Resources for Teachers and Students
Prepare: On November 6, 2000, David Brower died
at the age of 88. The environmental legacy he left behind
was enormous, including such projects as preventing the
damming of the Grand Canyon. Those interested can view an
archive
of his obituary.
Read:
David Brower wrote an
original essay for the Architects of Peace project.
In it, he explored the ecological value of wilderness preservation.
Explore: David Brower served as Executive Director
of the Sierra
Club, after which time he founded the Friends
of the Earth, and then subsequently founded the Earth
Island Institute. Compare and contrast the different
missions of these organizations by visiting their respective
websites. Note that these groups have distinctly different
personalities from each other.
Write: It may seem strange to include an environmental
activist in a listing of people who work for the cause of
peace, and yet David Brower was nominated for the Nobel
Peace Prize three separate times-in 1978,1979, and 1998-because
of his work on behalf the environment. Write a three-to-five
page persuasive essay arguing whether environmental concerns
should have any bearing on issues of peace. Make a particular
note, at some point in the paper, of how you are defining
"peace.".
Extend:
The Earth Island Institute has initiated a "David
Brower Legacy Project," with the goal of inspiring
future generations of environmental activists. Those wishing
to join in David Brower's vision of "Peace On and With
the Earth" can find more information on how to get
involved on their website.
Additional Resource: In 1992, when the Earth Summit
was held in Rio de Janeiro, The Blue Planet Prize was initiated
by the Asahi Glass Foundation, with the aim of preserving
the Earth's beauty for future generations. It is the richest
annual award given to those working to solve environmental
problem. David Brower won this award in 1998. Please explore
a complete list of Blue
Planet laureates, and the rationale behind why they
were presented the award.
Biography of David
Brower
