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I am a 21 year old student at MDC Kendall Campus and take some remote classes. I am about to complete my AA at MDC, and hopefully transfer to another local or out of state university. I moved to Florida from Puerto Rico in 2017, and have been studying at MDC upon my HS Graduation. I aspire a career in law and politics, as I ultimately would love to be an elected public servant. I have previously interned in various congressional offices, and currently serve as Deputy Campaign Manager for Mario Knapp, a candidate for sheriff of Miami Dade County.

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For this post, I chose to watch the the last video on the Boring's Company tunnel network. In this video, Planet A explains what the world would be like if modern technology claimed ownership of the current transit system. Today's transportation is one of the main contributors to the climate crisis, an out of pocket cost to many, and a cause of current traffic jams. Clearly, theres plenty room for improvement, and big tech offers solutions. Planet A does a great job in highlighting just how the transit system can be altered by big tech companies. Cities can use big techs proposals to fill the gaps in infrastructure, according to Planet A. I think its a great proposal politicians and government administrators should keep in mind when working towards their cities infrastructure, public transportations and carbon footprints.

Reply to my post:

Hello Pedro, I like how you examined the last video on Boring's Company tunnel network through the exploration of the effects of the current transit system on the climate crisis. Also, I was interested in your explanation of how modern technology could shift transportation away from being contributors to the climate crisis by big tech companies using their proposals to fill gaps in infrastructure, ultimately reducing cities' carbon footprints.

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Why tech billionaires suck at fixing transport

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R1: Luis, thanks for the great post. You're totally right, coastal construction only adds pressure on the city, and makes the city even more vulnerable to natural disasters. There clearly is little to no concern over coastal development. We need to find a way to adapt our coastal community to human induced climate change, and that includes reducing or limiting our coastal construction. The video does a great job in highlighting that Miami only continues to grow as a city, while our climate crisis grows simultaneously.

R2: Hey Brian, great post. You're totally right, economic and safety factors contribute to the mass migration out of Florida. I would love to see a viable solution to address the economic disparity happening in our state, gentrification has happened as a result and should be stopped.

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Why tech billionaires suck at fixing transport

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Interview with Miami Dade public transport rider (Youtube video) 

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Interview with Miami Dade public transport rider (Youtube video) 

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For this video, i interviewed Gustavo Rodriguez, a rider of the Miami Dade public transportation system. I asked Gustavo questions on the quality, safety, possible improvements, feedback and any negative observations on the public transportation system. Gustavo also made clear as to why he uses the public transportation system, and how it can be more acessible to riders in the future.

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R1:

Hi Karen,

I disagree, because some food that is wasted is not suitable for consumption. We cannot just eat all the food as it says in the video. Food waste begins in the production level, where only the top 2/3rds of food harvested reaches the retail shelf.

R2:

Hi Benjamin,

I agree that food waste creates an enormous amount of green house gas emissions. The problem with food waste emitting harmful gasses begins in the production or harvesting level, and as food is produced, it creates a cycle of preventable emissions that harm the planet it is produced in. By raising awareness we can tackle this issue head on.

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Food waste is contributing to climate change. What’s being done about it?

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Food waste has been an ongoing problem for society. As we currently live in a world where a large number of the population goes hungry, food waste becomes an ongoing problem. Food waste is when our food, in every sector of production to sales to consuming, is discarted over numerous reasons. When 30% of food is wasted before it reaches the retail shelf, we have a real problem. Food is wasted in every part of the supply chain, and because of rising costs in production, the number of food that is wasted in the supply chain increases. Food waste not only leaves people without food, but creates an emission of green house gasses that is harmful to society in the long run. The good news is that something could be done, by each and every single one of us, to address this issue. We can all contribute our grain of sand to reduce food waste. For example, we can limit what and the quantity of what we consume. We can also raise awareness on the issue of food waste, and all of its long term consequences to the greater society.

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Food waste is contributing to climate change. What’s being done about it?

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I love how this report touched upon changes to the bus network in the largest city in America that offers free bus rides to riders. Public transit is a nescecary for many, stemming from college students, workers, and resident. Its important to note that a majority of bus riders make less than $50000 a year, free bus rides is a part of a growing push to expand access and create a more equitable public transportation. Other places that offer free transit include Alexandria, Virginia, which is not too far. CBS reports that there are still many unanswered questions over why the bus system is free to riders now, and some of the answers include that free busses are not an inconvenience, and it could be a real ravings to bus riders. People who oppose free bus rides are saying it is a bad financial move to the city in the long run, as it will cost cities around $42000 a year.

