As I move onto the next phase of my life, I hope that I will become even more involved with my surrounding community as well as the international community. At Queen's University (where I am attending next year), there are countless organizations, student groups, and charities run by students at the university raising awareness and taking action for various causes in the community and around the world. Some of the student groups include: Free the Children group, Student Council, Gender and Women's Issues Committee, and the Cancer Triad. All of these students groups look at several different issues ranging from women's rights, human rights, improving standard of living, eradicating poverty, raising funds for cancer, and so on. Due to the open access to these clubs and organizations at university, I feel that I will find a right place to affect change and improve the lives of others.
Ever since I was very young, I have been passionate about current events and changing the world, and even now, I still have the same passion. However, it is stronger than ever due to the education and opportunities I have been given over the past 12 years. Also, after my trip to Kenya, my passion to eradicate poverty, and provide access to clean water for families in impoverished nations is of the utmost importance for me. After a year of World Issues, a journey to Kenya and seeing devastation for my own eyes, poverty and access to clean water will be my main focus in creating change.
My journey through HSC, and soon to be Queen's University has and will enable me to create change. I have been taught the fundamental skills to take action and I aim to make a difference in someones life. I have been inspired by people such as Marc and Craig Kielburger and Spencer West, and with that guidance, I am inspired to create change of my own.
Be the Change - Free the Children, Marc and Craig Kielburger
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Canada's Biggest Threat
Many problems will effect Canada over the next 50 years. Human rights issues, wars, water crises, poverty, famine, drought, and global warming have plagued our world for decades. However, some are bigger threats to Canada than others.
In my opinion, the biggest threat facing Canada in the next 50 years is a Water Crisis. Over the past 50 years, the population has almost tripled which has put a strain on our resources around the world, including our water sources. Water is the essential component of life, without it, no human being could survive. According to the World Health Organization and the World Bank, 2 billion people lack access to clean water, and 1 billion people do not have enough water to meet their daily needs. In less than 50 years, the world's population will increase to approximately 9 billion people which will put an even more significant strain on our world's water sources. Canada is home to one of the largest water resources in the world. And in the next 50 years as the water crisis becomes more severe, countries will become reliant and/or dependant on Canada for water. The United Nations deems water as a human right, however, Canada does not. With the United Nations recognizing water as a human right, many countries around the world have adopted the same recognition. As more and more countries acknowledge the human right, countries that do not have enough water sources for their population will become more dependant and reliant on countries with larger water sources. This may become increasingly difficult due to Global Warming - the increased Earth's temperatures, as well as the increase in the world's population.
Unless the world begins to be more water conservative and implement programs which will enable water to be more easily accessed as well as preserved, water will be depleted in the next 50 years and our resources will become sparse. This is Canada's biggest threat, and action must be taken in order to decrease the risk of this global water crisis.
In my opinion, the biggest threat facing Canada in the next 50 years is a Water Crisis. Over the past 50 years, the population has almost tripled which has put a strain on our resources around the world, including our water sources. Water is the essential component of life, without it, no human being could survive. According to the World Health Organization and the World Bank, 2 billion people lack access to clean water, and 1 billion people do not have enough water to meet their daily needs. In less than 50 years, the world's population will increase to approximately 9 billion people which will put an even more significant strain on our world's water sources. Canada is home to one of the largest water resources in the world. And in the next 50 years as the water crisis becomes more severe, countries will become reliant and/or dependant on Canada for water. The United Nations deems water as a human right, however, Canada does not. With the United Nations recognizing water as a human right, many countries around the world have adopted the same recognition. As more and more countries acknowledge the human right, countries that do not have enough water sources for their population will become more dependant and reliant on countries with larger water sources. This may become increasingly difficult due to Global Warming - the increased Earth's temperatures, as well as the increase in the world's population.
Unless the world begins to be more water conservative and implement programs which will enable water to be more easily accessed as well as preserved, water will be depleted in the next 50 years and our resources will become sparse. This is Canada's biggest threat, and action must be taken in order to decrease the risk of this global water crisis.
