Writing Sample #2 (Educational)

Information:

• Institution: UC San Diego

• Major: International Studies- International Business

• Course: INTL 101. Culture and Society in International Perspective

• Assignment: Reading Response #1

Copy:

Even before the rise of industrialization, humans were emanating carbon dioxide into the environment. However, as mankind became more advanced, fossil fuel capitalism spouted as the prominent eminators of carbon dioxide. In the article, “The Origins of Fossil Capital: From Water to Steam in the British Cotton Industry,” author Andreas Malm analyzes the fossil economy of the British cotton industry, as they changed from water to steam powered operations, altering the carbon footprint in society. According to Malm, the dawn of fossil economy derived from the industrial age of Britain, for they were responsible for more than 60% of the global CO2 emissions (Malm). Although Britain experienced immense technological advancement, the immersion of steam and coal into society has led to environmental consequences. The transformation from water to steam helped increase productivity and the social level of factory workers. Another big inducer of CO2 came from the introduction of coal, which different culture used for social and economic reasons. For example, in the 1800s many people used coal as a tool to heat their home and food, while businesses utilize coal to power their machineries (Malm). As a result of fossil fuel capitalism, the rise in economic advancements has led people to better social class; which altered the environment with carbon emission. Because people wanted to make the standard of living easier, the technological advancements of fossil capitalism has led to environmental consequences in today's’ modern society.

As society advanced, the integration of fossil fuel capitalism played a major role in powering consumers. According to the article, “Class and Nature in the Oil Industry of Northern Veracruz,” author Myrna I. Santiago illustrates the environment and social impacts of the Mexican oil industry; which has devastated natural and human resources. Foreign corporations only incorporated their businesses in Mexico because of the vast supply of oil (Santiago). One of the biggest consequences of the Mexican oil industry derives from big corporations ruining the ecosystem for a profit. Large corporations are creating a social inequality in Mexico, as they use cheap labor for constructions of pipelines, ruining different natural resources (Santiago). Due to the inequality of the socio-economic structure, some individuals who hold more power and wealth have control over nature compared to those at the bottom of the social class.

Another consequence of fossil fuel capitalism derives from the inability for most historians to completely record the essence of nature as an active role in society (Steinberg). Most history textbooks only state the importance of industrialization, but do not mention the environmental impacts that has influence these events. In the past, there were insufficient information about maintaining a healthy ecosystem, which heavily affected the public's’ livestock and food supply (Steinberg). The development of canals, factories, and steam engine were all important part of modernization, however, had long-term effects on the environment. Although the fossil fuel capitalism has altered the course of mankind, it has left environmental consequences. The need to change social and economic class encouraged the development of infrastructure, machineries, and human life. People must not repeat historical errors, and learn to appreciate environmental factors.