hanhurl

[hanhurl]

Week 15

I first had a relationship with the virus when I was in Italy. My boyfriend lives in Milan and my sister lives in Genova. I was visiting my boyfriend when there were about 30 confirmed cases in the country. By the time I left, there were around 40,000. I had 5 cancelled flights and was worried i would be stuck there for a long time while illegally overstaying my visa. Luckily, that didn’t happen. I was in quarantine in Milan for about two weeks before I could leave. I was stuck in my boyfriends house which isn’t the worst, since his family made food every day and I had free accommodation. I remember waking up to the news that Trump put a ban on all travel from the EU to the US, making it practically impossible for me to get home. 

My boyfriend, Leo, has a dog, thank god! Walking his dog was the only way for us to get out of the house. Here is a sign on a school saying “Andra’ tutto bene” - everything will be alright. Many people in Italy had this sign hanging from their homes along with flags. 

I was finally able to fly home on March 21st. Milano --> Roma --> New York. Masks were mandatory to get on the flight. It was a strange experience flying since the only passengers were American citizens trying to get home. I was constantly sanitizing and anxiously waiting our arrival during the 9 hour flight. 

In order to enter the US again, I had to fill out a health form of where I had been, who I had come in contact with, and if I had exhibited any symptoms. When we landed, a police car LITERALLY pulled over our plane. We had to wait about an hour before we could get off the plane and wait in line to get our temperature taken. This was probably one of the scariest parts of the whole journey. 

I was given some cards on how to monitor myself for symptoms. Whether New York was under lockdown or not, I would have to stay quarantined for 14 days. Luckily by the time I got there, NYC was already under quarantine, this made it easier to stay inside, since I was clearly not missing out on anything from the “outside world”. This two week period was filled with anxiety. Every day I would wake up anticipating symptoms but luckily they never came. I celebrated with some wine by myself :(. 

Speaking of wine, since I’m 24 and of legal age to drink, I found myself drinking wine almost every night to fall asleep or to distract myself. I decided to stop doing this and to start taking care of myself while at home. I started intermittent fasting and stopped drinking alcohol. Tomorrow I will be 30 days sober and will also have completed 30 days of intermittent fasting. I’ve found it’s nice to have a routine with food while at home all day. It’s helped me save food, I’ve stopped snacking late at night, and overall have more energy in general. 

This was taken one of the first days I got back into New York. 

Since I am in a long distance relationship, I’m not new to FaceTime so I’m pretty used to it. I’ve been on zoom for a few classes and also had a birthday celebration for my friend on zoom! 

I live on the Upper East Side. Every night my neighbor has a “concert” on his roof at 6:30 and plays typical New York songs by Frank Sinatra and Jay Z; at 7 pm it’s followed by the clapping! The local news filmed it although I can’t find the clip. 

When the weather is nice on the weekdays (when people are at work), I take walks by myself through Central Park. I was walking at night at first but found the city to be completely different from how it was. Even on the Upper East Side I feel unsafe since there is no one outside- including the police. 

I was walking down the street the other day and it actually made me pretty emotional. This says call a loved one in Italian. Since my relationship with the coronavirus started in Italy, it was emotional for me to see a sign from another part of the world. It made everything feel more connected. Since I’m in quarantine alone in a studio apartment, this last week has really started to get to me. I’ve stopped looking at news on the daily to maintain my mental health. I’m really looking forward to when this is all over. I’m trying to make the best of it as much as I can. It’s made me view life in a different way, and has made me much more appreciative of what I have. 

[hanhurl]

Week 14

I think the world would look extremely different if all girls were educated. I have found that many countries that have women as leaders are far ahead of many countries (i.e. Germany, Taiwan, Finland, New Zealand, Iceland + many more). These countries are also listed in the countries that have handled the Coronavirus the best. I would like to think the world would become a better place; with an alternative perspective. I believe education is a basic human right. I think many women need education to get themselves out of hostile situations, understand their opportunities (if they’re available in their country) and if they’re not, how to change that and start a revolution. Using some facts from UNESCO if more women were educated, less women would die during childbirth, education lessens the wage gap, and less women would be likely to have children young. In 2009, Obama addressed the fact that there is a great amount of wisdom in investing in the education of women and acknowledged the importance of it. All of these are positive things and it’s hard to imagine something negative coming out of more women educated. The only thing I could think of would be the male ego would have potential to be brutally hurt (haha). I heard a phrase that said if a man doesn’t like cats but likes dogs, it’s because he doesn’t like something he can’t control.  

