Perceptions, as I have learned in this course, are just as important as the issue itself. Without understanding individual differences and contradictory perceptions, political reform will prove difficult or next to impossible. People originate from different places, where there is different people and sets of beliefs. Although I was aware of this previously, when applied to environmental issues, it helps me understand why change is stalled. Through various chapters, Mike Hulme explained the many areas where place and its culture affects the countries’ decision making processes (Hulme 2009). These areas and their implications can be extended to the world, since significant climate reform requires a net effort of the globe. Which brings me to the fact of institutional change as a new platform for political change. Introduced by the ecotypes survey, previous thought has been that individual efforts will provide change; however, big companies are the main contributor and culprit when it comes to pollution and the large amount of consumption with water and other resources. So when it comes to intuitional change, it crosses boundaries, both international and business related.
With these perceptions it taught me that there is more than one way to view the world and its problems in the past, present, and future. Personally I used to identify as a pessimistic person, usually only being able to see the negative in a situation. But with some conscious changes in my perceptions, I was able to see my immediate world through a more optimistic lens. This can be seen even more concretely in the field of environmental studies. One can view the future as an apocalyptic mess where no one wins, and others see it as an opportunity to become more connected to their surroundings. Perceptions have the power to revolutionize or significantly slow the reform process. Situating ourselves in different places, is a concept visited in the Situating Materials assignment (link here: /2017/02/27/wollastonite-the-hidden-hero-youve-never-heard-of/). This identified the importance of place, and how it can significantly alter our views, whether for the better or the worse. Understanding where people are coming from and what they have been influenced by, is an essential ability when it comes to life experiences and intellectual discussions, especially when there is a certain goal that is sought after. Because after all, respecting others opinions and perceptions is crucial in getting policy off the ground or, on a smaller scale, winning the debate and even making personal everyday life experiences most peaceful.
In that sense, people often like to have evidence to support your claims. Which brings me to Smil’s work that we read (Smil 2014). Yes, a lot of numbers and technical metaphors, but essential for understanding what is actually happening, through a “numbers” lens. I personally always have liked math and science, so numbers and I go way back. I like to see what I am dealing with, in the most concrete way possible. So it is fair to say that I enjoyed this book and its arguments. It gave me the evidence component that I needed to understand when it came to solidifying the conceptual components of this field. Plus it gave me a sense what is working and what is not. So as applied to future scholarly activities, I will always remind myself to back my arguments with evidence that will support my claims. Numbers are not all that bad when it comes to supporting yourself and your claims.
ENVS 160 taught me a lot, and many lessons which are applicable to outside the classroom setting. There are many life lessons derived from this class that can prove helpful in the real world, where perceptions differ and have significant impacts in all that it touches. Understanding each other is essential for keeping the peace in a situation and making a move towards positive change. Progression is always important for the world to get out of these longstanding ruts in which we have become so accustomed. Viewing the world positively, with a realistic groundwork, is essential for understanding our place in this world.
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