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Some cities turn to free public busing to counteract inequity

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R1: Karen- I like how you point out that free bussing is a good option for low income riders. Free transportation can offer services to the homeless that can improve their livelihood. Free bussing can also help the wallets of every rider.

R2: Esteban- thanks for pointing out how free bussing will overturn the inequity when it comes to accessing public transportation. As riders make less than $50000 a year, free bussing will expand the opportunities for riders and cut down on the financial impact charged bussing has on riders. I like how you point out that other cities are following the model of DC's free bussing system.

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Some cities turn to free public busing to counteract inequity

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When and how do you use ChatGPT in your other classes?  When and how should we use ChatGPT in this class?  Which is your favorite AI?

I rarely use ChatGBT and AI, but when I do it is to help me structure a long answer, especially when I am short on time. I personally think that this is the best and most efficient way to use chatgbt in class. I know others use AI when it comes to looking for the answer to a question, or to elaborate on a question. The one AI application I use is AskAI, as it is easy, cost efficient and effective.

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R1: Hey Luis, ChatGBT is a great and effective option, and can be very helpful when looking for an answer to a question you might be stuck on!

R2: ChatGBT is a very reliable source, unlike other sources. ChatGBT is a great search engine that one can use to navigate through course work!

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R1:

Hi Brian,

Storytelling is probably the best may, or at-least my favorite way, of raising awareness. Climate change is something that many people have to see to believe, and story telling is a great way fopr people who are not exposed to huge effects of climate hange, to understand the true consequeences of climate change. Another point that stood out to me in your post, was the the complexity of climate change. Climate change is not something that is easy to understand, as the data to support it can be overwhelming. I totally agree with it, great post Brian!

R2: Hi Luis,

I think you chose a great lecture for this topic. Its incredible how photographs can be used to expose the truth or a bigger crisis. I totally agree with you, art and photography engage people, which raises awareness. The issue of climate change and the climate crisis is an issue of impact to modern day society and this planets flora and fauna.

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Discussion 7: Native Elders tell their climate change stories 

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Discussion 7: Native Elders tell their climate change stories 

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In the last video, Native Elders tell their Climate Change Stories, because the lecture offered a different perspective to the climate story. Listening to the fears of the advancing climate crisis from natives, people who have witnessed the declining ice over the decades, offers a different perspective on the crisis. From people that depend on the land, or in this case ice, it is important to note, the main point of this lecture, how the climate crisis affects the people who depend on it. This lecture provides us facts about the declining populations used by indigenous societies, such as fish and animals as a food and economic source. this lecture is important because it highlights the decline of the climate in the most crucial parts.

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Alaskan Native Elders Tell Their Climate Change Story | After the Ice

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The part that stuck out for me was how solar panels operate. They interact with light particles, where electrons flow and are captured by the solar panels. The panels then convert the captured electrons into electric current, acting as a source of renewable energy. As mentioned in the video, there are other sources of renewable energy, including wind and hydroelectric power.

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A guide to the energy of the Earth - Joshua M. Sneideman

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R1:

Hey Vladimir,

Thanks for sharing! I think its great you chose the Story of Stuff Project. The film did a great job in raising awareness regarding sustainability, and you did too. Its important to note how the process occurs in steps, and each step is lengthy. The steps breakdown the process of manufacturing, which involve toxic materials, government interference and wasteful or harmful factories just to make up one item.

Because of the lack of awareness, people do not notice how greatly day to day items impact the ecosystem. Unsustainable farming practices, illicit manufacturing and government interference are just by products of human green and negligence. Our inability to maintain a sustainable lifestyle damages the ecosystem as we see. The film does a great job at pointing that out by breaking down the process in which it occurs. Thanks again for your informational post!

R2:

Hey Sydney,

You hit the nail on the head with your share! The impact of fast fashion on the worlds ecosystems is devastating. Without raising awareness, everyday consumers have little to no idea about how much their day to day decisions harm the environment. Fast fashion uses different harmful tactics for manufacturing the products we chose. As a result, we see an increase in pollution, destruction and resource waste around the world. Because of fast fashion, there is government interference and other financial incentives that fuel the fast fashion industry.

From the wasteful use of water to farm the cotton, to the irresponsible waste management of fast fashion factories, humanity witnesses a terrible decline in the environment around them. Like pointed out in the video, the rivers surrounding the factories and the cotton farms used by others, are no longer useful. There is a great harm driven by human greed.

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H&M and Zara: Can fast fashion be eco-friendly?

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Discussion 4: Water pollution in beauty production and replies to my initial post 

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Discussion 4: Water pollution in beauty production and replies to my initial post 

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For this post, I chose the third video, How does your clothes cause water pollution. I chose this video because it is important to note the effects of our day to day decisions. It seems harmless to buy an article of clothing, but little do we know the effects it causes around the globe.

