During the presentation I learned that Vandana Shiva was a very cultural, educated
activist who specialized in preserving biodiversity throughout the world. In 1952
she also established the Research Foundation for Science. She was a very dedicated
woman with fighting for environmental rights and trying to spread her ways to
sustaining the earth. Her whole life was a contribution to make the planet more
clean and sustainable. Shiva discussed 3 levels of biological organization. The first
being genetic diversity, second being species diversity, and third being ecosystem
diversity. Shiva mentioned that, ”Ecosystems are ecologically and biologically
organized systems consisting of diverse flora and fauna.” She then went on to speak
about how tropical rainforests are the richest terrestrial ecosystems. Rainforests
also contaoin about 70 percent of the earths species around the world. Shiva also
explains how even the smallest organisims can have a big impact on ecosystems and
then goes into detail about microorganisms which are key to soil fertility releasing
carbon into the oceans. A big quote by Shive that is the most important is “Lesson
from biodiversity is co-operation not competition.” This quote is great because it
promotes people to cooperate and help sustain the earth not compete over who’s
doing what because we are all on the same team. After reading the Chief Seattle’s
letter, I understand he and his people respect the earth and all the land has to offer.
It was very interesting hearing him explain how someone cant buy land because he
does not on the land and water. They worship all the earth offers and the white man
come in and takes what he needs and destroys the land. I belive this is very true and
people don’t have enough repect for the land, which is causing a depletion of
resources and ruining the earth. He then talks about how there is no quiet place in
the white mans cities and the natiives prefer the softness of night and the
environment where it is peaceful. This is also very true because we have built over
pretty much every part of the planet and it’s a sad sight what we have done. Over all