Leader 1 Victor Leader Professor Popejoy Env Issues 11 Section 02 16 September 2021 Sky Island In the northern land of New Mexico, dozens of mountains arise from the high desert — a complete shift to the wild and rugged land that covers the majority of the state. The volcanic mountains of Jemez serve as an oasis for the plants and animals that depend on its nutrient-rich soils; A breath of nature, an island in the sky, encompassed by a desert sea. My Environmental Issues Professor assigned the film Sky Island, narrated by Meryl Streep and N. Scott Momaday, which develops the complete comprehension of the ecosystem perceivable at the Jemez Mountain Range. The film serves as the educational foundation of this paper. This paper will describe and discuss the Elements of Thoughts found within the film. Concepts and Theories I. We live on the land and take our living from it but the first truth is that we love the land and see that it is beautiful. II. Nothing is simple and alone, we are not separates and alone, breathing mountains, the living stones, each blade of grass, the clouds, the rains, the beasts, spirits of the air and water, we are indivisible. Leader 2 III. Nothing that any of us does alone but affects us all. IV. We cannot pluck a flower without disturbing a star. The concepts and theories listed above are stated as a series of truths within the film. Although Concept I can be disputed as an assumption, one cannot begin to argue with this principle as they are shown the pure beauty of the Jemez Mountain Ranges. The strong figure of the American Elk, the golden coats of the ground squirrels, and the miles of mountain meadows that provide an exuberance of life all serve as confirmations of this initial concept. Additionally, Concept I is also supported by the observation of the Pueblo of Jemez. These natives cherish the mountains as their home and survive only off of the immense resources found at the feet of these hills. Concepts II, III, and IV coincide within one another, under the belief that every human action stems from a cause-effect relationship. These concepts also exist under the principle that humans, plants, animals, and all biogeochemical cycles that exist on Earth, belong to a singular system in which all parts are indivisible from each other. This paper will discuss the cause-effect relationship in greater depth during the Questions at Issue section later on in the paper. Assumptions I. Humans have formed a physical dissolaction of ourselves in time and space; We do not know anymore where we are in relation to the stars. Our sphere of instinct has diminished. II. The Earth is far from fragile. Leader 3 These assumptions are stated clearly in the film. The first assumption that humans have forgotten their place in relation to all of space is just that: an assumption. Modernized humans, or specifically, citizens of first-world countries, have always known the true nature of their actions. If first-world citizens have not realized the results of their harmful practices, they have chosen to remain complacent with the effects stemming from their malpractice of the environment. Our sphere of instinct has not diminished; It has just been ignored. Assumption II, “The Earth is far from fragile,” is an assumption stated within the film. Although it is shown how the Earth can handle itself under the pressure of forest fires, the ecosystems and habitats that provide shelter and resources for the Earth are very fragile. The disruption of these habitats destroys lifetimes of development. The Earth itself is capable of withstanding the rising temperatures that are due to the climate crisis. However, the organisms that populate the forests of the Earth that ensure the Earth is continuing to flourish — like the organisms observable in the Jemez Mountains — can not. If these organisms can not withstand the growing oppression of climate change, they will go extinct. Thus, all that makes the Earth a habitable planet will be erased, and its fragility will be exposed. Information I. II. The high desert landscape evolved with fire. Specific species depend on the high altitude of the caldera. Although much can be written about the rich biodiversity found within the heights of the Jemez mountains, I will be focusing specifically on the endangered species shown in the film, such as the Jemez Mountain Salamander and the American Pika. Both of these species depend on Leader 4 the Jemez Mountains because of its high altitude and cool, damp weather. It is interesting to see how migratory patterns throughout time have led these two creatures to the same ecosystem. However, it is worrying to understand that these are the ecological limits of these two already endangered species. Without this environmental refugee, only time will tell how these creatures will respond to habitat loss. A key component of understanding how this mountain range formed is understanding the role of fire in the environment. Wildfires are rejuvenating to the landscape when they are controlled. The film covers how wildfires are used to return nutrients to the soil in the ashes of vegetation; These fires can also open up space for new plants and trees to regrow. Question at Issue I. II. What are the effects of Climate Change on the Jemez Mountains? How to deal with temperatures rising inexorably and rapidly? We live in a new stage of time in which the actions of humankind have altered the natural world. The effects of coal mining, deforestation, feeding lots, and vehicle exhaust pollution interfere with the natural cycles all forms of life depend on. Climate change effects have already materialized on a massive scale. Many have already witnessed the deaths of entire forests and coral reefs. In just two years, 90% of mature pinon pines in the region died due to the adverse effects of climate change. This loss of habitat drives all the creatures of the Jemez Mountain range closer to extinction. While this may be true, abundant wildlands can alleviate the effects of a warming planet by absorbing carbon dioxide and serve as an angle of repose. Leader 5 With the introduction of new lands dedicated towards the remediation of endangered species, wildland areas can begin to heal. As this paper reaches its end, I encourage readers that are not only interested but also compelled by the climate crisis to view this film. This film has served me as a reminder of the beautiful complexity formally described as life. By N. Scott Momaday’s own words, I conclude this paper in hopes the reader can decipher what it truly means to them, “Our immense journey begins and never ends. We travel as far as we can. Even death is just another step toward eternity, So let there be wonders along the way. Let the journey be made in beauty and beneath. Let us all learn to live rightly in this world.”