In India, for example, bodies of water are being polluted through the waste of manufacturing plants, completely dismantling the local economy. Many brands chose eastern and third world countries as a location for their manufacturing, due to the cheap labor and disposal methods. As seen in the video, the government in India subsidizes this activity, as they have a financial incentive to gain from it.

As a society, we can raise awareness on the true destruction our daily greed and decisions cause. Raising awareness will allow society to make more conscious decisions on where to buy our goods.  Another thing that can be done through raising awareness is proper accountability.

Reply 1 to my post:

Hello Pedro, I totally agree with what you had to say about the pollution caused by the clothing manufacturing plants. It is sad to know these companies go to third-world countries because no media will shine a light on them. Thank you for posting about the water pollution issue.

Reply 2 to my post:

Hi Pedro, how are you today? I agree with you that the video that talks about the creation of clothing and water pollution in India was interesting. What is the reason? Because it shows us that governments and society give more importance to the economy and not to health. In addition, industrial waste is destroying rivers and greatly affecting what lives in its surroundings. But there are some companies that take importance and look for a solution for the future, for example, how to recycle that contaminated water to use on the farm or return it to the natural river. For this reason, we have to make an effort to take care of the environment and take importance in the natural resources that we have around us. Good job.

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H&M and Zara: Can fast fashion be eco-friendly?

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I.  Objectives

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the coral reef problems accurately summarizing key points and nuances.

Provide insightful analysis of the reasons behind the coral reef problems, considering ecological, social, and urban development factors.

Offer a well-reasoned evaluation of the responses, considering effectiveness, ethical considerations, and potential long-term impacts.

Present ideas coherently and logically, with clear connections between sentences using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

Show strong engagement with the topic, including thoughtful reflections, questions, or suggestions for further actions.

Initial post: On the topic of coral reefs it was great to learn about the pressure coral reefs fall to. Not only do I find this the most interesting issue, but also the most concerning, as coral reef futures remain uncertain. In recent times, coral reefs have dwindled in numbers, have undergone habitat loss and are experiencing unprecedented incidents of bleaching. It is important to note the new phenomenon, coral bleaching.

Coral bleaching is caused by rising water temperatures, a man made catastrophe. I find it interesting and important how we point out and learn about the issues coral reefs face here in the class. The issue with coral reefs is clearly a crucial current event for todays society, as our dependence on coral reef grows. Humanity needs the resource, protection and ecological importance coral reefs carry. I think individual efforts for coral conservation can be thoroughly explored and developed, as new and worsening issues to coral reefs emerge. I wonder what other ways can an individual contribute in saving coral reefs.

This class offers an understanding of the human impact on coral reefs, as learning about the issue allows one to be more conscious about the conservation of coral reefs.

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R1:

Hi Lislie,

I totally agree! We have to do something about climate change. It directly causes bleaching and poses a threat not just to marine life, but also to us. We need coral reefs for more than just the resource it provides, we need them for protection and economic activity as well. I like how you pointed out a coral reefs depndency on a balance of nutrients, light and temperature, all three which are impacted by climate change.

R2: Hey D' Angelo,

I find it great you point out the role wastewater, sewage, fertilization, deforestation and the increase in nitrogen carry out in threatening coral reefs. You are absolutely correct, those factors contribute to the increase in temperature and coral reef bleaching. Volunteering at a sanctuary is a great way to protect coral reefs!

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Hi everyone,

My name is Pedro Rodriguez and I am 21 years old and live in Miami, Fl. I am currently taking PSC, and MGF 1107 and 1106 at the Kendall Campus. I took a gap year to move to Washington DC and intern for Congress, and now I am back in Miami finishing up my AA. I hope to finish my AA in the Spring semester and transfer back to the University of Florida. I am majoring in Political Science on a pre-law track, with hopes of attending law school in the future. I am looking forward to learning and engaging with other students, and ending this class in good standings. I wish everyone the best of luck with their academic career and if you are also on a pre law track or are majoring in political science, feel free to hit me up!

Reply 1:

Hey Paris,

I am also 21 and live in Miami, I moved here from Puerto Rico in 2019. I also love reading on free time. I cant believe you interned for NASA thats awesome. I wish you the best with the semester and with your academic and professional career in Arts and Astronomy.

Reply 2:

Hey Ben,

Good luck with the semester, completing your AA here at Dade and transferring to FIU for your bachelors. I also enjoy spending time with the fam, traveling and watching sports.. My favorite is UFC and basketball. I would love to go to Japan one day, that seems sick. Wish you the best brother!