Ancillary #2
The primary problem in the world today is climate change. The continual degradation of our planet and its environments are the result of a lack of global awareness for the earth, the oceans, and the ecosystems that surround us. I believe all other problems — whether they be social, political, economic or other, will soon become obsolete in the face of a perishing world. If there is no planet there is no place to discuss any of our other issues! I believe this is the primary reason people in America (and around the world) should identify globally rather than nationally, because achieving a healthy planet requires the efforts of all those who live on it, not just a single nation.
I view myself as a global citizen because I know that if I (we) were to only focus on myself, the world would continue along its negative trend of self degradation and may eventually perish altogether. Therefore, in the scope of the entire planet, I think that it is imperative that we view ourselves as a unit — one species all inhabiting the same earth, breathing the same air and traveling the same oceans. Climate change is a global issue and we must deal with it as such.
Unfortunately however, that has not been the case as of late — at least in the United States. A common thread through American nationalism in regards to climate change is often one of two things; 1) the opportunity for economic gains outweighs the significance of our climate and 2) why should we — Americans, have to take responsibility for the climate when other countries around the world who also pollute it are not. If every country were to think this way the world would surely be doomed. I believe that as “leaders” in the free world and as the most wealthy country on earth, it is in large part our responsibility to care for the climate and at the least, clean up the mess we have created. As a nation we pollute more than any other country in the world besides China however we do not even make the top 10 in national spending to offset our emissions. This disparity, along with many others, is why I feel it is imperative that I view myself as a global citizen rather than a national one.
