Assignment 2: Vulnerability of Human and Natural Systems Instructions
The assignment has two sections:
- Section A: Short Critical Reflections (30 marks) (250 Words x 3 = 750 Words)
- Section B: Essay (70 marks) (1000 Words)
Section A: Short Critical Reflections (30 marks)
Select one of the assigned readings in each topic in Module 2 and write a short critical reflection (about 250 words) for each (a total of three critical reflections; ten marks for each reflection).
The critical reflection should present your own thoughts and responses to the reading. Thus, it is an interaction between the ideas in the reading and your own interpretation and response to what you have read. The critical reflection is a polished piece of writing that will be assessed using the same criteria as any piece of writing. It should include an introduction, a body that presents your thoughts clearly and logically, and a conclusion. You may write in the first person but be sure to refer to some of the ideas that are introduced in the reading.
Reflection 1 – 250 words based on source below
Read pages 759–765 (end of first paragraph) in Chapter 12: Human security of the IPCC’s Working Group II report Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability.
- Adger, W. N., Pulhin, J. M., Barnett, J., Dabelko, G. D., Hovelsrud, G. K., Levy, M.,…Vogel, C. H. (2014).Chapter 12: Human security. In C. B. Field, V. R. Barros, D. J. Dokken, K. J. Mach, & M. D. Mastandrea (Eds.) Climate change 2014: Impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Part A: Global and sectoral aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (pp. 755-791). Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from https://ipcc-wg2.gov/AR5/images/uploads/WGIIAR5-Chap12_FINAL.pdf
Reflection 2 – 250 words based on source below –
Read “Key Finding 8: Indigenous Communities Are Facing Major Economic and Cultural Impacts,” pages 92–97 of the ACIA report.
- Hassol, S. J. (2004). Impacts of a warming arctic: Arctic climate impact assessment. Arctic Climate Impact Assessment. Retrieved from http://www.amap.no/documents/doc/impacts-of-a-warming-arctic-2004/786
Reflection 3 – 250 words based on source below –
Read Chapter 6 “Biodiversity and Protected Areas” pages 161–182 in the Government of Canada’s report Canada in a Changing Climate: Sector Perspectives on Impacts and Adaptation.
- Nantel, P., Pellatt, M. G., Keenleyside, K., Gray, P. A. (2014). Chapter 6: Biodiversity and protected areas. In F. J. Warren & D. S. Lemmen (Eds.),Canada in a changing climate: Sector perspectives on impacts and adaptation (pp. 161-182). Retrieved from the Government of Canada website: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/earthsciences/pdf/assess/2014/pdf/Full-Report_Eng.pdf
Section B: Essay (70 marks)
Using some of the concepts introduced in Module 2, write an essay of 1000 words on a topic related to vulnerability of human or natural systems. You must include at least two new references on top of the references already provided in Section A. A strong paper will incorporate the concept of vulnerability and associated terms that were introduced in this module.
Pick 1 topic below for the essay;
- Rising sea levels and a vulnerable location (e.g., Florida, Bangladesh, small island states)
- Canadian sovereignty issues in the Arctic and the implications for Indigenous peoples
- Arctic wildlife in general, or you may want to focus on a particular species such as polar bears or caribou
- The culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Mackenzie basin
- Alpine plants, cloud forest species, coral reefs, or any other vulnerable species or ecosystem
- Drought-prone countries (or country) in Africa or Asia
- Ocean acidification and the potential impacts on shell forming organisms
