The natural world is represented in several ways in the National Museum of Qatar. The displays in the museum offer several amazing ways in which nature has played a crucial role since the first people occupied the lands of Qatar. Furthermore, the displays are appealing and provide an aesthetic view of the interior of the museum. There is no denying the intricate connection between humans and the natural environment. Over the course of time since humans came into existence they have been engaged in various activities that have either affected the environment directly or indirectly. Many concepts that revolve around the environment have been established to try and understand what it really environment entails. Concepts such as Anthropocene, Eco-Marxism, Eco-feminism, environmental justice, and post-humanism bring the entire subject of the natural environment into perspective as will be discussed in the paper.
One of the most amazing displays in the museum is Qatar’s Natural Environments. The main focus of the gallery is the natural environment of Qatar, which has been home to countless species of animals and plants that have evolved to perfectly adapt to the environment (NMOQ, 2022). The relationship between man and nature is inseparable. “Beautiful models of Qatar’s land and sea creatures are displayed for visitors to explore the interconnection between different species and environments and to understand the fragility of Qatar’s ecosystems” (NMOQ, 2022). The theme of the display resonates well with the principles of Eco-Marxism.
The concept of Eco-Marxism is based on the idea that nature and humans are connected. Moreover, proponents of Eco-Marxism view globalization as the root cause of poverty, environmental degradation, war, and inequality (MRonline, 2018). The destruction of the environment has often elicited differing opinions between environmental activists and supporters of capitalism. One of the recent social movements to emerge and demand an end to the exploitation of the environment is Eco-feminism. Eco-feminists have often tried to show the connection between the suppression of women and the exploitation and degradation of the natural environment. Even though one can possibly never tell whether the assertions are true, what is important is that humans have a collective responsibility to take care of the environment.
The view that human activities have destroyed the natural environment leads to the next concepts of Anthropocene and environmental justice. According to National Geographic (2022), Anthropocene is a historical period where human activities have severely affected the environment to cause a distinct geological change. Notably, the Anthropocene is a current geological epoch, which as can be observed, is characterized by animal extinctions, changes in the chemical composition of oceans, soils, and atmosphere, habitat loss, and global warming. It would be important to remember that the natural environment can be very harsh especially when damage has already been done to it. One fantastic display in the National Museum of Qatar narrates the whole story. The gallery Life in Barr (The Desert) tells the story of the challenges of a harsh environment (NMOQ, 2022). However, it would be vital to note that in a positive way, the harsh desert life compelled the early people of Qatar to forge strong bonds between community members and traditions. In times when the natural environment is threatened, environmental justice is essential. Through the movement, everyone irrespective of national origin, race, or color would be involved in promoting environmental rights.
Bibliography
MRonline. (2018, May 28). Eco-marxism and deforestation. MR Online. https://mronline.org/2018/05/28/eco-marxism-and-deforestation/
National Geographic. (2022). Anthropocene. National Geographic Society. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/anthropocene
NMOQ. (2022). Galleries. NMOQ. https://nmoq.org.qa/en/visit/galleries/
