San Jose State University Human Impact on the Planet Discussion

Today we hear of global climate change, extreme weather events, pollution, overpopulation, water scarcity, species extinction, and more as a result of human activity on the planet. Passionate voices such as that of young Greta Thunberg are urging us to bring our attention to these matters: “We need to see it as, above all, an existential crisis. And as long as it’s not being treated as a crisis, we can have as many of these climate change negotiations and talks, conferences as possible. It won’t change a thing,” Thunberg said, speaking via video from her home in Stockholm.

In our discussion will have 3 parts you must address in your post

1) But let’s get personal and honest about this now… How concerned are you about human impacts on the planet? How urgent does this issue seem to you? Have you ever had any experiences that touched your personally that were the result, directly or indirectly, of humans impacting our environment?

2) What do you think will need to happen for things to change and reduce these impacts on our planet? In other words, what would it take to turn society around?

3) What gives you hope? Let’s end our class with some uplifting examples of people who are working towards a better environmental future for our planet. Describe two examples of people, projects or actions that inspire you and provide two links (or videos) so that your classmates and I can learn more about them.