Self Reflection
I have always been passionate about current events and world issues. This year during the course, I expanded my knowledge of various issues around the work as well as finding my passion on what I would like to change. Not only have I expanded my knowledge of various issues, I have grown as a person. Becoming aware of worldwide issues is extremely important. Without knowledge and awareness, issues such as poverty, child trafficking, and declining biodiversity would not be known and could not be helped.
This year alone has been filled with several current events ranging from Kony 2012, human rights issues and violations in Syria, the continuation of the Arab Spring, and the drought and famine in the horn of Africa. No matter what the issue was, I became intrigued and interested on how to help. At school and in my community, I am apart of the Me to We committee, Colin B. Glassco Foundation, the Prefects and a few other committees and organizations. With combination of our knowledge in the World Issues course as well as current events, we can relate it right back to our humanitarian work through various organizations.
World Issues has also guided me into the direction of my future university studies. I have always been interested in Law, however, in Canada you cannot go into law school directly after high school. So I had to decide on an undergraduate degree for my 4 years in university before law school. I have decided to take the path of Global Development as my major which looks at all aspects from our world from economics, business, agriculture, and gender equality. I feel that this program best suits me and my passions, and world issues has been a significant and great catalyst for my future.
As this course comes to an end, as well as my high school career, I have grown a lot and my passions and interests in solving world issues have expanded and prospered greatly over the past 4 years, especially in my final year.
This year alone has been filled with several current events ranging from Kony 2012, human rights issues and violations in Syria, the continuation of the Arab Spring, and the drought and famine in the horn of Africa. No matter what the issue was, I became intrigued and interested on how to help. At school and in my community, I am apart of the Me to We committee, Colin B. Glassco Foundation, the Prefects and a few other committees and organizations. With combination of our knowledge in the World Issues course as well as current events, we can relate it right back to our humanitarian work through various organizations.
World Issues has also guided me into the direction of my future university studies. I have always been interested in Law, however, in Canada you cannot go into law school directly after high school. So I had to decide on an undergraduate degree for my 4 years in university before law school. I have decided to take the path of Global Development as my major which looks at all aspects from our world from economics, business, agriculture, and gender equality. I feel that this program best suits me and my passions, and world issues has been a significant and great catalyst for my future.
As this course comes to an end, as well as my high school career, I have grown a lot and my passions and interests in solving world issues have expanded and prospered greatly over the past 4 years, especially in my final year.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Important Issues
Throughout this year in World Issues, we have discussed numerous important issues. And each one of those issues can relate to a current issue either in our lives, our academics, in our nation or currently happening on the world stage.
The 3 most important issues that I have learned about during this course are as follows:
1. Arab-Israeli Conflict. This conflict has been transpiring for decades and is still occurring today. This conflict between the Arabs and the Israelis is extremely significant and pressing due to the violent nature of the conflict. There are many interpretations and opinions of the Arab-Israeli Conflict over rightful land ownership; whether or not the Israelis have the rightful ownership to the land versus the Arabs. Both claims to land are in their religious testaments which causes an increase in the tension and conflict. This was a very important issue to learn in World Issues, and the significance was shown through the extensive amount of time and work we spent on this issue. As a class, we went into extensive detail regarding this issue and this was extremely beneficial because we discover and attempt to understand the root of the problem and the cause of this conflict. Also, we discussed and discovered the ongoing political tensions, and this was also important because we can relate it to what is currently transpiring overseas and attempted peace negotiations between the two sides. Hopefully in the next few years we will see peace between the Arabs and the Israelis, however until then, discussion in classes such as world issues is extremely important.
2. Poverty. After numerous discussions about world issues and current events, I have noticed a trend and a pattern to a majority of world issues, and this was especially seen during our ISU presentations. The root and primary cause to many issues is Poverty. Issues such as gender inequality, HIV/Aids, child slavery and trafficking, and lack of education are issues that are extremely significant and must be eradicated in order to improve our world as a whole. However, the primary source must be targeted, and for a majority of those problems, poverty is the main issue. I found discussion of poverty extremely important. Also, because I have witnessed poverty first hand in Kenya, it is a topic that I hold very dear to my heart and I would like to see change and improvements in our world.
