...Sky's the Limit

There is no limit to what is possible, an insight into the human mind.  Preserving the environment is no different.  And as long as there is 1% chance I will invest 100% effort.

By far our greatest challenge is preserving the balance between environment and the impact of human activity, rivaling the tragedies occurring in Africa, India as well as other developing nation- humanitarily speaking there is no comparison, but there are many links.  Preserving one can improve the outlook for many.

Fortunately human capacity has the unique ability to adapt and change.  Fraught with compromises, questions and with so many to consider, there is no satisfactory answer for what we face.

World population as of October 1, 2010 6,872,233,191

As I reflect on what my task is at Tufts University I think about the power of the resources at my disposal in Urban Planning and Environmental Engineering.  I reflect on the opportunity as a utility, to apply theory, philosophy, ideology, modeling and structure to produce a transformational strategy to preserve our natural environment-- helping others to understand and improve.  I believe we can learn to help others make immeasurable leaps in faith and progress.  My goal is to produce compelling insights that can move the world-- why not?

Engagement with people from around the world, resembling a United Nations located in a place where  our differences become our indifference-- to barriers.  We to explore the frontier together in order to foster new thinking and energy that makes the planet a more habitable place to live.

Critical thresholds of water resources; debate and dialog on economic influences, health risk factors all leave me capitulating to the evidence that rests before me; knowing that within all of this is not solely idealism that drives my commitment to change, but my unshakable belief in what is possible for humanity to achieve.  People managing scarcity, and transforming it into abundance, implementing strategies around policies and sound planning, collectively represent my drivers.

How much time do we have to achieve all this?

We have exactly enough time... starting right now.

Do something environmental (DSE)

Embracing Climate Change

Healing People and the Earth

by Scotland Willis
When we(those in the field of climate related issues) are in our circles, understanding that most of the U.S. population does not fully grasp the environmental issues that include climate change, the circle can seem full.  It seems like the world knows all about environmental concerns- but we often find ourselves talking to our friends.  With all the recycling(what to recycle, how much, separating compost etc) many people just can't seem to identify the compelling need to support modifying systems that are currently in place.  They are provided with a relatively comfortable lifestyle(for most people), many people are already burdened with economic stressors-- and quite frankly most don't see the difference their efforts will make.  Oh and let's not forget the amenity of cheap oil.

For years agencies and individuals have been working on making climate change a priority for the general public though various campaigns, from hybrid vehicles to littering and even water usage.  Some approaches have been more abrasive; making attempts to threaten non-believers with dyer consequences.  While the consequences are real, approaching environmental concerns should not be about creating fear.  We should no sooner take this approach than thinking that creating fear in the workplace is a good choice- it's not!  Fear does not make people productive; nor do threats, yelling, or misleading bits of information.  There is enough evidence and solid examples we can use to be more persuasive- and we should be.

Response to climate change is a behavioral issue.  As such we need to focus on strategies that change behavior.  Incentives, education(early and adult), inclusionary programs, municipal support and legislation.  People need to see, and feel the difference by contributing to project and ideas that make both large and small scale differences on the environment.  Projects may range from building a small solar panel with their child, to ground water and hydrology research undertaken by research teams.  People need to work, not green jobs but be involved so that we can yield a revolutions of change with waves of people.

A combination of more interesting approaches, visible benefits and opportunities to get involved will prove to be transformational for larger segments of our population.  People are more likely to get engaged in a project they visit while it is under way, especially if it is a large scale project with far reaching implication.

I strongly support environmental and climate change initiatives; as a 15 year consultant and a masters student  in environmental engineering as well as urban planning; how we get these messages out is going to be critical to ensuring successful engagement and implementation for a healthier future for Earth(or our biosphere).

Scotland Willis is an environmental strategist, lecturer and advocate.  He is currently a working on a dual Masters at Tufts in Environmental Engineering and Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.  He is a management consulting in systems thinking and large scale change.  You can email him at scotland@clearstrategies.us. or visit the clear strategies web site