The Obidzinski et al. reading is an academic peer reviewed paper and the general purpose behind this sort of paper is to inform the scientific community who are also experts in this field about the information and findings of this topic, in a process that allows for analysis of the subject matter’s legitimacy.
The topic presented in the Obidzinski et al. article discusses the effects of growing only palm oil in Indonesia in terms of environment and socioeconomic impacts. Dr. Roth assigned this reading because it has many themes which relate to our class discussions. For example, the state of Indonesia draws some parallels with the case study of the Sahel famine. Some other notable aspects are the discussion of power in class and the way the law is not always enforced fairly; and the environmental destruction that goes on but gets passed over due to the economic benefits outweighing the protection benefits. One other way this article relates back to class is its encouragement to think critically. For example, in class we discussed REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation), which seemed like a great idea at first with no drawbacks. Upon closer inspection, we noticed some problems that …show more content…
The scientific article by Obidzinski et al., which was subjected to much scrutiny by peers before being published, provided an objective view on the negative impacts that the palm oil industry would have on the environment, society and economy of Indonesia. The press article was written by World Growth, an organization promoting development, and it was more subjective, presenting evidence that only explained one side of the story. The intended audience for this article is perhaps thinking less critically than an expert in the field reviewing their peer’s work, meaning the power to persuade the public audience is easier to achieve, therefore not needing to be as
The topic presented in the Obidzinski et al. article discusses the effects of growing only palm oil in Indonesia in terms of environment and socioeconomic impacts. Dr. Roth assigned this reading because it has many themes which relate to our class discussions. For example, the state of Indonesia draws some parallels with the case study of the Sahel famine. Some other notable aspects are the discussion of power in class and the way the law is not always enforced fairly; and the environmental destruction that goes on but gets passed over due to the economic benefits outweighing the protection benefits. One other way this article relates back to class is its encouragement to think critically. For example, in class we discussed REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation), which seemed like a great idea at first with no drawbacks. Upon closer inspection, we noticed some problems that …show more content…
The scientific article by Obidzinski et al., which was subjected to much scrutiny by peers before being published, provided an objective view on the negative impacts that the palm oil industry would have on the environment, society and economy of Indonesia. The press article was written by World Growth, an organization promoting development, and it was more subjective, presenting evidence that only explained one side of the story. The intended audience for this article is perhaps thinking less critically than an expert in the field reviewing their peer’s work, meaning the power to persuade the public audience is easier to achieve, therefore not needing to be as