3. Education. Yes our class laughs and jokes when we bring up education because it stems back to every single issue, however, it is extremely important. Here in Canada we are extremely fortunate to have the luxury and opportunity to attend school ever day and despite this privilege, many people complain about it. However, in countless countries across the world, education is not an option for millions of people due to health conditions, family chores, or even lack of educational facilities and teachers. Each day, children in Africa and various other countries and continents are excited and blessed with the gift to go to school. It is deemed a blessing to be able to go to school in under developed and developing nations. Without education and the knowledge we have, our world would be at a loss. Wars would not be stopped, and international crises such as poverty, hunger, and health pandemics could not be solved or prevented. Education is the most important thing available to us in the world, in my opinion, and I feel that it should be given to every single child and person in the world! Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to an education." No matter the struggles or the challenges, countries and organizations should make it possible for every child to receive an education. Yes the numbers are increasing, however, they are not there yet. Raising awareness about education and the need and necessity for it, is extremely important and that is why it was in my top three important issues for World Issues this year.
The 3 most important issues that I have learned about during this course are as follows:
1. Arab-Israeli Conflict. This conflict has been transpiring for decades and is still occurring today. This conflict between the Arabs and the Israelis is extremely significant and pressing due to the violent nature of the conflict. There are many interpretations and opinions of the Arab-Israeli Conflict over rightful land ownership; whether or not the Israelis have the rightful ownership to the land versus the Arabs. Both claims to land are in their religious testaments which causes an increase in the tension and conflict. This was a very important issue to learn in World Issues, and the significance was shown through the extensive amount of time and work we spent on this issue. As a class, we went into extensive detail regarding this issue and this was extremely beneficial because we discover and attempt to understand the root of the problem and the cause of this conflict. Also, we discussed and discovered the ongoing political tensions, and this was also important because we can relate it to what is currently transpiring overseas and attempted peace negotiations between the two sides. Hopefully in the next few years we will see peace between the Arabs and the Israelis, however until then, discussion in classes such as world issues is extremely important.
2. Poverty. After numerous discussions about world issues and current events, I have noticed a trend and a pattern to a majority of world issues, and this was especially seen during our ISU presentations. The root and primary cause to many issues is Poverty. Issues such as gender inequality, HIV/Aids, child slavery and trafficking, and lack of education are issues that are extremely significant and must be eradicated in order to improve our world as a whole. However, the primary source must be targeted, and for a majority of those problems, poverty is the main issue. I found discussion of poverty extremely important. Also, because I have witnessed poverty first hand in Kenya, it is a topic that I hold very dear to my heart and I would like to see change and improvements in our world.
3. Education. Yes our class laughs and jokes when we bring up education because it stems back to every single issue, however, it is extremely important. Here in Canada we are extremely fortunate to have the luxury and opportunity to attend school ever day and despite this privilege, many people complain about it. However, in countless countries across the world, education is not an option for millions of people due to health conditions, family chores, or even lack of educational facilities and teachers. Each day, children in Africa and various other countries and continents are excited and blessed with the gift to go to school. It is deemed a blessing to be able to go to school in under developed and developing nations. Without education and the knowledge we have, our world would be at a loss. Wars would not be stopped, and international crises such as poverty, hunger, and health pandemics could not be solved or prevented. Education is the most important thing available to us in the world, in my opinion, and I feel that it should be given to every single child and person in the world! Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: "Everyone has the right to an education." No matter the struggles or the challenges, countries and organizations should make it possible for every child to receive an education. Yes the numbers are increasing, however, they are not there yet. Raising awareness about education and the need and necessity for it, is extremely important and that is why it was in my top three important issues for World Issues this year.
ISU Reflection
The most interesting and important topic that I learned during the presentations was Child Slavery and Child Trafficking. The presentation was filled with facts and real life examples which was extremely significant and beneficial to the audience because we could relate it to our everyday life and the impacts this world issue has. Child slavery and child trafficking is even in our own country, however, it effects the entire world. This issue is extremely significant because it impacts our future generations. In addition, child slavery and child trafficking is caused and continues to occur due to many other global issues such as poverty, disparity, economic collapse, war, gender inequality, and lack of education. Throughout the various presentations, the Millennium Development Goals were brought up and how they relate to global issues. Although there is no specific goal for child slavery and child trafficking, many of the goals will impact and help combat this issue. Specifically, Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education, and Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women. These 3 goals can directly target, combat, and eradicate child slavery and child trafficking. Not only could this topic relate to so many world events in today's society, I found it the most interesting and most important presentation during the ISU unit.
