..There are a lot of things that I could discuss and research that relate to environmental science. This science, as I have come to learn over the past semester, is pretty much the study of how the earth works and how us humans influence it through our actions. And it's more than just that. Because we ourselves are a part of nature and the world so this science even studies how humans are affected by the earth. It's a rather all-encompassing subject.
This semester has brought me abundant knowledge and clarity on the world and my part in it. And as my last blog post, I will give into a time of reflection where I examine the biggest environmental issue today. Now for everyone's sake, especially my own, I have narrowed the spectrum down to the biggest environmental issue today within the United States.
Getting straight to the point, I believe one of the biggest issues within the US is over consumption. If there's one thing I have learned from this class is that the US has no concept of moderation (now given, I have learned many more things in this class!). I believe this is an issue due to the US dependency upon non-renewable sources. These sources of energy are ones that cannot be replenished over a short period of time. The US has a huge dependency upon fossil fuels, such as, coal and oil. According to the US Energy Information Administration, in 2011 the US consumed 18.8 million barrels PER DAY of petroleum products. We import and export oil like crazy. The problem is, what will happen once this source is gone? It is not only an economic issue, but while we are burning and consuming so much oil we are putting the environment at stake.
Now, here's the issue. Now what can the US do to solve it? One way is to encourage and fund research for alternative fuels and energy. Another solution is to transform the way we transport ourselves by increasing more efficient transportation. Another way is to fix the soul issue of over consumption and promote moderation (how do you think we should accomplish this?). There may be many solutions, but which ones will actually be effective once implemented into our society? What do you think?
Now things don't change overnight. It's a personal responsibility to start the change and to encourage others to join in. I have contemplated over what I can do. First thing for me is to just be aware of the issues and the solutions. Second is to figure out what I can live without and what can I replace in order to decrease my consumption. Some examples would be to decrease my purchases that come with way too much packaging, buying local, and having a consciousness of how I will reuse and repurpose products.
Those are just some ideas that I will hopefully implement.
Out of this whole semester, I was moved by the documentaries that we watched during class. A movie called Dive! discussed the great issue of food waste and a movie called Bag It discussed how much plastic has increased in every part of life. Both movies really moved me towards a change in my own life. My eyes were opened to a bigger world and how much of a burden I need to take on in every decision I make that will effect the environment.
And there you have it. It's probably my longest post thus far, but it's also my last. It's been a great semester getting to learn about so many things and being able to share them with whoever reads them! if you've been on this journey with me through my semester, I encourage you to comment on this post. Let me know your thoughts and if you took charge of living in an environmentally conscious way!
Tread lightly everyone! and Happy summer!
No comments:
Post a Comment