The three issues I have chosen to explore are climate change, sustainable energy, and mental health. Climate change is significant for both society and myself. Even if the effects of climate change are not severe enough to cause damage to my own life, it very well may cause harm to the lives of my children or grandchildren. With sustainable energy, significance again lies on myself and society. If society can adapt to more sustainable forms of energy, I too will have to adapt to them. Again, mental health is significant both for myself and for society as a whole. People do not treat mental illness with the concern it deserves. I have many friends who suffer from mental illness, but feel trapped because of the way our society functions. This can be devastating, as they constantly battle something that nobody can see.
I chose to explore climate change because it strikes me as one of the most pressing issues in the world today, and one that is severely underestimated. I recently took a class here at Ohio State on climate change, and in all honesty, the information was a slap to the face. I wish that everyone in the world knew the things that I know now about how our climate is changing. In terms of society, climate change will effect every aspect. The very way in which our society functions will potentially be destroyed. With a world that not only is hotter, but also has more devastating storms take place, it is very likely that cities on the coast will be destroyed. This is due partly to the fact that the sea levels are rising, but also for a variety of other factors. If coastal cities are hit with some sort of storm, say a hurricane, the economy of that nation will suffer immensely. For example, New York City lies directly on the coast. If the U.S. were to lose New York City, the effects would be astronomical. In terms of the environment, many species that we think of as normal now may be driven to extinction (Bevis & Rissing, 2016).
I chose to explore sustainable energy because, to me, it is one thing that must be built on in order to better control how far our climate will warm. The economics behind sustainable energy are complicated, and also quite simple. If the demand of sustainable energy rises, the prices will drive down. People will then be more willing to purchase these forms of sustainable energy. Right now, it can still be quite pricy to build a wind farm. However, the price we pay now may save countless lives of the future. The environment will thank us very much if we switch to sustainable energy. Like I said previously, climate change would be slowed and how far the climate warms may be swayed. Society is so stuck in the ways of things as they are that they may have a harder time adjusting, or being willing to adjust, to the new forms of energy that may be created. Overall, this topic is a very interesting one that I will continue to look into no matter if I research it for this class (Bevis & Rissing, 2016).
The final issue I have chosen to explore is mental health. Although unrelated to my previous two choices, this may be the most important to me of all. I chose this topic because it appeals to me. I wish to enter the field of mental health myself, perhaps becoming a counselor or therapist for those who suffer. I know about this issue from real-world experience. Some of my closest friends throughout my life have suffered from metal illness. They spend a lot of money on medication, especially for something that society barely recognizes as a disease. If my friends are to call in sick due to their mental illness, they are likely to be turned down or even laughed at. If society would promote help rather than humor, more people may seek the help that they need. If more people seek help, then yes, it is even possible that more money would be put into the aspect of medication. I want to help people, but it is hard to help people that will not help themselves due to the barriers society sets up for them. In terms of the environment, I have found something extremely fascinating. People with mental illness that are exposed to green spaces generally show less severe signs of symptoms than those who are not (Mental Health, 2012).
I have chosen to explore the issue of mental health. I intend to explore this issue throughout the semester by doing research and raising mental health awareness in any way that I can. I think the biggest challenge I will experience will be coming up with new ways to raise awareness, but I am eager to take the necessary steps to be successful.
Works Cited
Bevis, M., & Rissing, S. (2016). EARTHSC 1911. Lectures presented in University Hall, Columbus, Ohio
Mental Health. (2012, December 31). Retrieved January 23, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/mental.htm