The presentation on child slavery and child trafficking allowed me to broaden my perspective on global issues and not only focus on poverty. Although poverty is a primary cause to many global issues, child slavery and child trafficking is another issue that is significant and requires much more awareness in order to help solve the problem. Also, it shed light on the fact that child slavery and child trafficking is not only overseas in the Asian and Pacific countries, it is even in our own country. Our world, although huge in size, it is becoming smaller and smaller through globalization. World issues are becoming more known but there is still a lot of work to be done. Our future generations will have to live with our mistakes, and if we don't fix these global issues soon, they will continue to plague our world for generations to come.
The presentation on child slavery and child trafficking allowed me to broaden my perspective on global issues and not only focus on poverty. Although poverty is a primary cause to many global issues, child slavery and child trafficking is another issue that is significant and requires much more awareness in order to help solve the problem. Also, it shed light on the fact that child slavery and child trafficking is not only overseas in the Asian and Pacific countries, it is even in our own country. Our world, although huge in size, it is becoming smaller and smaller through globalization. World issues are becoming more known but there is still a lot of work to be done. Our future generations will have to live with our mistakes, and if we don't fix these global issues soon, they will continue to plague our world for generations to come.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
European Elections, successful or not?
In the past year, Europe has been plagued with severe economic crises since European nations' debt has began to spiral out of control. Most notably, Greece has been at the top of the headlines for the European nation in most trouble and near default with 165.3% Public Debt to their GDP. Many European countries, including Greece, have attempted to implement various austerity measures to combat their debt. However, they have not been well received from the citizens of the countries. Austerity measures are crucial because they are vital to decreasing public debt. Some examples include increasing taxes, retirement age, cut of social programs, and decreased government spending.
France and Germany have been the strong countries in Europe who have guided other nations away from default and towards economic recovery, however, they too experience debt problems of their own.
Recently, both Greece and France had government elections. First I will discuss Greece and its election.
Greece has been victim of violent protests in its streets due to the attempted implementation of austerity measures. The current government at the time tried to take action to combat their debt by increasing retirement age of their citizens, and creating and increasing taxes (a majority of the Greek population does not pay taxes). In the election, the two parties were opposites. One was pro austerity measures (the current government) and the opposition was against austerity measures. On May 6th, 2012, the citizens went to the polls. The New Democracy party won with 18.85% of the vote winning 108 seats and the new opposition is the Radical Left Coalition with 16.78% of the vote winning 52 seats. The new government and their new leader, Alexis Tsipras, was not supportive of the austerity measures prior to the election. In the Greek election, one party - the Radical Left Coalition, represented hope and survival for Greece with the implementation of austerity measures. And the other party - the New Democracy party, represented the Greek voice and what they wanted and did not want. In the end, the Greek voice prevailed, however, severe implications and problems will result from the new government due to the lack of action they will take against the Greek debt. Perhaps Greece will near default after all? Only time will tell.
The second election to discuss is the most recent France election. Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel have been the backbone of Europe during the European economic and debt crisis. Unfortunately, Sarkozy's Presidency has come to an end. Sarkozy lost the election to opponent, Francois Hollande. The vote was extremely close: 51.63% of the vote went to Hollande and 48.37% of the vote went to Sarkozy. Similar to Greece, the party not supporting austerity measures prevailed. Although France is not in a state of economic turmoil like Greece or Spain, it still has its own debt problems. And without the implementation of austerity measures in France, they will soon be in trouble as well. The world markets have reacted very negatively over the past few days after the announcement of Sarkozy's loss.
Both of the elections in France and Greece, in my opinion, would be considered unsuccessful. The rejection of austerity measures is a significant turning point and will truly put Europe in state of economic turmoil and risk economic collapse. The rightful powers to save Europe from economic collapse were not elected into office and this will be seen and felt throughout Europe and the world in the next few months and years ahead.
