Agriculture

Agriculture

) In the Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan argues that a desire for intoxication is universal or nearly so among humans. (A) Using multiple lines of evidence, please explain Pollan’s arguments in support of this view. (B) Pollan also highlights several counterarguments against his thesis. Using multiple lines of evidence, please explain the potential arguments against this view. (C) Which side of the argument do you find most convincing? Please explain your reasoning. ?
2) Several countries (i.e., NZ, AUS) consider non-native plants to be “guilty until proven innocent”, prohibiting the importation and sale of non-native plants until research demonstrates that they pose minimal risk to the environment.
(A) Provide multiple arguments for adopting this ‘white list’ approach. For each of your arguments, make sure you defend your reasoning by explaining (not just listing) how specific plant invasions illustrate your point.
(B) Provide multiple arguments against adopting this ‘white list’ approach. For each of your arguments, make sure you defend your reasoning by explaining (not just listing) how specific plant invasions illustrate your point.
(C) Which argument do you personally find more convincing? Why?

3) The Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya protocol emphasize the preservation of biodiversity because it can commercially exploited.
A) Is this the best way to preserve biodiversity?
What are the advantages to this approach?
B) What are the potential pitfalls associated with this approach?
What about traditional knowledge?
What are other ways we could preserve biodiversity?