So, what can I say I have learned from taking ENVS 160 this semester? One main thing is that I learned how expansive and broad environmental studies is. It was not what I expected when I first registered for the class. I expected the course to be way more focused on singular ideas and that I would be specifically creating solutions to environmental related problems. Instead, we truly focused on understanding why we behave the way we do with our environment. There are more specific takeaways from this course that I believe I will be able to use in my own future. One is to notice more of the social rules that have created the invisible world I live in. The second pertains to how I perceive and communicate when it comes to environmental issues. Lastly, is to be open and not dismissive to different and new opinions.
In my last post, I talked extensively on invisible worlds and how social rules have been shaping our everyday lives. Now that I know about these invisible worlds I live in, I will be able to see these social rules in play. Tasks and actions that I normally take for granted, will have new meanings connected with them. In my opinion, this is a scholarly way of living life. “The fact is that many of the simple pleasures we take for granted today, such as a walk on the beach, are possible only because others before us scrutinized the existing order of things, found it wanting, and changed the rules.” (Steinberg 2015, 21) Also, if I am able to see these social rules in play, then I would also be able to see which rules don’t work anymore and that need change. Not only will I be benefitting my own personal life by noticing the invisible world I live in, but I could possibly benefit others who don’t know about these social rules.
Early on in the semester, we read Mike Hulmes Why We Disagree About Climate Change. This book has left a lasting impact on me especially when it comes to communication on environmental issues. “One of the reasons we disagree about climate change is that we receive multiple and conflicting messages about climate change and we interpret them in different ways.” (Hulme 2009, 215) Before reading this book, I had never taken into consideration that my own opinions may have been shaped by the certain language I was reading and seeing. After reading Hulme’s book, I understand better the complex ‘cultural circuits’ of science communication in which framing, language, imagery, marketing devices, media norms and agendas all play their part in the construction, mediation, and reception of messages. (Hulme 2009) I can take this newfound knowledge and use it to my benefit in the future. One benefit is that I won’t be as susceptible to certain types of language that may change my opinions for the worse. Another benefit is that I can communicate using my own writing and style to persuade others as well.
The last lesson that I want to take away from ENVS 160, is the notion of being open to ideas and opinions that don’t reflect my own. The Ecotypes survey helped me realize how many isms have two totally opposite sides and that to truly understand my own opinions, I would need to understand the ideas that contrast my own. Mike Hulme also tested this notion of mine. Hulme has a very religious take away when it comes to discussing ways to combat climate change, while I myself do not. Reading through some of Hulme’s work was hard and aggravating, since it did not line up with my own beliefs. Afterwards, when discussing the section in class, I realized how important it was to have those two sides in a discussion. It helped to have an opposing side to debate with, it made it more scholarly. I want to be able to grow this skill even after this course. Not only does it pertain to Environmental issues, but also for everyday interactions.
I am ready to take these skills I have learned to the next level of ENVS for next year. I am sure if I stick with these lessons, I will have a successful path becoming an ENVS major.
Hulme, Mike. 2009. Why We Disagree about Climate Change: Understanding Controversy, Inaction and Opportunity. Cambridge U.K.: Cambridge University Press.
Steinberg, Paul F. 2015. Who Rules the Earth?: How Social Rules Shape Our Planet and Our Lives. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.