Running head: REFLECTION 1

Service Learning Reflection

Matthew Kraydich

Wayne State University

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Final Reflection: Honors 4280

Reflecting on my time in Honors 4280, I think back to all of the important things I

learned this semester. Climate change is defined as a change in global or regional climate

patterns associated with an increase in global average temperatures. According to the UN

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], the planet will reach the crucial threshold

of 1.5 degrees Celsius by as early as 2030. This increase in temperature will increase our risk for

extreme drought, wildfires, floods and food shortages. Net emissions of carbon dioxide need to

fall 45% by 2030 and will require a world-wide effort (Miller & Croft, 2018). For this reflection

I will look at the information we covered this semester, beginning with the movie “Food Inc.”

and ending with The Earth Charter. I will look at how impending climate change will impact my

life, for better or worse, address the question “Where do we go from here?”, and discuss

takeaways from Honors 4280.

Overview of Semester

Beginning the semester with the movie Food Inc. opened my eyes to how little I know

about the food I eat. Thinking about my carbon footprint and using the carbon footprint

calculator showed me that it would take 4.5 earths to sustain everyone if they had my lifestyle.

The WSU Sustainability Plan Talk gave my group the ability to look at Alternate Transportation

opportunities at WSU. The trips to Rising Pheasant Farms, the scrapping warehouse, Keep

Growing Detroit, and ReCycle Here gave me “hands on” experience to what I can do to decrease

my carbon footprint and make a difference. Finally, the article “Don’t despair: the climate fight

is only over if you think it is” and The Earth Charter gave me hope that a just, sustainable and

peaceful global society is a possibility; that it is not too late.

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Impact of Impending Climate Change

Climate change can have a far-reaching impact on us and our planet. We are already

seeing the effects of global warming in things like extreme weather and melting of the Arctic sea

ice. According to the IPCC report, extreme droughts and extreme rainfall will become more

frequent, as well as a dying off of the coral reefs (Miller & Croft, 2018). In addition, countries

will experience a decline in economic growth as a result of climate change (Miller & Croft,

2018). Steps must be taken to lessen the impact of climate change.

Where do we go From Here?

The Earth Charter Initiatives broad commitments of Respect and Care for the Community

of Life: Respect Earth and life in all its diversity, Care for the community of life with

understanding, compassion, and love, Build democratic societies that are just, participatory,

sustainable, and peaceful, and Secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present generations are what

needs to be done to preserve the Earth and live as a global community (Earth Charter Initiative,

n.d.). Things we can do to address climate change are to decrease our carbon footprint. Eating a

plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56% (Whiting, 2018). Investing in

solar energy is a way for private citizens to invest in clean energy. Planting a garden, recycling,

carpooling, and examining each facet of our lives to see where we can make a positive

contribution to the fight against climate change are ways to start. It is up to everyone to do their

part to combat climate change.

Conclusion

Honors 4280 has been an eye-opening experience. Learning about the environment,

global warming, and climate change and the things I can do to have a positive impact on our

planet was humbling. Understanding that it up to governments and individuals to have a vested
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interest in reducing greenhouse emissions and our carbon footprint to slow or reverse global

warming to reduce the impact of climate change; that we all play a part. This class has changed

how I live. I am more aware of what I eat, the energy I use, ways I can cut energy consumption,

and things I can do every day to positively impact my environment. I think that education is key,

and more people need to know what they can do reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting

the Earth Charter is a good place to start.

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References

Earth Charter Initiative. (n.d). The earth charter. Retrieved from

http://earthcharter.org/discover/the-earth-charter/

Miller, B., & Croft, J. (2018). Planet has only until 2030 to stem catastrophic climate change,

experts warn. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/07/world/climate-change-

new-ipcc-report-wxc/index.html

Solnit, R. (2018). Don’t despair: the climate fight is only over if you think it is. Retrieved from

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/oct/14/climate-change-taking-action-

rebecca-

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ZHVLZ2Rva3hUbHJ3OU5TRzlcL0EwU3dsa2FIa1QzIn0%3D

Whiting, K. (2018). The unbelievably simple way to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half.

Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/11/want-to-save-the-world-

become-a-flexitarian/