Urban political ecology (UPE) core concept

 WHAT DOES UPE STUDY?

>How nature transform nature and create social and environmental inequality

KEY THEMES

1. Urbanization of nature

>Cities turn land, water and air into resources for profits

EX: Privatized water access in Johannesburg

2. Environmental Justice

>Poor and marginalized communities suffer more from pollution and climate risks

EX: land contaminated water in Flint, Michigan (U.S)

3. Infrastructure and power

> Roads, pipelines, and zoning laws can divide and controls communities

EX: U.S. highway projects (e.g. 1-10) displaced black neighborhoods.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Buddhist Response to the climate change

Image
 Buddhism and Climate change: A Compassion Response 1. Renewed Focus on the Environment:  Modern Buddhist teachings are re-emphasizing care for the earth. Many Buddhists leader now speak directly about the climate crisis as a normal and spiritual. 2. Compassion Expanded Traditional Buddhist compassion (karuna) is no longer limited to people—it is now extended to animals, plants, and entire ecosystems. All life is interconnected, so harming the planet means harming ourselves.   3. Collective Action, Not Just Individual Practice Buddhists are moving beyond meditation alone. Many communities are joining climate movements, supporting sustainability, and calling for ethical living that reduces harm to nature.   4. Inspired by Buddhist Cosmology Buddhist views of the universe—where everything arises through interdependence—support ideas of climate justice and planetary health. The Earth is not separate from us; it’s part of our shared being. In short, Buddhism’s response t...
Read more

Social Issues + Environment + Bhutan

 🌳 1. Rural-Urban Migration & Waste Management  • Issue: As more people move to towns like Thimphu and Phuentsholing for jobs and education, urban areas face increased waste and pollution.  • Social impact: Overcrowded housing, job competition, and rising living costs.  • Environmental impact: Overflowing landfills, plastic pollution, and pressure on urban resources like water and electricity. 🏞️ 2. Human-Wildlife Conflict  • Issue: Farmers often lose crops and livestock to wild animals like elephants, boars, or leopards.  • Social impact: Economic loss and emotional stress for rural families.  • Environmental link: As forests shrink or change due to development, animals enter villages in search of food. 🛤️ 3. Development Projects vs Environmental Protection  • Issue: Projects like hydropower dams, roads, and tourism infrastructure can harm ecosystems.  • Social impact: Some communities are displaced, lose access to natural resources...
Read more

Tradition Practice: Tensions and Critiques

Image
🧘‍♀️ Traditional Practice & Simplicity  • Simple living is a core part of traditional Buddhist practice.  • Monks and many followers live with few possessions, using only what is necessary.  • This lifestyle is naturally environmentally friendly, producing less waste and using fewer resources 🧡 Ethical Focus  • Buddhist ethics are based on compassion (karuṇā) and non-harming (ahiṃsā).  • People are encouraged to make choices that reduce suffering for all beings.  • Example: choosing food or activities that do not harm animals. 🥦 Practice Gaps  • Buddhism promotes vegetarianism and practices like animal release (freeing captive animals).  • But in real life, not all traditions follow this consistently.  • Some still use animals or damage environments in rituals or local customs.  • This shows a gap between ideals and actual practice 🌍 Anthropocentrism (Human-Centered View)  • Traditional teachings often focus on sentient bein...
Read more