Environmental degradation

Definition

Environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment through the depletion of resources, destruction of ecosystems, and pollution. This term encompasses various forms of harm inflicted upon the land, water, and air, often leading to adverse effects on both human and ecological health. The consequences of environmental degradation can be particularly severe for marginalized communities, such as Native peoples, who rely on their natural surroundings for cultural, spiritual, and economic sustenance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Following the Mexican-American War, large portions of land were acquired that had significant impacts on the traditional territories of Native peoples, leading to environmental changes.
2. The introduction of agriculture and ranching practices by settlers often resulted in soil degradation, deforestation, and the depletion of local water resources that were previously used by Native communities.
3. Many Native peoples experienced displacement from their ancestral lands due to new borders and land ownership policies implemented after the war, further exacerbating environmental degradation.
4. Environmental degradation impacted traditional hunting and gathering practices among Native peoples as animals were driven away and natural resources became scarce due to colonization efforts.
5. The loss of access to sacred lands due to environmental changes diminished cultural practices and spiritual connections to the land for many Native communities.

Review Questions

• How did environmental degradation following the Mexican-American War specifically affect Native communities' access to traditional resources?
  • After the Mexican-American War, many Native communities lost access to their traditional lands due to new territorial boundaries established by settlers. This loss disrupted their ability to hunt, fish, and gather essential resources from their environment. As settlers altered landscapes for agriculture and ranching, it led to the depletion of natural resources that Native peoples relied upon for sustenance, severely impacting their cultural practices and livelihoods.
• Discuss the role that colonization played in exacerbating environmental degradation in California after the Mexican-American War.
  • Colonization following the Mexican-American War led to widespread environmental degradation as settlers implemented agricultural practices that harmed ecosystems. Deforestation occurred as land was cleared for farming and ranching, which disrupted local wildlife habitats. Additionally, water sources were diverted or polluted through industrial activities and over-extraction for irrigation purposes. These actions not only degraded the environment but also diminished the capacity of Native communities to thrive sustainably in their traditional ways.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of environmental degradation on Native peoples' cultural identity in post-war California.
  • The long-term implications of environmental degradation on Native peoples' cultural identity are profound. As their access to traditional lands and natural resources diminished, many Native communities faced challenges in maintaining their cultural practices that are intrinsically linked to their environment. The loss of biodiversity impacted traditional ecological knowledge passed down through generations. This disconnection from their ancestral lands has led to a weakened sense of identity and community cohesion among Native peoples, making it crucial to acknowledge these historical injustices as they continue to navigate modern challenges related to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

Related terms

Colonization: The process by which a central system of power dominates the surrounding land and its components, often leading to the displacement of indigenous populations and exploitation of natural resources.

Resource exploitation: The unsustainable extraction and use of natural resources, including land, water, minerals, and forests, often prioritizing economic gain over environmental health.

Ecosystem collapse: A significant decline in the health and function of an ecosystem due to various stressors such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, impacting biodiversity and the services ecosystems provide.