Ecopedagogy

    “Towards Ecopedagogy: Weaving a Broad-based Pedagogy of Liberation for Animals,
Nature, and the Oppressed People of the Earth” written by Richard Kahn that touches upon many aspects of the environmental movement in industrial world that we live in. It helps paint a picture on the current view points that people hold on the environmental movement. By helping us understand how corporations and greed have led to the over consumption of our resources. As well as addressing the problem faced with teaching the next generation about the environment and sustainability.
    As we begin the 21st Century we stand on the edge of an abyss we no way of turning back. In part to the progressive movement know as globalization. Kahn makes a reference to “The Enemy of Nature” by Joel Kovel. Which documented the degradation of of natural resources over the past 50 years. As well as “The Limits to Growth” which helps paint a picture of  “political economy that is literally over-producing and consuming the planet towards death.” (Kahn pg.2) The rates at which resources are being consumed can be described as exponential equivalent to our population growth rate.
    The current educational system is deemed inadequate at teaching environmental topics. Which have helped “developed ideas and practices of environmental preservation and conservation, struggled to understand and reduce the amount of pollution and toxic risks associated with industrialized civilization.” (pg. 5) The way environmentalism is taught at a basic lack theoretical and politicized coursework, while focusing on only the basics of the environment. Becoming more of an expansion to a biology course then its own. Which leads to misconception such as “45 million Americans think the ocean is a fresh source of water” (pg. 6) A great example brought up in Kahn’s essay is the School of Environmental Studies, or Zoo School. Where students attend school at the zoo grounds and nearby parks instead of the classroom setting. While still learning the basics taught in school they “ conduct independent studies and weave environmental themes into their curricular work.” (pg. 7) While it might seem like a poster child for the environmental movement it is still lacking. Focusing more on improving test scores and performance then addressing moral and political issues.
    In the latter part of the essay Kahn addresses more of the political side of the environmental movement. Here it becomes quite easy to get lost and loss focus on the point Kahn is trying to get across. The reader can be overwhelmed with facts. From information and critique on the Earth Summits and Clinton era policies, to what environmentalist would like to seem changed in the system.
    Kahn’s essay provides quite the deal of information. By stating his opinion on the matter as well as referencing the works of others such as  Kovel, Scully, and many more. His writing was directed to a mature environmental audience with prior knowledge of his work and topics. Making ti quite the challenge to read. Through out his essay he makes many valid points; at times freely jumping around from one to another making it quite hard to follow. At times having to reread a section to get the full meaning. If the Kahn’s essay had been better organized with a natural flow it would have appealed to a much greater audience.

Kahn, Richard. "Towards Ecopedagogy: Weaving a Broad-based Pedagogy of Liberation for Animals, Nature, and the Oppressed People of the Earth."