[hanhurl]

week 13

I have a typical immigrant story that many Americans have. On my mother’s side it’s mostly Pennsylvania Dutch that came from Germany. My great-grandmother on my mother’s side came from Czechoslovakia to have a better life as many Europeans were doing this. She lived through the great depression which has had a long lasting effect on that side. My mother's side is somewhat penny pinching and very close to each other since in history they had to all live together because they couldn’t afford homes. She lived through the Prohibition era and actually had a speakeasy to acquire some sort of income. They had a farm far away where they would brew hops to support their bar. 

My father’s side is mostly immigrants from the UK. After the potato famine, many people emigrated from Ireland to the US. Everyone in my immediate family including grandparents were born in the United States. 

My grandparents on both sides were born after the great depression and had parents that were very conservative with their money. I think that trait has been somewhat passed down through the generations. My grandmother on my father’s side lived through Pearl Harbor and unfortunately that attack left her with reservations against the Japanese. My aunt (her daughter) eventually went on to marry a Japanese man and my grandmother did not support it for quite some time. Through the years they have learned acceptance and how to live with others who seem to be unlike yourself.

[hanhurl]

Week 12

Madonna recently teamed up with the Reform Alliance and donated 100,000 masks to inmates in jails and prisons across the country. Since prisons are obviously confined spaces, once one inmate contracts the virus it’s of course inevitable many will contract it over time. Madonna used her platform to protect some of the most vulnerable. She focused where she sent the masks to some of the most hard hit parts of the country. Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Virginia experienced their first COVID-19 deaths in prisons or jails within the past week. In a statement, Madonna said "It's absolutely crucial that we protect our inmates and prison staff, especially since social distancing guidelines are difficult to abide by in these facilities." Madonna is a celebrity that is looked up to by many generations. I think her effort to support inmates was a bold yet needed statement that many people needed to see. It’s easy to take life for granted and even the most vulnerable and in some ways forgotten people need protection. Meek Mill and Jay-Z also teamed up with her. 

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9363607/madonna-reform-alliance-masks

https://www.blackenterprise.com/meek-mill-jay-z-and-madonna-team-up-to-send-100000-more-masks-to-jails-and-prisons/

[hanhurl]

[hanhurl]

Week Eight: Book Review #2

1. I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education by Malala Yousafzai

3. “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” 

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZizGoO9x0yo

•How does this book change or enhance the definition of "celebrityhood" (2-3 paragraphs)

I would say in popular culture today, a celebrity is either rich, in the business industry, or in the entertainment industry. Since Malala has gained an immense amount of recognition with her book, she redefines what it is to be a celebrity. Being a celebrity can be standing up for what you think is right and gaining a following from that. You don’t have to have a lot of likes, money in the bank, and attractive. You can be a simple girl from a hometown in the middle of nowhere and become a celebrity just saying what everyone else is thinking. 

There was a gap in her society. Women aren’t getting treated fairly. Although she knows she’s not the only person with these beliefs, she has become a celebrity for speaking her mind and trying to change the world for the better. She has given a better name to the term celebrity. Since she is defined as a celebrity now, it brings a whole new meaning as to what the term stands for; it’s creating actions based on what you know is right. She never lets anything get to her head and always remains grounded, which is something many “celebrities” should take from her. 

•What contributions does this book make to social change? (2-3 paragraphs)

This book touches on a few social changes. A few of them being corruption, sexism, education, and women’s rights. Although she touches on these topics, I would say the main issue is lack of education in women. Talking about the way women are treated in the Middle East almost seems taboo. Everyone knows about it but is too afraid to talk about it. Not only is Malala on a crusade to change social constructs within her culture, but her father is also on the forefront. 

