Blogs
( I am sorry for posting after the video conference. )
1. Ecological Footprint Calculator:
I unfortunately couldn't do the Ecological Footprint because I didn't find my country on the map.
2. Climate Challenge:
This simulation was definitely my favorite one. It was really interesting to put myself into the shoes of the president of the European Union, to be able to make decisions and think about different stategies. Also, I think the game represents really well what it is like to have such responsibility, it's indeed like playing cards you have to find the best combination that will determine the continuation of the game.
So, my strategy was mainly focusing on the most dangerous issue wich is the emmisions of the carbon dioxide and trying to negotiate with other countries to lower their emissions. Also, I was trying as much as possible to preserve the food, water and energy resources. I didn't really pay attention to my popularity, I was trying to be as pragmatic as possible but I ended up not reelected. One the whole, my strategy was pretty effective, but people didn't like it.
I think the strategy cards represented the resources really well, and were able to show the real price of some things we usually take for granted ( e.g. importing food wich is really polluting and quiet expensive ). Also, i think it would've been great if there was an option in the game that would allow us to talk to the people, and try to convince them about some decisions they didn't like such as introducing CO2 allowances, Sometimes, politicians and specialists know what's better for the people than they ( the people ) do because they are able to see the bigger picture and are more aware of the benefits of some decisions that may seem nonsense for normal citizens. In fact, this is a real problem in many societies, people don't seem to understand the impact that climate change has and will have in their lives and specially in countries where the illiteracy rate is important. In my opinion, there is a problem in communicating the problem to people, wich explains why the number of people who actually care about climate change and global warming is so low. (
this video kind of sums up what i am trying to say. )
Finally, my approach to international negotiations was mainly to lead by example and respect my promises.
3. Water Footprint Calculator:
I was very surprised when I discovered my water footprint ( 3266 cubic meters per year ) and that a huge part of the water I consume is throught meat, cereals and fruit.
My water footprint can be reduced by changing many habits, like eating less meat, trying to take quick showers, watering the garden by using drip irrigation... But, I can't reduce my consumption of fruits or cereals.
On the whole, these simulations were very interesting and made me discover many things about my daily habits and showed me the real value of things I for granted. Also, they made me understand the importance of talking about climate change inside my community to make people aware of the problem and help them change some of their behaviours. Finally, these simulations made me understand that climate change can be tackled in many ways, for example, each and every one of us can help by changing their habits and becoming more ecofriendly, but politicians should also make bigger decisions for the long term.
