Blog Post #2 - Luke Dunphy - Expanding Worldview
While I have traveled internationally before, each time I do, my worldview certainly expands in different ways. Each destination I go to, I am reminded of how significantly different people’s day to day lives can be. While I am content with the way of life I see myself following in my future, it is such a unique feeling to be reminded that there is no single right way to live and experience the world around oneself.
On a political level, my attitude towards globalism and interconnectedness has altered. Before this travel experience, I did not understand much about the EU beyond it being a political and economic alliance of some sort. After our tour of the EU Parliament, I was astounded to see how formalized and cooperative foreign relationships could be, especially regarding climate change, where economic special interests easily impede progress in the United States.
My view on the importance of reversing climate change has greatly increased. Climate change is such a hard issue because it is incredibly hard to blame any one person, since citizens will act in accordance with their own best interests rather than what is better for the planet. Nobody is to blame because their sole contribution is a drop in the ocean of change that needs to happen. This is why change must be done through economic incentives as opposed to telling people to shift behaviors and habits.
For me, Freiburg was a turning point in becoming more conscious of how my personal efforts towards sustainable practices could be improved. After our Green City tour, I felt that I could see myself living in a Freiburg style culture easily; however, I believe it would be a struggle to take home most of these practices home. Every time I ponder how I can make the biggest positive impact on the world, I am drawn back to the Nuclear Energy industry. I strongly believe it is the most likely path to avoiding a catastrophic climate disaster.
Hi Luke!
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more. It seems as if every place I visit, even in the states, always seems to alter my worldview. This past April when I had the chance to travel to Monterey, California was an eye-opening experience - I learned that I could see myself living in the golden state! I sometimes think to myself when driving what the lives of others look like in the vehicles next to me.
This is especially true when abroad. At the time of my response, I am sitting in the common areas of the University of Wien excited to be watching families chat with their loved ones and some who are just enjoying a leisurely lunch.
I would say the same as in my attitude has been heightened regarding our current climate crisis and the immediacy of the issue. I believe citizens will not only act in their best interests, but they will act the only way they have known. Therefore, your point about climate change education and the importance of shifting our habits is imperative. Living the green Freiburg life sounds nice and doable. Although Dr. Whitworth implied that it would most likely take a catastrophic event for Americans to live this green on a daily basis, I would like to see if we could change the status quo. Keep up the great work!
- Macy Bayer
Luke, I had that same perspective when coming to Europe as our lives are completely different than the one that they are living here. In coming to Europe, I have seen an emphasis on walking and taking trains when compared to the U.S, we just drive everywhere. I also shared the same sentiment about the EU, in having very little knowledge about how they operate and what they are trying to accomplish. I really enjoyed the presentation that we had at the EU and am grateful that we got to learn about it as well as walk around. Freiburg also opened my eyes to what a successful European country can look like in terms of addressing the threats of climate change even though there is still a long way to go.
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