This book educates the western population since she is a true voice from the middle of the “battle field”. Even though she was shot in the face by the Taliban, she doesn’t want that to be her legacy. Malala realizes it’s now or never for her voice to be heard, she essentially has nothing left to lose but to help her people. More people in the world are paying attention to this issue now that Malala has spoken out against what’s “expected” of her; which isn’t much for a woman in the Middle East. Not many people realize that what she is doing is also putting her own life on the line. There are many people that surround her on the daily that could physically hurt her for raising her voice. By sacrificing her own safety, it truly shows how much of an issue it is and how many women like her are reaching their breaking points. 

•What new concept did this book introduce to the world? (1-2 paragraphs)

One of the most obvious concepts in this book is the power of education. Living in the year 2020, we still do not have equal education for all women across the globe. Pakistan is currently suffering from many educational challenges. Whether it’s the lack of teachers, or outdated curriculum. Currently, there are 123 million young people in the world without reading and writing skills, 61% being young girls. Malala expresses how much of an impact you can make even if the world is so large and your voice seems so small. In terms of educating the world on a problem within your country, it can seem very intimidating and seem not worth trying. She eloquently expresses her voice and lets the young people know no matter what age or gender you are, your voice is heard and is never too small to make a difference.

[hanhurl]

Film Review #2

1. Film trailer and link to film's website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV04zyfLyN4

https://www.cowspiracy.com/about

2. What important social issue question does this documentary ask and what type of storytelling does it employ to answer it? (2 paragraphs)

They touch on a few issues in this film all centered around environmental issues that eating animals plays into. Agriculture is one of the leading causes of deforestation and has an extremely negative effect on our future. We all know that the earth is dying and this documentary really deep dives into how the meat you eat will affect our future for the worse. 

This film uses facts that are well known but people are too afraid to talk about to promote the message they’re trying to convey. My showing facts, statistics, and projections of the future, the storytelling deeply affects you into thinking you should change your ways- which is a good thing!

3. What new story is revealed in this film, and what revelations have emerged from it to impact popular discourse? (2 paragraphs)

A main story that’s revealed is that many people and organizations know about the facts but don’t necessarily want to talk about them. It’s extremely embarrassing for companies to know that all of this is happening yet not take the steps to help solve the problem. 

I in particular have had many revelations with this movie especially since the facts are easy to digest.  I was vegetarian for 7 years and after watching this film it’s made me want to get back to that.  Even if I’m unable to make a drastic change, I’m inspired to make little changes throughout my life to help improve the environment for my own future. 

4. How did this documentary expand the reputation of the subject, and how did it serve to further the spotlight on a key social change issue? (2 paragraphs)

I think this documentary helps the average person realize what they can do to help minimize the impact. Many people (especially older people) have a hard time realizing it’s actually very easy to reduce the amount of meat you intake. The documentary was very informative and showed all aspects of the industry, from CO2 emissions, to the steak on your plate.  

 It truly makes you feel guilty that you’re not doing enough to help save the environment which is an effective way to make change.  Without this documentary, it can be very hard to collect all the facts in one place. By putting a spotlight on how companies are trying to cover up that eating meat is bad for you, you’re able to make a more informed decision when it comes to your meals. 

5. Add interview clips, images, hotlinks and/or quotes from reviews.

“The film educates viewers about how animal agriculture is the leading cause of “deforestation, water consumption and pollution, is responsible for more greenhouse gases than the entire transportation industry, is a primary driver of rainforest destruction, species extinction, habitat loss, topsoil erosion, ocean ‘dead zones,’ and virtually every other environmental ill.” - Global Citizen

[hanhurl]

Film Review #1

1. Film trailer and link to film's website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za3lZcrzzcM

http://www.amy-movie.com/

2. What important social issue question does this documentary ask and what type of storytelling does it employ to answer it? (2 paragraphs)

This documentary took on a few social issues. She had mental health problems along with drug and substance abuse problems. Amy was an alcoholic, she had a bad relationship with her father and her husband, and how not everyone is able to handle fame. Many people who have talent that have risen to fame were never prepared for it. This is a social issue that’s not often talked about enough. 

