunter and gatherer stage of life. Although this would help the environment and the earth it would also destroy any chances of breakthroughs and amazing triumphs.

            Overall, Island Civilization would mean removing the incorporation of civilization in the wilderness. For example, our homes could be on poles in the mountains where we would not disturb the natural settings, or underground so as to not clear the land. In order for our species to accomplish these many high set goals we simply need motivation.  

            Imagining life living in cramped quarters on islands in locations that are less than desirable seems miserable and intolerable. The spoiled lives that our species lives today compared to what is needed for our species to survive is outrageous. There is no comparison to the lives we are living today to the lives that we would live if we were to pursue Island Civilization.

            I believe that in order to successfully accomplish anything that will benefit our planet humans need to have the motivation. It takes willpower and determination to accomplish anything. In order to encourage the members of our species to be motivated we need to educate them and make sure there is total awareness and understanding. Individuals do not realize that the small deeds they do have an impact on our planet’s well being. Humans need to see the possible outcomes of our actions.

            Even though Island Civilization is an extreme plan that would steer many away, I believe that it is better than nothing. I am not sure that the technological civilization that we have created will ever downsize to Island Civilization, but there are other options. We can take numerous plans and ideas away from the concept of Island Civilization. There are less extreme alternatives that would allow our species to adopt new behaviors and actions that would slowly add to the restoration and survival of our planet. Island Civilization is an option that our species should be introduced to. The thought of Island Civilization seems to be impossible. It is something that would involve the participation and support of the entire world. Island Civilization would mean changing everyday life to the point of no recognition. The idea seems to be extremely wild and irrational. However, it is possible, and it could possibly lead to saving and preserving the Earth. 

Jarrett sitting in the playground at McGuffy, watching the children as they play.

 Upward spiral of the play gym at the park.

Open benches at McGuffy, giving the sense of the welcoming atmosphere.

This photograph is a hypothetical add for Sansha Pointe Shoes. The slogan plays off of the word pointe as a type of shoe and as a way in which you should direct yourself.

Nicholas

This is a picture of my little brother Nicholas. He is six years-old and this picture truly shows his innocence. While taking the picture I posed Nicholas on the arm of a chair and told him to look at the camera. While he is gazing into the camera lens his eyes are illuminated and one can see that he is deep in thought.

Imitation

      This is a picture I took while imitating the style of Timothy O'Sullivan. O'Sullivan is a Civil War photographer who also took black and white photographs of landscapes. His goal was to portray nature as untouched by man and in its true natural being. This photograph is similar to O'Sullivan's photographs as it shows a large landscape that is completely untouched by man, with no evidence of man.

This is an example of one of Timothy O'Sullivan's landscape photographs.



Tarzan

This is a picture of my cat Tarzan jumping up into the air. While taking this picture I used a very slow shutter speed that enabled the blur of the photograph. The blur evokes a sense of mystery and wonder because if the audience is lead towards using their imagination. One of the main goals of photography is to create a new image that the audience has never seen before with everyday things. I believe that this photograph accomplishes that.