Environmental Collapse Lessons
Please answer one of the the following questions:
- Summarize Diamond’s discussion (chapters 7 & 8) of the Greenland Norse. Identify the biological (e.g. weather patterns, geology of Greenland, etc.) and the social (e.g. religion, relationships with neighbors, etc.) that led to the collapse of Greenland Norse society. Compare/contrast this with the experience of Iceland (chapter 6). What do the experiences of Greenland and Iceland have to teach the US, if anything? Please be thorough in your answer, define pertinent terms, provide examples.
- Provide a summary of Malthus’ theory, its strengths and limitations. Summarize Diamond’s discussion of Malthus via the Rwanda genocide. What do you think? Is Malthus right? Is he partially right? If so/not, please explain. Be thorough in your answer, define pertinent terms, provide examples.
- Describe and give examples of “top-down” and “bottom-up” paths to success, according to Diamond. Be thorough and provide examples from the readings. Which pathway do you think makes the most sense and why? Again, be specific and provide examples.
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Environmental Collapse Lessons
Environmental Collapse Lessons from Greenland and Iceland
Collapse of the Greenland Norse
In Collapse, Jared Diamond examines the decline of the Greenland Norse, attributing it to both biological and social factors. Biologically, Greenland’s harsh climate worsened during the Little Ice Age, shortening growing seasons and making agriculture nearly impossible. The geology of Greenland also limited soil fertility and tree growth, impeding fuel supplies and construction. Socially, the Norse maintained a rigid European-style economy and social structure, refusing to adapt to Inuit survival strategies such as seal hunting. Their Christian faith discouraged them from eating certain local foods or adopting “heathen” practices. Trade relationships with Europe deteriorated, further weakening the colony’s economy.
Success of Iceland
In contrast, Iceland, discussed in Chapter 6, survived similar environmental hardships by adapting. Although it too suffered from deforestation and erosion, Icelanders developed innovative soil management and sustainable grazing practices. They diversified their economy through fishing and engaged in more flexible social organization. This bottom-up adaptability contributed to their long-term survival.
Lessons for the U.S.
The experiences of Greenland and Iceland teach the U.S. that rigid adherence to tradition and failure to adapt to environmental realities can lead to collapse. Diamond emphasizes the importance of ecological wisdom, sustainable practices, and open-minded social policies. The U.S., facing climate change and resource depletion, must learn from these past societies to avoid a similar fate.