The documentary tackled these issues by showing how her childhood was, showing she had an abusive relationship with her father, and how where she came from and what she experienced shaped her into what she was and what made her do the things she did. Many people who rise to fame find themselves in a tough position where they aren’t mentally stable, and they don’t have a support system to help during the drastic changes your life has when rising to fame. This documentary helped the viewer get the full picture of her life and how addictions and abuse lead to death. I personally liked how the documentary used footage from when she was an actual teenager and wasn’t recreated. They showed the true side of her personality without shying away from the negative aspects. 

3. What new story is revealed in this film, and what revelations have emerged from it to impact popular discourse? (2 paragraphs)

I think this documentary revealed how the public and the people closest to her can ignore her problems since she was becoming “famous”. Many people wanted the best for her but unfortunately didn’t recognize that the best doesn’t include fame. It seems to me that her death had the possibility of being prevented. I think Amy needed intensive therapy to help her break free from things of the past but listening to her friends didn’t seem like an option. Really she is the only one who could have saved herself. 

I remember Amy’s death as I was around 16 years old. I think the media became obsessed with death and how juicy the details were. I don’t ever remember hearing facts about her life that would help put her death into a better understanding. After watching the documentary I was able to see how she grew up, what caused her to make certain decisions, and how true and valuable her relationships were with her closest friends. 

4. How did this documentary expand the reputation of the subject, and how did it serve to further the spotlight on a key social change issue? (2 paragraphs)

I think this documentary showed the public that no matter how famous you art or how much money you have, people are still hurting on the inside. It shows how substance abuse is something that should be taken seriously and that we never know what someone is going through.

I think this documentary has helped change the stigma we have on celebrities with substance issues. We need to look out for people we admire and never shame them for having a problem. We need to realize we’re all human and no one has a perfect life; fame definitely doesn’t fix internal demons. 

 5. Add interview clips, images, hotlinks and/or quotes from reviews.

“This makes “Amy” an intensely intimate experience, which is delightful as you’re getting to know her early on, when she’s all shy, charming smiles and having her first successes. In its rise-and-fall arc, her star-is-born/star-is-dead story is painfully familiar; she is, bluntly, just one more name now etched on our pop-cultural mausoleum. Yet, as this movie reminds you again and again, the commercial entity known as Amy Winehouse was also a human being, and it’s this person, this Amy, whom you get to know through all the lovely little details, knowing winks, funny asides and barbed observations that help make the movie memorable.” - New York Times

[hanhurl]

Week 6

Where do these youth leaders go from here?

Youth leaders need to continue to share their stories to people who can truly make a difference. Unfortunately, these kids have to live in fear every single day because of the decisions their elders lack to make. They should continue to speak up since it’s really the only thing they have. Sooner or later these kids will be in a position to make changes in the law and affect their children effectively since they themselves have experienced the true horror in their schools. 

Is the reign of the NRA reaching its twilight moment?

If there is a problem, you think of a solution. Unfortunately for many Americans, the solution they have paired with the gun problem is more guns. In New York, we live in a bubble. We tend to think more democratically and think many other people think the same. This is definitely not the case. The NRA can go two ways. Either it falls to its demise when people wake up and realize guns are the problem. Or, it can become as fruitful as ever as people seem to think more guns solve a gun PROBLEM.

Is the tide turning on gun violence in the US?

I think in the public eye the tide is ever so slowly turning on how parents and friends are viewing the situation. When it comes to the government, for the amount of violence that has happened, you would think there would be a noticeable change but I can’t say I’ve seen that myself. I think gun violence has been a thought in the government’s head but not much past that. People have been full of words but not full of action. I know with the government it can take a long time for laws and decisions to go into effect but Columbine was over 20 years ago… and it’s only gotten worse. I think right now there is too much money in the NRA tied to government funding and until that model changes nothing else will. 

Have you become more active on gun violence issues since March for Our Lives?

I have to admit I live in a bit of a bubble and have not been very active in gun violence. Hearing about each tragic event each week makes you a bit numb to it all. I think when I have kids it would greatly impact me and my life. It’s embarrassing to say I haven’t put much thought into it but I guess that’s just humans selfish nature. 

Have you Registered to VOTE? 

Yes! Since I’m 24, I voted in the previous election and I am more than ready for the next one!

