Environmental History & Journalism Discussion

by Olivia Chatowsky & Jack Lueddeke

Discussion Questions:

1. “Yesterday in Environmental History” discusses the importance of environmental history; “The Plumage Wars” section discusses how media was the key factor in getting protection for birds. How can environmental history inform contemporary environmental issues such as climate change? What role do current medias play?

2. What is persuasive media? Though persuasive media was present during the first efforts of the movement, the effort collapsed at the end of 1888, but regained popularity and succeeded the second time. How did the use of persuasive media change during the second protection movement and why was it successful this time? What are the key differences between the first and second movements?

3. According to Kovarik, it is essential to recall the efforts of those in the past and how they struggled to protect the environment and raise awareness. What are some of the lessons we can learn from the plumage wars?