My absolute favorite college courses, which I did not take until winter and spring of my senior year (I would have changed my major had I discovered these sooner!), was a two-part Sustainability Studies series. And it was taught by the most interesting professor of my college career, a man named Richard Matthew. Among many things, he is works with the UN on peacebuilding missions providing environmental assessments in post-conflict areas. He helps provide recommendations on what natural resources and environmental concerns are a priority to aid the country/area get back on its feet. If the water has been contaminated, helping people and governments is difficult if they can't get and stay healthy. If previous mining/logging/etc operations have caused environmental damage and erosion, then investment in restoring the land to enable crops to survive - and therefore food security/self-sufficiency - will be crucial. The environmental assessments provide a complete and well-rounded solution to areas like the Congo, Northern Pakistan and Sierra Leone - showing just how interconnected the environment is to both economic and social recovery. Each class during the first quarter covered a different country he'd visited and all the specific environmental issues that contributed to a lot of their issues and how fixing these would help move them to a better place.
What struck me most, I think, about listening to him speak in each class was the incredible hope and passion he had. He conveyed a complete lack of cynicism despite the terrible situations he's witnessed and is so driven toward finding lasting solutions.
Who inspires you in a positive way?
What are your thoughts about a holistic solution process, and where do you see this playing out in other areas?
Extra Credit:
Read
Collapse by Jared Diamond - how the downfall of ancient empires can be directly attributed to environmental destruction. So fascinating for a history nut like myself. Hey Easter Islanders, maybe it wasn't a good idea to cut down EVERY tree on your island in order to support your giant statue rituals...
2 comments:
incredible. Right now as cliche as it may sound, my mom inspires me. She grew up in less than desirable circumstances, and became a single mother when I was only 2 (without any support from family or father). She really learned how to turn her hardships into something that made her a stronger woman. I admire those who have struggled and hustled their whole lives, and have overcome so much adversity. It is a beautiful thing to witness.
I also just wanted to stop over and say thank you for your comment on my blog today. Your eat-in kitchen sounds absolutely amazing! Funny enough, I also like spending time in my kitchen hand washing dishes (even though we have a dishwasher) looking out onto our view of the entire city. It is a nice peaceful space for me to reflect on my day.
Alecia, thank you so much for sharing! Having strong women in our lives is so so important - another post for another day!
You're so lucky to have a view out your kitchen window, that's the only downside for me - ours is face to face with a large 80s apartment complex. At least we have a gorgeous tree outside our living room window!
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