I read today that, according to some online sources, Greta Thunberg is the front-runner for this year’s Nobel peace prize.
The Start of the Climate Strikes
In 2011, eight-year-old Greta learned about climate change and could not understand why people were not rushing to prevent the impending crisis. She tried various strategies to raise awareness, both within her family and the community, culminating In a one-person “School strike for climate”, sitting outside the Swedish parliament for three weeks in 2018.
Gradually, her single-minded exploits became known throughout the world, and she is credited with inspiring thousands of school children to strike, as well as adults assembling and marching in many countries, particularly leading up to and following the recent UN Climate Action Summit in New York.
Online Courses
How does this relate to online learning? Online courses are an excellent way to become informed. Learn the simple science behind climate change. Learn why wildfires and heat waves are becoming more frequent and more disastrous. Learn about changing weather patterns, potentially leading to more catastrophic droughts and floods. Learn how increased temperatures could lead to lack of fresh water, famine, sea rise, mass extinctions, and war. Even learn why some people continue to deny that climate change is an issue that needs action.
Also, learn how we can avoid the worst of these disasters by acting now. Learn how you can help by reducing your environmental footprint. Live more sustainably. Reduce your wastage and save your money along the way. Eat less or no resource-hungry foods such as meat. Eat more low impact foods and help the world’s assets last longer. Study online at home rather than using fuel commuting.
In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 sustainable development goals. Here is a list of more than 100 online courses addressing those goals. Why aren’t there more hours in each day? I want to study so many courses!
A Final Thought
You don’t have to become a hermit to save the world, but even simple adjustments can help. Greta Thunberg has put her education on hold to tackle an issue that is bigger than one person.
By Pat Bowden, published October 8, 2019.
