The Emergence of Environmental Humanities was not eye-opening because it was their first time reading about our environmental crisis, nor will it be the last time. What did catch my attention was a point made towards the middle of the text. We have all been experiencing this concept in this class, the idea and question of whether or not we are apart or a part of nature. “Human beings are not independent of the natural world but are part of it.” (p9). There is an interaction between the environment and humans, which leads me to lean towards humans being apart and dependent on nature, in accordance with what the text says. Others of course can feel differently, and there’s no right or wrong answer but it is important, at least I think so to see where certain beliefs come from and how they have developed, or not developed.
Another point in the text is “Human beings are animals and are mortal.” (p10). My first reaction to this line was confusion, mainly because of all our in-class discussions on the line between human and animal, or human and monster. So when I initially read this I was caught a little off guard. When continuing the reading I realized the text was referring to evolution, but I think it plays a bigger role than just that.

The last thing I would like to touch on is the use of the word “interconnectedness,” throughout the reading. The use of it reminds me a lot of the discourse on whether we are or are not a part of the natural world. In a way, it reassures me or leans me even forward to the idea that we are, especially today because of how our actions can and have heavily impacted our environment.