MacEwan Open Journals (MacEwan University)
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Chasing Rabbits: Understanding "Urbanized"
No full textPoetry can be a voice for concerns about conservation and urbanization’s effects on habitat and animals, whether domestic or wild, as well as an inspiration for researching local urbanization. The concept of poetry as an expression of perspective and feeling about our ever-changing environment that is continuously losing its natural state is shared within this article
Ethical Considerations in Primate Conservation
No full textDue to conflicting human and primate needs in primate-source countries, conservation becomes a hotly debated issue. In an exploration of ethical frameworks and conservation approaches, flaws in current approaches become evident. An alternative, deeper understanding of the role of primates is called for in order to achieve truly sustainable primate conservation
Building Pressure: A Deliberative Argument against the Northern Gateway Pipeline
No full textThis is a rhetorical analysis comparing and contrasting the supposed benefits and likely consequences of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline. The issue of the Northern Gateway Pipeline is analyzed through the use of established rhetorical devices and appeals. The result of this rhetorical analysis finds the project to be a far greater liability than a benefit to the people of Alberta and British Columbia. The promises of job creation by Enbridge account for a small minority of the population being employed for a relatively short duration of time. Furthermore, the wealth generated by the pipeline project is not equally distributed back to the people of Alberta and British Columbia, respectively. Enbridge has also made dubious claims to “sustainable communities,” which amount to little more than large one time payments to charities and other organizations across North America. Furthermore, there are findings that suggest health complications in those individuals employed in the oil industry
Growing and Diversifying Chinese Investment in Canada: 2000-2010
No full textThis paper profiles the scope and diversity of Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Canada over the last decade. The study includes an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of Chinese FDI for Canada and its implications for Sino-Canadian relations. It also discusses how Chinese FDI has diversified and what this should mean for public policy in Canada.Keywords: foreign direct investment; China; Canada; public polic
Rachel Carson
No full textIt is rare for the intrinsic power of distilled prose to span across generations, shaping politics, policy, and perception. Blending conservation ethics, meticulous research and political knowledge into an easily readable prose, Rachel Louise Carson left a legacy through the written word. Criticized for being a single woman in a male-centric field, she established her individuality, her free spirit, and her amazing dedication to her ethics. Carson’s contribution to science lies within her meticulous attention to scientific detail and her ability to communicate complex scientific theories to the general public. Carson portrayed peremptory evidence of the devastating effects of synthetic chemicals and nuclear testing, while simultaneously communicating the role of ecology and environmental change to the general public. Carson challenged agricultural scientists, chemical companies, and the government for their misuse of chemical agents, and their misguided notions of trying to dominate nature. Technology and scientific testing was severely limited and yet Carson was able to draw sound scientific proof of the devastating lasting effects of the human-made chemicals she dubbed “elixirs of death.” Rachel Carson left a legacy through her chosen medium, the written word; inspiring generations of scientific writers to distill complex scientific processes into creative prose to inspire the general public to consider their own role within the environment
Feeling Blue - Get Green
No full textHuman bodies and minds evolved together—simultaneously and interdependently. Therefore, if nature provides for our physical health and well-being, it follows that nature also provides for our mental health and well-being. Psychologists have begun to recognize the impact that exposure to nature has on many aspects of our mental health and well-being; and a substantial body of supporting research and empirical data has accumulated. Nature’s beneficial effects on individuals’ mental health have been shown to extend beyond a mere restoration to baseline after negative periods of stress, anxiety, or depression. Nature’s beneficial effects extend to positively increasing true mental health and well-being, to elevating individuals beyond a neutral “just getting by” level and into an additive state of thriving and flourishing. This paper discusses highlights from the ever-increasing body of research findings and empirical data evidencing the positive and additive effects that nature has on our mental health and well-being. Included in this discussion are findings from a recent series of studies conducted at Grant MacEwan University that this author was involved in. The research summarized in this paper demonstrates that our relationship with nature is vital to our mental health and well-being
The London Wetland Centre: An urban conservation project that is making a splash
No full textIn the eleven years since it opened in 2000, the London Wetland Centre has become an exemplar of an urban conservation project that has turned heads throughout the world. As we shall explore, a site has been created that now has international recognition for its scientific interest, and which provides an ideal case study for how biodiversity and sustainability can be achieved, even in the challenging economic landscapes that are associated with the twenty-first century
Composing a Better World
No full textThis article is a study of the musical composition, We Arrived Safely Because We Sailed Too Close to Shore, by Ryan Sims. Some of the research techniques are discussed, as well as the inspiration for the piece, the tools he used, and the technical details of production. Ryan did not learn to read music until he attended Grant MacEwan University’s music program – a year is a short time to transition from learning how to read and write music to being able to compose a multi-instrument piece. He was inspired by a journey and felt that it reflected his own life’s path. Ryan’s piece is only the beginning for his career. He finds inspiration in everything and brings that talent to his work