Environmental Issues

There is still hope for the environment, and even greater hope for a bright and green future. The speakers are all testaments to this hope, and I am confident that there are a lot more like them in our world. Deep thought and contemplation made me realize that I can be like them. I can promote change in the community in my own ways in order to promote sustainability and going green. I also realized that if I can be like them, other students and other people can also follow suit. It is just a matter of taking the initiative to change, and a good way to do so is to adopt and if possible, improve what the three speakers shared with us in order to care for the environment.
   
We can start this change by taking on the challenge of Rachel Barge. We can make a difference if we put ourselves into it. We can achieve global sustainability to our own little ways. Our endeavors, no matter how small it may be, if we combine all of it, we can make an impact on our society. Her idea about the Green Initiative Fund is a great way to collect money and support for campaigns. I would also suggest that some students, if not all, could pledge a small portion of their allowance to the fund. A dollar or two may not go unnoticed, but if we combine all of these from every student here today, we would surely have a substantial amount to start our campaigns. Rachel is a great inspiration for students because shes putting her words into action. I know all of us have great ideas, magnificent plans on matters concerning our environment. However, not all of us have the courage to voice out our ideas. With Rachel as an inspiration, I realized that if we try to share our idea with one or two people at a time, we could somehow get them to share it with others. Even without taking the stage, we are able to spread our ideas that could help save the environment again, all it takes is the initiative.
   
Just like Rachel, I also find Billy Parish very inspiring, specially with everything that he has done for the environment. Just starting the Energy Action Coalition is a gargantuan undertaking, and he was able to do so because he is really looking for change. Climate change is a very big concern nowadays, with really no clear way on how we will be able to address it. But with Billy Parish and his organization, we are somehow enlightened about this matter. For me, the most important way to address a problem is to be informed first. In the case of climate change, we cannot really take the necessary steps to solve it if we dont know anything about it. With the help of Billy, more and more people are learning about the issue, more and more people are realizing the intensity of this problem, and more and more people are already acting to solve it.
   
Last but not the least, Erica Fernandez touching account is really an eye opener for us all. We are not aware of her situation, but I think the reality is that there are more people like Erica. There are a lot of people living in cities characterized by pollution, and they cant do anything about it. I find Erica very brave to stand up for her cause and voice out her opinion. We need more people like her, more people to stand up and demand that we put an end to all our destructive ways. Her case is complicated by other issues like financial concerns or racial problems, but still she willingly shared her story. Her bravery is a very admirable trait, and I think it is needed by everyone who wishes to see change for the good of our environment. We are facing perhaps the most powerful people and corporations with our call for a better environment. With bravery and the initiative to take part in such endeavors and do our share for the environment, we can really achieve a better environment and a better future.
   
Overall, the content of this event was very relevant and motivation. The experiences shared by the three speakers show that there are a lot of ways to deal with the issue of sustainability and going green.