Environmental Determinism

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINISM
by Antonio C. Antonio
December 12, 2012

QUESTION: Environmental determinism tells us that the environment shapes how people behave in order to survive. The condition of one’s surroundings therefore primarily moulds and dictates behaviors, practices, technologies and norms or policies by which man lives. People react to the condition of our environment. Disasters most often cause many physical changes in the environment, but they too shape certain temporary or sustained modifications in the social and economic conditions. But are they really always shattering stories, or can we also take disasters or their effects positively? (Professor Janet B. Martires)

Disasters could be classic cases of the “half-full, half-empty glass” kind. For those who look at the situation “half-empty,” it will be harder to recover from any disaster. However, for those who would look at things from the “half-full” standpoint, there is a promise of positivism and hope. Oftentimes, being positive will separate anyone from abject hopelessness. Solutions to any form of disaster have a lot to do with having a positive mental attitude.

Things happen… including disasters. How we view these disasters, positively or negatively, largely depend on individual culture, religious beliefs, core values and mental capacities. Environment also has a significant influence on disastrous situations and the parallel solutions to mitigate such occurrences. Environmental disasters, natural or man-made, have a way of curing itself. A tree could be up-rooted in a storm… but out of its decaying leaves, branches, trunk and roots, new trees will grow. 

There also is another aspect of survival that is intangible and immeasurable… the human spirit. When pushed to the limit, the human spirit exhibits the character of being indomitable. History is a testament to the resiliency of the human race. Let’s take the following cases in contemporary human history: 

• The Americans dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima (in August 6, 1945) and Nagasaki (in August 9, 1945) which ushered in the surrender of Japan and the end to World War II in the Pacific. These two Japanese cities were so devastated that most Japanese thought it was the end for all of them. This could have easily dragged Japan back to the Stone Age… but look at Japan now and all you see is a picture of progress. The Japanese people simply accepted defeat, picked up the pieces of their war-torn country and decided to re-build… themselves as a peace-loving citizen of the world and their economy which was negative with all the war reparation in the pipeline. They focused on the new war-front… the economy, where technological advances, new industry building, principles of market share and economic standing took precedence over military might. The result, a highly industrialized and progressive Japan.
• In June 7, 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted. The Americans hastily abandoned the two largest military bases (Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base) outside of continental United States. Angeles City (in Pampanga) and Olongapo City (in Zambales) whose economy depended totally on the presence of these American-run bases were given up for dead. Aside from the “red light” and entertainment businesses that permeated Angeles and Olongapo, there are also other business that bloomed in these cities with the presence of these US Military installations (such as imported goods trading, etc.) After Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption, businessmen and workers started leaving and returning to their homes elsewhere in the country. But the people native to both cities stayed and decided to rebuild from the ashes and lahar. The military bases (Clark and Subic) were converted into economic zones and free ports and fresh investments started to pour in. At present, both Angeles and Olongapo Cities are progressive and are far better off (in terms of income) than other cities in the country.
• Al Qaeda brought down the World Trade Center by ramming two commercial/passenger airplanes to the twin towers on September 11, 2001. The Pentagon was also hit by a third airplane although the casualty toll was not as much as the Twin Towers. The Americans woke up to the fact that terrorism is real and was finally brought to their shores. The death toll ran to the thousands and was emotionally shattering for them especially those living in New York City. But rather than be discouraged, the Americans adopted and improved on their anti-terrorist efforts. Slowly, they evolved from a very passive society to one which is very security conscious. Eleven years after the 9-11 attack, Osama bin Laden (the leader of Al Qaeda) was killed in Pakistan.
• Tropical typhoons “Sendong” (December 16, 2011) and “Pablo” (December 4, 2012) wreaked havoc on the northern and western Mindanao areas in a span of two years. Somehow, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City have already recovered from the death and destruction brought by Sendong last year. At present, the number of fatalities brought about by Pablo is still increasing but people are beginning to cope with the losses (lives and property). Even as aid and relief goods are now pouring in, planning should already be in the works for the rehabilitation of the municipalities affected by Pablo. The Filipino is a survivor… no question about it. Somehow, because of strong family ties, deeply religious nature, tolerance for pain and an abundance of ideas and natural resources, the Filipino will always find a way to move on sooner or later.

These, among many other stories, are but a few instances of modern-day disasters. Again, anything, including disasters, could happen. They could be shattering but only for a while. It really depends on one’s attitude in appreciating disasters... or, from what standpoint one views negative occurrences in life. They could be painful but nothing lasts forever. What’s more important is keeping faith and confidence in oneself. There will always be an indomitable spirit in man that nature and environment could never destroy.

Just my little thoughts…