[hanhurl]

Book Review

“The Drawdown book is largely a reference book – both smart and easy to digest. It sets up a list of solutions, ranked by their potential to reduce carbon, brief explanations of each, and even cost estimates to ramp them up.” This came from The Environmental Show book review. I personally agree with this quote as all the information is easy to digest and basically stops your search when it comes to finding ways to improve the environment. I was surprised by industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is a global warming solution because it can replace cotton. I didn’t realize that cotton created a negative impact on the environment and that it can be replaced with hemp. Drawdown states that one cotton t shirt can create 80 pounds of carbon dioxide. Unfortunately in the US, the cultivation of hemp has been prohibited because of the association of the marijuana plant. I can continue to implement being a vegetarian in my daily life. I currently ride bikes and don’t own a car- something that helps the environment. Something I can start is to only use bioplastics and make sure all plastic I use is biodegradable. I have composted in the past (7 years ago) but have found it to be a hassle and smelly. Now that technology is changing at an exponential rate, I’m sure I can find some compost bins that make it easier for me to stay committed to the environment.

Paul Hawken is one of the leading authorities on sustainability. He is an environmentalist, activist, and leader. Hawken has dedicated a majority of his life to sustainability dating back to the 1960s. He has provided us with 100 ways to help reverse the climate crisis. While Hawken was talking to one of his friends who is an activist, his friend said that when it comes to climate change, it’s game over and nothing can be done to reverse or stop it. This discussion helped birth Project Drawdown and inspired Hawken to show the public the climate crisis can be reversed and people should not give up hope. A lot of environmentalists today set goals that span far into the future. This can be hard for people to understand and implement into their own lives since it’s not affecting them here and now. Hawken differs because he offers daily things the average person can do without drastically disrupting their life.  This helps the public make efficient changes that actually help the climate crisis. His climate change perspective is also different because he addresses the issue of gender inequality. If we have more gender equality this will help the climate crisis. If women are educated and empowered to start their own families when they want, this supports the climate crisis. The whole purpose of drawdown is to show people what they can do to actively help the environment. This book is meant for people to take immediate action and not meant to collect dust and be put down. Not only does Drawdown provide substantial solutions to prevent global warming, it provides ways in which you can reverse it. I personally liked this book because it was very positive in providing solutions for us. Project Drawdown is currently partnered with communities, policy makers, and universities to provide detailed plans on how to implement the ideas. One of the easiest ways to reverse global warming is eating a plant rich diet. For 7 years I have been vegetarian for health and ethical reasons. Joaquin Phoenix is one of the most notable activists for veganism after his Oscar speech. He dedicated his speech to educating the public watching him on how crucial it is to eat vegan and consciously. His unique strategy was to take the center stage of winning an Oscar and used the platform to create a powerful voice. I think his speech has had an immense impact because when you search his name on Google the very first thing after his name that pops up is “vegan”. 

 On their website, they state that Project Drawdown brings together researchers working to help achieve the shared goal of reversing global warming. Located around the world, our researchers work remotely to incorporate new research and data into models that demonstrate progress towards drawdown. “The Project Drawdown Fellowship is an international cohort of climate leaders working to identify the most effective solutions to solve global warming”. Mamta Mehra is in the fellowship program and focuses on improved rice cultivation. “Dr. Mehra is very passionate about application-based research and has started working on a restoration project for the revival of the abandoned croplands through agroforestry practices in her native state in India. In the next phase of work she wants to work on the implementation of Drawdown solutions at various scales.” I believe their project is completely scalable since there are many abandoned croplands around the world that can do the same easily, since she is an example to follow. This project specifically aligns with regenerative agriculture. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ-NUuHLOWg

[hanhurl]

Week Four: Feb 12: #MeToo #TimesUp

1. Why do you think the #MeToo movement has been so effective? Why now?

I think the #MeToo movement is so effective now because it truly shows that anyone can be a victim. By celebrities, people in entertainment, and the general workforce speaking out, it shows just how common sexual assault is. The movement has shown the general population how your sister, friend, aunt, coworker have most likely experienced sexual assault in someway, and how speaking out shouldn’t be a scary thing and bringing light and attention to it should not be shameful. I think the movement has also been so effective because hashtagging “me too” through a computer screen is an easy way to have an outlet. Many people are bullied online because it’s easy to speak up, but on the positive side of being online, I think it’s become easier to speak your truth. I think that also ties into why now. The age of computers has made information across the globe easily accessible for women to find other people just like them.