France and Germany have been the strong countries in Europe who have guided other nations away from default and towards economic recovery, however, they too experience debt problems of their own.
Recently, both Greece and France had government elections. First I will discuss Greece and its election.
Greece has been victim of violent protests in its streets due to the attempted implementation of austerity measures. The current government at the time tried to take action to combat their debt by increasing retirement age of their citizens, and creating and increasing taxes (a majority of the Greek population does not pay taxes). In the election, the two parties were opposites. One was pro austerity measures (the current government) and the opposition was against austerity measures. On May 6th, 2012, the citizens went to the polls. The New Democracy party won with 18.85% of the vote winning 108 seats and the new opposition is the Radical Left Coalition with 16.78% of the vote winning 52 seats. The new government and their new leader, Alexis Tsipras, was not supportive of the austerity measures prior to the election. In the Greek election, one party - the Radical Left Coalition, represented hope and survival for Greece with the implementation of austerity measures. And the other party - the New Democracy party, represented the Greek voice and what they wanted and did not want. In the end, the Greek voice prevailed, however, severe implications and problems will result from the new government due to the lack of action they will take against the Greek debt. Perhaps Greece will near default after all? Only time will tell.
The second election to discuss is the most recent France election. Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel have been the backbone of Europe during the European economic and debt crisis. Unfortunately, Sarkozy's Presidency has come to an end. Sarkozy lost the election to opponent, Francois Hollande. The vote was extremely close: 51.63% of the vote went to Hollande and 48.37% of the vote went to Sarkozy. Similar to Greece, the party not supporting austerity measures prevailed. Although France is not in a state of economic turmoil like Greece or Spain, it still has its own debt problems. And without the implementation of austerity measures in France, they will soon be in trouble as well. The world markets have reacted very negatively over the past few days after the announcement of Sarkozy's loss.
Both of the elections in France and Greece, in my opinion, would be considered unsuccessful. The rejection of austerity measures is a significant turning point and will truly put Europe in state of economic turmoil and risk economic collapse. The rightful powers to save Europe from economic collapse were not elected into office and this will be seen and felt throughout Europe and the world in the next few months and years ahead.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Biodiversity
Human actions have changed our Earth's biodiversity over the last 150 years. Actions such as industrialization and deforestation have resulted in desertification, melting ice caps, the extinction of many animal and plant species, and the infamous global warming. In our own backyards, we have witnessed changes in biodiversity. Animals are no longer common in our residential areas with the exception of squirrels and a few birds. In addition, with the increase of global warming effects, our environment has suffered, especially the arctic and the melting ice caps due to the high greenhouse gas emissions. The melting ice caps have began destroying the habitat for several species, specifically the Polar Bear. The destruction of land and climate for many animals and species has caused a significant decline in our biodiversity on Earth.
With the implementation of government programs as well as raising awareness, people can become more aware of environment issues and help combat our declining biodiversity. If people become more aware about the issues, they may be more inclined to make a difference and help our environment. Preserving our native species, fresh water supply, and our natural environment will benefit not only our human life cycle, it will improve our Earth and its biodiversity. To date, various initiatives have already been implemented and created in order to help combat global warming. Through the creation of electric and hybrid cars, plastic bag limits, solar panels, and wind turbines, small steps are being taken to improve our environment and preserve our unique biodiversity. If we continue to raise awareness about the environment over the next 150 years as well as implement and create new programs and products such as solar panels and wind turbines, we will continue to improve the environment, combat global warming and preserve our biodiversity.
With the implementation of government programs as well as raising awareness, people can become more aware of environment issues and help combat our declining biodiversity. If people become more aware about the issues, they may be more inclined to make a difference and help our environment. Preserving our native species, fresh water supply, and our natural environment will benefit not only our human life cycle, it will improve our Earth and its biodiversity. To date, various initiatives have already been implemented and created in order to help combat global warming. Through the creation of electric and hybrid cars, plastic bag limits, solar panels, and wind turbines, small steps are being taken to improve our environment and preserve our unique biodiversity. If we continue to raise awareness about the environment over the next 150 years as well as implement and create new programs and products such as solar panels and wind turbines, we will continue to improve the environment, combat global warming and preserve our biodiversity.
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