Reference no: EM133418738
Case Study:
PART 1(A) :
The connection between colonialism and climate change can be seen in how colonization and its associated activities such as resource extraction, deforestation, and industrialization have contributed to the release of greenhouse gases, thereby accelerating climate change. For instance, in the television series episode "Ice & Fire: Tracking Canada's Climate Crisis," it is highlighted that Canada's dependence on the fossil fuel industry for its economic development has made it difficult to shift to more sustainable energy sources, as the industry remains a key source of employment and tax revenue. This dependence is rooted in the country's colonial history, which has led to the exploitation of Indigenous lands for resource extraction.
Colonialism has played a significant role in shaping food and agricultural systems, particularly in the Global South. For example, in the article "Unsettling Settler Food Movements: Food Sovereignty and Decolonization in Canada," it is argued that the agricultural practices of Indigenous peoples in Canada were disrupted and displaced by the arrival of European settlers. Settler colonialism introduced monoculture agriculture, which replaced traditional methods of farming, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the depletion of soil fertility. The article notes that the settler agricultural system is designed to produce commodities for export, prioritizing profit over the well-being of the land and its people.
The connection between colonialism and plastics can be seen in the way that Western countries have exported their waste to the Global South, including former colonies. For instance, in the television series episode "Plastic Wars," it is highlighted that in the 1980s, Western countries began shipping their plastic waste to China and other Asian countries as a means of disposing of it. This practice has continued to this day, with countries like Canada exporting their plastic waste to Malaysia and the Philippines. The exporting of plastic waste to the Global South can be seen as an extension of colonial practices, where Western countries continue to exploit the resources and labour of former colonies for their own benefit.
PART 1(B) :
One of the most important issues presented in weeks 4-6 is the issue of food insecurity, particularly in the Global South. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about 9.2% of the world's population (or around 690 million people) were undernourished in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problem, with millions of people facing hunger and malnutrition due to the economic impacts of the pandemic.I believe that food insecurity is the most important issue in our world today because it is not only a matter of social justice but also has implications for public health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Food insecurity is particularly prevalent in the Global South, where many countries have been subject to centuries of exploitation and underdevelopment at the hands of Western colonial powers. The legacy of colonialism has left many countries without the resources or infrastructure to support their own food systems, leading to a reliance on imported food and an unequal distribution of resources.The article "Unsettling Settler Food Movements: Food Sovereignty and Decolonization in Canada" highlights how Indigenous communities in Canada are working towards reclaiming their traditional food systems as a means of decolonization and food sovereignty. This approach recognizes the importance of local and traditional knowledge in food systems, as well as the need for equitable access to resources.Addressing food insecurity requires a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental systems. This can include initiatives to support local food production, improve food distribution networks, and address underlying social and economic inequalities. In addition, reducing food waste, shifting to more sustainable agricultural practices, and investing in agroecology can help to address the environmental impacts of food systems.In conclusion, while there are many pressing issues facing our world today, I believe that addressing food insecurity is essential for creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. The course materials highlight the ways in which colonialism has played a role in shaping global food systems, underscoring the need for a decolonial approach that recognizes the importance of local and traditional knowledge in creating more sustainable and equitable food systems.
Question: write some opinion after reading parts A and B and also give one new idea linked with this text. Also, include a new reference/source that is an outside source to substantiate their response with proper citation.