2. What other impacts have you observed of the #MeToo movement? How has it affected you?

Besides bringing justice to women and “getting men fired”, I realized that wasn’t necessarily the point of it all. I’ve also noticed some change in the entertainment industry in general. Companies have decided to ban non-disclosure agreements to help cover sexual harassment. In general, prosecuting someone as the victim is extremely expensive, many legal defences have changed in order to help people seek justice without emptying their pockets. I think another impact of the movement has been the overall outlook of the American people on sexual harassment. Americans now view it as something that’s not taboo and something that’s worth talking about. By shedding light to the situation more women feel comfortable opening up to their families about an experience without worrying if someone will believe them or not. This movement has affected me by realizing many women have gone through similar situations, I think it’s made me more aware and kind to people since you don’t know their stories. In some ways, it’s made me more cautious about certain industries since knowing many women in entertainment have horror stories. 

3. What is the celebrity lens here? What did celebrities risk in joining #MeToo? What have they gained? 

I think many celebrities risked their careers by speaking out. They don’t have any personal gain and instead gain comfort through other women and confidence knowing their story matters. Celebrities used their platform to create attention around the issue at hand. If you have a celebrity you look up to and see they went through a similar experience as you, it helps you gain power and confidence to speak what’s on your mind without fear. They have gained media attention to stop the issue at hand and help the general population. This is something that should never be tossed to the side.

[hanhurl]

Solution Geeks and Visionary Tech

1. How do these stories help people locate not just hope but solutions?

I think these stories help locate solutions by giving a back story on how we all live very similar lives. They all start out with something relatable that we all have done, then zero in on a specific problem. Often when we hear how climate change is bad and the earth won’t survive for very long, it can seem daunting and overwhelming with how to even begin to fix the problem. These stories help locate solutions by giving people the specifics for one project that can help relieve global warming in the long term. 

2. Which of these individuals had to overcome the most obstacles to realize their project?

I think Boyan Slat had one of the most difficult times to realize their project since there is more ocean than land. Tackling waste in the ocean is not something that can be thought of overnight. He has to realize his project in a few steps. For most companies, if an idea to solve a problem is not fully thought out, they won’t take the leap and invest. Using boats and vessels is very expensive and trying to gather waste in an ever changing ocean with currents and waves, it can be a huge hassle to collect waste. Luckily, he is using the waves of the ocean as a tool to collect waste. I think the money factor and trying to cover a large area of waste such as the ocean is extremely difficult.

3. Which of these stories has the most resonance for you in terms of solution-making?

The story of Lauren Singer really resonated with me. She was a student in NYC who faced trash every single day. By living in this city, we’ve really become accustomed to seeing trash everywhere and think it’s normal. By hearing her story, I realized minimizing trash is an easy solution the average person can commit to as long as they are willing to learn the steps. Her solutions are something the everyday person can solve as she says “tackle the low hanging fruit”. By saying this she means using a reusable bag, composting, and using recycled material. Seeing her little glass jar of trash she accumulated over the last 3 years was particularly shocking. It was refreshing to see someone in a big city be able to reduce the amount of trash by changing a few habits. 

4. Is there a key environmental problem are you inspired to solve? How would you execute it?

One key environmental problem I've noticed is the amount of celebrities and wealthy people taking private jets. If it became illegal to take a private jet without planting trees, I think this could dramatically help the environment. If taking a jet was somehow linked to “by traveling x amount of miles, i have to plant 100 trees” I think it could dramatically help the environment. Many laws that do not currently exist need to happen in the near future.

5. How would you message a movement for your solution?

I would highlight my solution by saying there is money to be made in saving the planet. Most companies do not want to invest or try and help the planet because they see it as a way to essentially sacrifice profit. But once you mention profit, you’re sustainable, and making the earth a better place, people are more inclined to invest as they will see the dollar signs. 

