When I consider how I will practice what I have learned in ENVS 160 in my scholarly and personal life, I am very conflicted. We need institutional change, right? That seems to be everyone’s biggest takeaway. But, on scholarly and personal level what does that mean?
Who are the individuals that make the most institutional change? Politicians? Business executives? I doubt I’m cut out for a job like that. What about authors, journalists, and activists? Those careers are more in my ballpark, but only seem like a distant possibility. I think I am getting ahead of myself. What about tomorrow? What can I do in the near future to instigate some institutional change? How can I change the lifestyle of others, not simply my own? How can I influence my government to introduce new environmental legislation?
My plan right now is to major in Environmental Studies. I am registered for ENVS 220, ENVS 295, and Geology (Climate Science). In Geology I will hopefully become more informed about the science of climate change and the way in which our planet functions. In my Environmental Studies core classes, I will develop a concentration and narrow my focus. Then, as I progress through college, I will become more and more knowledgeable about my particular area of expertise. My biggest passion is surfing and feel a strong connection to the ocean. Therefore, it is likely that I will focus on oceanic environmental issues such as acidification and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
I also plan on becoming more involved in SEED (Students Engage Eco Defense). I want to help SEED convince the LC administration to divest from fossil fuels. This Saturday, I will be attending the People’s Climate March in Portland with SEED.
I intend on studying abroad in Chile. This will be an opportunity to broaden my perspective of climate change and environmental issues. Experiencing a different climate, and learning from locals about the changes they have observed, will only further my understanding of environmental issues in situated places. I am sure that Chileans perceive climate change very differently from Americans. While living in Chile, with luck I may inform Chileans of certain conservationist strategies I have learned living in the US. They also may inform me of the strategies they employ that may not be used in the US. Climate Change is a global issue, so it is important to consider a variety of opinions and perspectives, when aiming to tackle it. This is why I see studying abroad, and any future travels of mine, as great opportunities to bolster my knowledge and hopefully my impact.
After I have graduated from college and travelled as long as I deem necessary, I will be able to apply my knowledge and experience to a career that allows me to make institutional change. Whether that is journalism, activism, or working for the government, I do not know. In the meantime, I will continue to conserve energy and make all of the individual changes that I still believe strongly in. Just because I now know recognize that institutional change is most important in combatting climate change, does not mean I will stop calling you out for leaving the bathroom lights on.