Here is my TED Talk - "The Earth is Full" by Paul Gilding:
This TED talk highlights the growing effect overcrowding and unsustainable economies has on our planet. Gilding begins with four simple and memorable words, "The Earth is full". He references several statistics such as the fact that collectively as humans we need 1.5 Earths in order to meet our resource needs. Since we only have the one, we are essentially stealing resources from future generations in order to meet our needs. These needs are ever increasing; they are expected to double in 40 years.
This video speaks to me personally because I am definitely part of the problem and feel guilty because of it. As an American growing up in a middle class family I have without a doubt used more than my fair share of resources. I own a car, have gone through several phones in my short life, and enjoy long hot showers amongst other unnecessary things. At the same time I try and recycle whenever I can and do little things such as print double sided and use a reusable water bottle. These actions speak to the fact that sustainability is a value I strive to live by in my life. Yet overwhelming I cannot help but think I am doing more harm than good. As a result I have mixed feelings about my congruence in terms of my values. I do the things I mentioned above, which are congruent with my value of sustainability, but I can't help but think that they have little effect when compared to how much energy I require to live. In regards to this I am far from congruent. I could become a vegetarian and bike everywhere while wearing one of my two outfits and be much more congruent, but like the video states there is no imminent crisis driving me to do so. Our current energy system dependent on fossil fuels is still functioning and while this holds true, it's hard for me and others to do more than carpool and recycle amongst other simple things. As I see it the only way I can have a net energy usage less than my fair share is if someday I engineer and implement some new efficient system that reduces the carbon footprint of not only me but those around me as well.
2 comments:
Jake, the Ted talk you chose was quite eye-opening. I can't believe the human race actually uses so many resources. I agree with you in that we're all part of the problem, and I'm really looking forward to see if you make something that will change the way energy is used in the world.
I completely agree with you Jake, I take for granted just how much of the Earth's resources i use. I agree with you and Avi when you say that we are all part of the problem. It will surely take a group effort to truly do anything to reduce our footprints by a considerable sum.
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