6. Locate a similar example in Project Drawdown by Paul Hawken

I think a similar example located in Project Drawdown would be the common household recycling. This is a similar step in the ideas that Lauren Singer mentioned. We first have to locate what we are bringing into our lives that creates waste and understand where it’s coming from and what we can do to stop it, and if we do have it in our lives, how we can up-cycle and reuse it. It’s crazy to think that humans not too long ago lived in essence a zero waste lifestyle and up until the last hundred or so years we have exponentially made waste a problem that’s dramatically affecting our future. Laws and regulations are not global and vary in each country you go to. 

[hanhurl]

Beyond iCelebrities week 2

I’ve chosen to write about Greta Thunberg

1. What solutions are they offering for global warming, plastic pollution or overall climate change issues?

Greta has recommended a few different options. A few of them are to fly less, go vegan (or eat less meat in general), join a strike, and vote. She has also mentioned how much tree planting can impact our environment positively. 

https://www.good.is/greta-thunberg-tree-planting-climate-change

https://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/greta-thunberg-s-four-simple-steps-to-combat-climate-change-1.4613253

2. How did they organize their work? How have they been recognized?

Greta was initially recognized from organizing strikes every Friday at her school. This gained traction from other students which eventually caught onto the media. Business Insider also mentions she won a climate change essay contest at her school which they describe as the “genesis” of her activism career. 

https://www.businessinsider.com/greta-thunberg-bio-climate-change-activist-2019-9#thunberg-has-been-thinking-about-climate-change-and-the-lack-of-action-to-curb-it-since-age-8-she-has-said-she-didnt-understand-why-adults-werent-working-to-mitigate-its-effects-2

3. How did they get the word out about their projects? What has been their impact so far?

Greta is now a household name. She has spoken at the UN, been on the cover of Time Magazine, and been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Other kids joining her strikes in Sweden helped gain traction to her movement. Greta became severely depressed by climate change and when such a young girl can barely eat because of the state of the earth, that will definitely gain traction. Greta has gone above and beyond what you think is capable for a 17 year old. She is now speaking all over the world and absolutely cannot be stopped. 

4. What obstacles did they overcome?

One of the more obvious obstacles she has overcome is her Asberger’s. This is a neurological condition that can hinder her communication skills. She has used to condition to also bring light to kids on the spectrum, and to never let it stop you from trying to reach your goals and convey your message. 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/27/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-inspires-others-aspergers-autism/3778356002/

5. Imagine what they might be doing five years from now.

Greta states that the next decade will define the planet’s future. Since Greta has already spoken at the UN and achieved many great things in her career already, I see her continuing down that path. I think she will appear on the cover of a lot more magazines and continue to travel the world (maybe by boat)? I don’t see Greta stopping striking anytime soon and could even see her going on a hunger strike again to make even more of a difference. I can see her winning many awards and maybe even scoop up the Nobel Peace Prize. 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50740324

6. Why do you think young people are rising up and taking to the streets for #ClimateStrike #Fridays4Future and other protests?

I think more teens are rising up and taking to the streets because they have learned that no matter your age, geographical location, amount of money you have, you can actually make a difference in the climate change crisis. Many young people have influencers like Greta or even youtubers who have made many changes to their everyday lives. As more and more young people make a difference, they grow up essentially not knowing any different; it becomes their new normal. We live in a time period where social media is spread rampant, for the better or worse. Young teens like Greta can serve their message across the globe with a touch of a button and reach all teens and show them just how east it is to make a difference in their every day lives. 

[hanhurl]

Who is your favorite celebrity and how have they changed the world?

One of my favorite celebrities is Emma Watson. Since I’m 24, I’ve grown up with this celebrity since I was a kid. She’s done many incredible things with her platform and has used it to spread awareness on many issues from feminism to climate change. Emma has made many efforts to reduce carbon waste in fashion by partnering with thredUP, a company that sells used clothing. She makes big partnerships and also posts small things; like using glass straws. She has spoken at the UN about feminism and made many speeches about it. At the UN conference, she launched her HeForShe campaign to being awareness to gender equality and bridge the gap. Emma is a great role model to all men and women and is a refreshing celebrity. She brings grace and intellect into everything she does. Emma broke out of her Harry Potter stereotype and is still booking rolls while also making a difference!