Nadra Fredj

Honors 100 A
21 November 2016
Global Challenges
The interdisciplinary discussion last week was very interesting, and I learned a lot. It
became very clear during the discussion that global warming is inevitable; however, that does not
mean we should give up hope. The less we do as a community to address global warming, the
worst the impacts will be on Earth. I do not plan to pursue a career that will address climate
change, which means that I will have much more to do to address this issue in my individual life.
Based on the interdisciplinary discussion, I have learned that individual lifestyle changes will not
make a big impact on the climate change that we all face. It is important to use my vote and my
voice to support and vote for government officials that are active in environmental issues. For
example, on the ballot two weeks ago I voted for the initiative that would implement a tax on
carbon emissions. Although the initiative may not have made a very big difference in carbon
emissions, it would begin a conversation about climate change. By supporting legislature that
addresses environmental issues, we are telling politicians that these issues are important to
citizens of the United States, therefor encouraging them to promote ecofriendly initiatives.
The interdisciplinary discussion also emphasized the importance of taking action in local
issues. I was aware of the current protests surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline, but the
discussion last week informed me that there are similar battles happening all over the United
States, it is not a solitary event. Many tribes across the United States are not being heard by the
government and are fighting to be able to make their own decisions for their communities. There
are multiple cases of this in Washington State. It is essential to spread awareness of these issues,
as many Americans believe that the Dakota Access Pipeline is an isolated event. We need to
speak up about these issues and let government officials as well as the rest of the United States
that this is not something we support.
I mentioned before that individual actions will not make a big impact on climate change;
however, it is important to implement eco-friendly lifestyles for the same reason it is important
to vote for eco-friendly initiatives. It sends the message that an individual cares about climate
change and cares about their impact on the environment. Throughout my life I plan to take
measures that reduce my carbon footprint and are respectful of my environment. I compost and
recycle, as well as encouraging my friends and family members to do the same. I use public
transportation or my bike rather than driving when possible. I will also support businesses that
support environment health. I believe the most important thing I can do as an individual and that
all of us can do is to stand up and talk about climate change. It is inevitable, but as long as we sit
around fail to address it, climate change will have a bigger impact. The interdisciplinary
discussion encouraged me to take action in regard to environmental issues. I have always been
conscious of how my actions impact the environment, but in the past I have not done anything to
spread awareness. Throughout my life I will continue to support government officials and
business that address climate change and other environmental issues, as well as doing what I can
to reduce my impact on the environment.