Ecuador’s Huaorani Indians Fight Against Maxus Energy Corporation’s Plans to Extract Oil on Their Traditional Territory, is an Environmental Justice Case Study by University of Michigan students. It is about how Maxus Energy Corporation has been in a dispute with the Huaorani Indians. Their territory lies in the Ecuadorian Amazon for many years. The Ecuadorian Government allowed Maxus Energy Corporation to explore for oil on the native lands beginning in 1992. Ecuador supports Maxus because it depends on its oil resources for almost half of its income. This case study can relate to many concepts discussed in this lesson. One concept this study highlights is the global issue of environmental justice. The Huaorani only want their land to be healthy and undisturbed, but they are not powerful enough to fight against it. The tribe has to suffer with the negative impacts Maxus Energy brings to the area.
Source: www.umich.edu/~snre492/paul.html
Supporting Local Biodiversity Plans at Sonadih and Arasmeta Cement Plants, is a biodiversity case study from India by Lafarge. Lafarge operates cement plants in the Chhattisgarh state. They promoted biodiversity by designing and implementing and contributing to local biodiversity plans. Lafarge estimated that 70,000 tree saplings were planted as part of the local “Green Chhattisgarh” program in hopes of preserving the unique natural heritage. The study also explains how this company’s actions created a close relationship between the quarry, the local community, local authorities and local businesses. This company recognizes the harm it brings to the ware where they operate, but also helps offset the impact it has in the future. This case study relates to the sustainable development concept discussed in this lesson. This case study shows how this type of developed can be sustainable and also have a positive impact in a unique way.
Source: www.lafarge.com/sites/default/files/import/case_study/03_India%2520-%2520Reforestation.pdf
I live in Archbald, near Scranton, PA. In recent years there has been an increase in development in and around this area. I recent months, there are two proposals to build separate natural gas power plants. These plants will be less than two miles apart and will be near an already operational electric plant. The two case studies can be related to this situation in many ways. The people against these plants are using the same reasons the Huaorani Indians used to stop Maxus Energy. The residents are worried about their properties, their health, and quality of life. On the other hand, the case study in India can be related by the positive impacts the plants will have such as the increase in local school funding and promises to give back to the community. The location of these plants is important because they have access to highways, gas lines, a water source, and power lines. The land they will be built on in their eyes is a perfect fit for their development.
Hey Nick! In my blog, http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/02/25/fishing-in-norway-farming-in-sri-lanka-kyle-hoke/, I discussed sustainable fishing in Norway, and how the government is supporting farming efforts in Sri Lanka. I found your first case interesting, because it draws on many topics discussed in class. Not only environmental justice but also past topics like ethics. I like how you chose a second case that is more positive to show that development is not always bad. You chose good cases to relate back to your hometown, where unfortunately most development is for economical reasons rather than environment sustainability.
Hello Nick, my name is Eric. One thing about you post that caught my attention is that your hometown is relatively close to mine. I live in Kingston, PA and I have heard of Archbald. In my post, I talked about case studies involving the over use of plastic bags being reduced by using paper or cloth bags in Ireland. Anyway, I really like your post and I found it very informative. It is also pretty cool that we both found the same case study about Lafarge planting 70,000 saplings in India.
http://geog030.dutton.psu.edu/2016/02/25/module-5/