Journal Entry # 6 Colloquium and Me

I learned a great deal in University Colloquium, never before taking a class that focuses on the environment.  It was shocking to find out so many issues and serious problems that I was unaware of.  It was surprising that I have not been informed about these issues in other classes or discussed them with my peers.  To be honest, the class put a great deal of fear in my heart for our generation and future generations, if serious changes are not made….and soon.  Initially I did not expect to learn so much about global problems; instead I thought the class would focus on Florida and its natural environments.  Through fieldtrips, readings, videos, and in-class activities I learned a great deal about both.  This class has impacted my home life as well.  I find myself constantly turning off my air conditioning and lights, actions I would not consider doing before.  I also find myself being more religious about recycling, making sure I take extra efforts and time to do so.

In regards to how the class may impact my major or future profession, I do not see it making a significant change.  My major is social work, focusing more on people then the environment.  The two are connected and certain skills can be applied in correlation with my career.  Social workers usually help the disadvantaged populations, and techniques on how to reduce your carbon footprint while also lower monthly bills can be beneficial to many clients.  I would also think colloquium would greatly impact my career if I went into international social work.  Individuals from third world countries are greatly impacted by the stresses put on the environment.  Through field trips and the state of the world book, many techniques and tools were provided to help individuals and villages find, create, and use alternative tools and strategies in gathering water, storing food, and farming.  Being educated in such areas would be very beneficial when working overseas with populations who are struggling with such problems.

I really enjoyed the fieldtrips.  I thought the trips provided both fun and education at the same time, and it is nice to get out of the classroom and learn hands on.  The area I found to be the most difficult was the first presentation, only because it took place two weeks into the class and I would have liked the opportunity to learn more before presenting such important issues.  I did learn a lot from the presentations but wish I could have performed at a higher level.  Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it to be very beneficial. 

Entry # 5: A Time for Change, Shale’s the New Oil

After reading “The Oil Crash”, watching “Squeezing More Oil from the Ground”, and reflecting on our class lecture, it is evident that the world has peaked in oil production and finding alternative sources are necessary for most countries to maintain their current state of living.  I was unaware of exactly how big of a role oil plays in our daily lives and production processes.  From gasoline to producing and packaging food products, we have become reliant on oil.  This is partly due to its efficiency.  I gallon of oil can do more work in a year then hundreds of employees.  Results like that are hard to ignore and not to utilize in money driven societies.

            Oil is diminishing and many Americans are aware of the fact but are reluctant to change their comfortable lifestyles.  I often think in terms of what is happening in my current circumstances and if something does not seem like an immediate threat then the problem is put on the back burner.  In our current economic standings Americans no longer have the luxury of ignoring the oil crisis.  Gas prices are skyrocketing in a time of economic depression, already reaching $5.  An escalation in gas prices usually means an escalation in food prices, a result of transportation costs for food.  So now not only will people be paying more for gas, but also for food.  It will become evident to individuals that a change needs to be made.  Individuals may expect the government to find alternative fossil fuels or individuals will have to use less oil and cut other items in their budge.

            Food and gasoline are prominent items in a budget.  Food is a basic need of life, it cannot be cut but the items bought can be interchanged with cheaper items.  This often equates to less nutritional items.  Unfortunately it costs more to be healthy.  In terms of gasoline, most people have to travel to work and with the rise in suburban living, people are often traveling farther to get into the cities for work.  Gasoline is then a requirement for individuals to make money so they can buy food, and other necessities.

            An alternative solution to the oil crisis is shale gas.  Thanks to new drilling technologies it is now a cleaner option to oil.  Unfortunately the drilling companies have few regulations for setup, production, and maintenance of the drilling facilities.  This is creating problems with contaminating the local wells and water supplies where drilling is occurring.  Although it is an abundant and cleaner solution to oil it is currently at the risk of the local resident’s health.  Stricter regulations and monitoring by the government is critical to make it a more liable option.  Shale gas is a great alternative, although it has limitations.  It cannot fuel airplanes, but the world needs to start utilizing safer and more abundant fossil fuels.