I have spent my time in ENVS 160 doing readings and quizzes, group and individual projects, as well as completing exams. When I take a step back from all of the work I have completed and the information I have learned my biggest takeaway is this; nothing can be done by a single individual, but something can be done by many individuals working together towards a common goal . From our very first reading discussing why it is there is so much disagreement surrounding climate change to our final reading which inspired me to forge on with my efforts in preserving the earth for the future children of our collective mother.
As I have mentioned in my previous posts, thinking and acting at a broader institutional level is something that has become glaringly necessary to me over the course of this semester. I have come to realize the sheer quantity of social systems and rules currently set in place which have perpetuated our environmental downward spiral. This class has strengthened my beliefs of solving problems at their root. It is now my responsibility to move forward with the tools Steinberg (2015) has equipped me with in order to enact widespread change. I hope to do this through forestry conservation and responsible wildlife management.
My long term goal is to work for the U.S Forest Service. Although as of now I am going to focus my attention on issues taking place at Lewis & Clark and within the greater Portland Area. The divestment movement has picked up momentum again and stronger than ever before. I would love to see L&C take steps towards the divestment from fossil fuels before I graduate in 2019. To do this myself and my peers must think critically about actions that can be taken that will fix all if the branches of the problem. This is oftentimes the hardest part because of the ingenuity it takes to think outside of the box.
I have also come to realize the importance of acting rather than reacting. It is always easier to prevent something from happening than it is to try and revert to normal after a big change happens. When it comes to climate change, we are very much past the point of no return. There will be, and in fact, already have been incredibly devastating effects brought about by the increasing global temperature. The time for prevention is over and the time for mitigation and restoration is now. We must not be apocalyptic to the point where we are led to inaction. If apocalyptic views are persistent we should rise up in the face of adversity and create institutional change to slow the effects of climate change.
Works Cited
Steinberg, Paul F. 2015. Who rules the earth?: how social rules shape our planet and our lives. New York, NY: Oxford Univ. Press.