Blog 10: Kickstarting change for the better of the environment
Prompt: Describe your personal ethic as you develop as a nature interpreter. What beliefs do you bring? What responsibilities do you have? What approaches are most suitable for you as an individual?
Throughout this course we have been encouraged to examine what kind of interpreter we are and what we represent as an interpreter. I have not only learned a lot about the different ways I subconsciously interpret nature but also the way I rely and share this information to others. In short, I definitely feel more connected to myself as someone who interprets nature and specifically what things in nature particularly interest me. I feel like this is especially important being someone who is in Environmental Science and going on to persure a career in this field.
Being an Environmental Science student, all of my classes have looked deeply into the innerworkings of the environment from how different parts of nature function and why, to how multiple factors function to create what we know as the planet. With that said, I have also learned a lot about why conserving different aspects of the environment is important and this directly lines up with my beliefs as a person and as a nature interpreter. I think that if we as humans feel we are so ‘important’ and put our importance above the natural world to the point where we feel we can alter it however we want, then we automatically make ourselves responsible to protect and sustain it when it is faced with adversity. Sort of like a ‘you break it, you fix it’ scenario. Now, I know you’re all thinking that you’ve heard this a million times, but we are seriously running out of time and that’s something I think a lot of people don’t understand or can’t get a grasp on. I think oftentimes we forget that there are 8 billion people on earth all operating in the same manner and at the same time we are, and that many people have a significant influence on the earth. When we pursue and support conservation efforts, not only does it acknowledge the intrinsic value of other species, but also the intrinsic connection between us and our natural world. We can’t seem to get a grasp on the idea that the world’s resources are finite, so I believe looking towards conservation efforts is a first great step in the start of working with the environment rather than against it. I wanted to brush up on this blog I read regarding social science and its role in conservation that I largely agree with and I think kind of goes hand in hand with the point I’m trying to get across. The blog talks about this book called “Conservation Social Science: Understanding People, Conserving Biodiversity” and how human behaviour is a crucial part of conservation practices and solutions and is mostly ignored. They go on to explain that conservation is about changing the way that we as humans interact with the environment in our everyday lives, therefore we have to also look at aspects such as human’s relationship with the environment. Just because there is scientific evidence that there is a need to protect the earth doesn’t mean everyone understands it or believes it, that just the kind of world we live in. This blog also touches on how significant amounts of money is being put into conservation efforts but sometimes don’t succeed for the simple reason that they do not take into consideration how societies interact and influence the environment. I believe that this is definitely a huge factor but just as much as conservationists need to ultizate social sciences, society needs to be more self aware in terms of their relationships with the environment and why it is so crucial to understand the world around you as there is way more than what meets the eye. I’ve linked the short blog post below if anyone is interested!
Humans have altered the planet so dramatically that scientists say we may have entered a new geologic epoch — the Anthropocene. And yet huma
Although there is always room to expand my environmental science knowledge, I think as someone who understands and studies the environment as well as works within the field, it is my responsibility to be the voice for nature. It is my responsibility to do my best to spread my knowledge to others in hopes to make society more aware and it is also my responsibility to keep learning about the environment as time goes on. Being a voice for nature can show others a recognition of interconnectedness between us and the environment that they may have never understood or have simply overlooked. I feel although reading books or articles about this topic is extremely important, learning through others can make learning these things a lot more fun. I’ve found that when I learn through other people I tend to remember things better and actually engage in the topic of conservation by asking questions and bouncing off knowledge. It is my responsibility to not relay information by talking at people, but talking WITH people. There is a huge difference. When you make learning interesting and are passionate about what you are presenting, it entices people to listen and hopefully continue to strengthen their knowledge. Not only is it important for me to be an advocate but also ensure that I am also making environmentally conscious choices within my everyday life and working towards a greener way of life. If I’m going to preach that way of life to others then I need to be a prime example myself! Having learned everything I have in my studies thus far, I feel a sense of responsibility to create change and do something memorable. Whether that be discovering new research or designing something that contributes to protecting our planet.
I think the approaches that are most suitable for me as an individual are getting involved or working with companies that express the same values as me, giving me the opportunity to put my mindset into action. I am striving to pursue a job with large companies working in environmental restoration and protection. I feel this would give me a great opportunity to take what I’ve learned and apply it in a real world scenario, different perspectives and voices are always needed in this kind of field. In my first year of university (approximately 4 years ago) I worked with Trent University students in releasing turtle hatchlings back into a wetland within the city of Guelph and since experiencing that, I knew that was something I wanted to keep on doing. I think in doing this kind of work not only am I putting my beliefs into action but I hope to also enspire others to want to do the same, especially younger generations. I think it is extremely important to expose these generations to scenarios such as this so that they can be consciously aware of their actions and also enspire them to potentially take a science route in their future studies. Scenarios like this can completely change what people think they know about nature and also help the younger generations get a head start on a greener way of life and influence them in an environmentally cautious way. Creating first hand experiences to others can potentially change someone’s route of life like it did mine! It can help people see what they are interested in and work towards pursuing that. There can never be too many scientists in this kind of field, more is potentially one step closer to saving our earth. With all that said, I will leave you all with this short video and remember it is never too late to do the right thing and if you put your mind to it, you are capable of great things.
Hey Emma!
Great post, It is really cool that you want to pursue a career in environmental science and how amazing that you recognized your path after releasing turtle hatchlings back into a wetland. I am also hopeful that you an work in big companies where you can utilize your knowledge and help the planet. It is great that you realized that you learn better when you engage in a conversation and i think these weekly blogs have been a a similar experience. These blogs really helped me see how others interpret nature and how important nature still is to people in my age and i have seen your blogs from the very beginning and i am now somehow familiar with your ethics and beliefs. I also too see it as my responsibility to design new research in environmental science or do something that helps the plants even though i do not major in environmental science. I feel like this sense of responsibility and dedication to nature has been within me since i was a little child and somehow in my adult years after realizing how scared nature is to indigenous people, I assumed maybe i have indigenous ancestors! But jokes aside I learned that culture is a part of what we know about nature another part which is more feasible is "Teachings"; teaching in kindergarten or high school or even higher education. I think I sense this responsibility to teach children about nature and about all the beautiful things that are out there and no adult is talking about it. I would like children to learn about bioluminescence before they learn about "iCloud" or "Ps5"; not that there is anything wrong with those things. It's just that i deeply feel the urge to not let nature be forgotten. Your post from conservation.org is another reason we should take action to save the planet before it's too late!
Wish you luck on the remainder of the semester :)
Morvarid
