My journal in PSC 1515 by

Introduction

pabloflor001_ — 2023-12-07 00:04:43 UTC

Hi there! I'm Pablo, originally from Paraguay, I've been living in Miami for about nine years now. I am grateful to be able to live in this country of opportunities with my family nearby. I can say that I am a big fan of movies along with my wife, I also love to do any type of outside activities that might come to our minds when the time comes. One of my favorite activities that I try to do at least once a year is traveling to new countries to get to know new cultures and try new kinds of food. I consider myself a reliable and responsible. I always try to avoid procrastinate things to keep the balance between my job-college life. I am exited to start this semester, learn new things, and get to know a little of my classmates too. Best of lucks to everyone and nice to meet you.

Week 1

pabloflor001_ — 2023-12-07 00:09:39 UTC

It is amazing to see how everything in our world is connected, just like Joshua M. Sneideman explained in his video about Earth's energy systems. He showed how energy constantly changes forms and how our planet's different systems, like the weather and ecosystems, are all linked. What really stood out to me is how our choices about energy impact this delicate balance.

The video makes it clear that we must be smart about the energy we use because the world's population is growing, and more people are using energy. The way we use energy affects not only the environment but also our quality of life. It is like a chain reaction. If we make responsible energy choices and use energy more efficiently, we can protect the environment and make life better for ourselves and future generations. This video reminds us that we are all in this together, and we need to take care of our planet by making thoughtful energy decisions.

Week 2

pabloflor001_ — 2023-12-07 00:17:18 UTC

I chose to comment on the video "Miami coastlines lose ground to rising sea levels due to climate change" because of the alarming fact that over 60% of Miami could be underwater by 2060 due to rising sea levels. It's truly eye-opening to see the immediate and severe impact that climate change is having on a beautiful city like Miami. This highlights the urgent need to address climate change, not just for Miami but for cities and communities worldwide. The video serves as a powerful reminder that our actions today have a direct impact on our cities and our future. Climate change affects not only the environment but also our homes, neighborhoods, and the well-being of people. It's crucial that we take responsibility and make changes to reduce our carbon footprint, invest in sustainable practices, and support policies that protect our cities and the generations to come. Miami's situation is an example of what its at risk, and it's time for all of us to come together to protect our cities and the world we call home.

Week 3

pabloflor001_ — 2023-12-07 00:30:13 UTC

The video illuminates the pressing issue of food loss and waste in the United States, revealing a multifaceted problem with far-reaching environmental and economic implications. It unfolds at Four Town Farm in Seekonk, Massachusetts, underscoring how surplus produce is often abandoned due to factors like overproduction and market-driven standards on appearance. The discussion with Dawn King from Brown University expands the scope, highlighting that this challenge permeates the entire supply chain and is exacerbated by misconceptions surrounding food expiration dates. This prevalent issue contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when discarded food generates methane in landfills. To address this, the segment introduces innovative solutions like the Flashfood app and traditional practices such as gleaning at Four Town Farm, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach.

Reflecting on the broader implications, the problem of food loss and waste is a critical environmental concern. Beyond the immediate economic impact on farmers and businesses, the unnecessary disposal of edible items significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. Causes include aesthetic standards, overproduction, and misleading expiration dates. Consequences range from economic losses for farmers to the environmental impact of methane production in landfills. Tackling this issue requires collective efforts from individuals, communities, and organizations. Initiatives like Flashfood showcase how technology can be harnessed to minimize waste, while traditional practices like gleaning demonstrate the enduring value of community-driven solutions. Education on proper food storage and understanding expiration dates can empower individuals to make informed choices, contributing to a more sustainable approach to food consumption. Ultimately, a holistic strategy involving awareness, technology, and community engagement is crucial in addressing the complex challenge of food loss and waste.

Week 4

pabloflor001_ — 2023-12-07 00:33:35 UTC

The video talks about big dangers that could harm all of humanity. In 1995, there was a scary moment when Russia almost started a nuclear war by mistake. Since we made atomic bombs, our chance of something really bad happening has gone up. They call these risks "existential," meaning they could wipe us out. Things like natural disasters have always been a bit risky, but now human-made things, like nuclear war and climate change, add to the danger. The video also mentions new risks from technology, like making super strong germs and creating really smart computers that might not understand us. Experts say the risks we create are more than 100 times higher than natural risks. But here's the important part: we can control most of these risks by making good choices. If we focus on protecting our future, we can lower the chances of something terrible happening to all of us.

Week 5

pabloflor001_ — 2023-12-07 00:35:42 UTC

I found the video about electronics very interesting. The video talks about how our electronic gadgets are made to be thrown away quickly, causing environmental and health problems. The speaker points out that electronics are full of toxic stuff and that when we get rid of them, these toxins can harm people and the environment. The video suggests a solution called Extended Producer Responsibility, where companies should be responsible for what happens to their products after we are done using them. There is also a cool idea called "Green Moore's Law," proposing that designers compete to make electronics with fewer toxins. What is interesting is the idea of sending our old gadgets back to the big bosses who made them, making them think more about making longer-lasting and eco-friendly products. It is a different way of looking at the problem and could make the electronics industry more responsible, and I thing it is very thoughtful.

Week 6 - Nov 27

pabloflor001_ — 2023-12-07 00:37:31 UTC

How can public awareness and education play a role in promoting sustainable energy practices? Discuss the importance of informed decision-making in energy consumption.

Public awareness and education are crucial in promoting sustainable energy practices as they empower individuals to make informed decisions about their energy consumption. When people understand the environmental impact of their energy choices, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices. Educational initiatives can highlight the benefits of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, emphasizing their role in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Additionally, awareness campaigns can inform the public about energy conservation techniques and energy-efficient technologies, encouraging responsible consumption.

Informed decision-making in energy consumption is essential because it enables individuals to grasp the consequences of their actions on the environment. A well-informed public is more likely to support and demand policies that promote clean energy and sustainable practices. Moreover, education can clarify myths and misinformation surrounding energy sources, fostering a realistic understanding of the trade-offs between different options. By knowing the environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and long-term benefits of various energy choices, people can align their preferences with eco-friendly alternatives, collectively contributing to a more sustainable future. In essence, public awareness and education serve as vehicles for positive behavioral changes, creating a knowledgeable and environmentally conscious society that actively participates in the transition towards sustainable energy practices.

Reference.:

Steg, L., Perlaviciute, G., & Van der Werff, E. (2015). Understanding the human dimensions of a sustainable energy transition. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 805.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00805/full

Week 6 - Nov 29

pabloflor001_ — 2023-12-07 00:43:39 UTC

In the video, Barbara Willard from DePaul University talks about how art plays a crucial role in making invisible environmental issues visible. She reflects on the evident pollution issues of the 1970s, recalling the visible environmental challenges during that period and contrasts them with today's more elusive challenges, like carbon dioxide causing global warming. The main idea is that art has the power to appeal to people emotionally and make scientific data meaningful, serving as a tool to engage and educate the public about environmental issues. An interesting point she raises is the example of Chris Jordan's Midway photographs, showcasing the impact of plastic waste on birds in the Pacific Ocean. Willard suggests that such art is a way to open a door to understanding these problems. She advocates for more such impactful images and emphasizes the need for positive artistic visions to inspire a sustainable future, drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King's approach to dreams.