School of Languages (ScOLa)

Undergraduate English Programme

Jared Diamond: Why do Societies Collapse? https://www.ted.com/talks/jared_diamond_why_do_societies_collapse?

language=en
Note Taking Sheet

A.) Jared Diamond mentions 5 factors that can lead to the downfall of a civilization. List these five factors and jot down some notes on how
Dr. Diamond claims these factors affected the Greenland Norse people and how they are currently affecting the state of Montana.

1. Climate change : In Gronland, after the climate got colder, people started to encounter difficulties. In Montana, climate change brings
about the weather is causing hotter and drier, so it affects agriculture based on irrigation.
2. Human impacts on the environment: Because of that the Greenland Norse people caused erosion and soil deforestation, they were
affected by their ability to make iron. In Montana, there are environmental problems such as toxic mine waste, salinization etc.
3. Relations with neighboring friendly societies : The Norse people had trade with Norway, but they became more weak as trade
decreased. In Montana, more income is derived from out-of-state sources, which is making the state dependent on external support.
4. Political, economical, cultural and social factors: The Norse society had cultural factors that inhibited problem-solving, such as their
commitment to a Christian society and refusal to learn from the Inuit. In Montana, there are dependence on logging, mining and
agriculture, and resistance to government regulations hindering problem-solving efforts.
5. Relations with hostile societies: The Norse had conflicts with the Inuit, who killed them and inhibited access to critical resources. In
Montana, the state encounters challenges similar to those experienced by all Americans, such as problems affecting oil resources and
terrorist attacks by hostile forces overseas.

B.) Name some of the factors which lead to the deforestation of Easter Island

Fallout of volcanic ash, lack of nutrients, rainfall

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Undergraduate English Programme

C.) How does Diamond explain why civilizations often fail to change unsustainable practices even in the face of certain destruction?

Diamond points out civilizations often fail due to a combination of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. He suggests that addressing
these cultural and social factors is crucial for societies to recognize and respond to their challenges. Without a change in their attitudes and a
willingness to adapt, civilizations may continue down a path of unsustainability, which is leading to their collapse.

D.) Is Diamond optimistic or pessimistic about the future of the world? Why?

He emphasizes that understanding and learning from the past suggests a cautious optimism. If it happens, he strongly believes that societies will
handle the challenges ahead and strive for a more sustainable future.

E.) Which of the “12 Time Bombs” listed by Diamond does he say is the most dangerous/most important problem to solve?

He emphasizes that the most serious risks are those generated by human activities, so this issue is the most important problem to solve
School of Languages (ScOLa)
Undergraduate English Programme