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| Logo of the United Nations. By Von Ryan (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Logo_of_the_United_Nations.png#file), via Wikimedia Commons. |
A recent module in my Environmental Science degree was
focused on communication, more specifically; communicating scientific
information and principles in an accessible way. As part of the module we
simulated a United Nations Earth Summit.
Before conducting the simulation the different groups were
assigned either a participating country or an organisation, for example, a
non-government organisation working towards a sustainable future. My group and
I were tasked to simulate an international energy company. In order to provide
some controversy and ensure all global interests were represented we opted to
simulate British Petroleum, otherwise known as BP. Representing a leading oil
company we prepared for the impending barrage of challenges from the other
participants.
On the day of the simulation all groups congregated after a
week of preparation. Each group presented their assigned country or organisations
perspective regarding the proposed goal of net national carbon dioxide emissions
levels at zero by 2100. I witnessed the groups intently view the goal and
simulation from the perspective of others which I feel is the most valuable
lesson learnt by all from this activity; viewing such a global problem as
climate change from a perspective not rooted in the privileges of western
culture, rather, speaking from perspectives of less economically developed
countries also. In a wider and more general context, this allowed the
exploration of the effects that can be felt by other peoples and cultures as a
result of decisions made in another part of the world.
An important point to raise, in my opinion, is the fact that
this activity was not assessed. As a result I saw what I believe a learning
environment should be; fundamentally based on openly sharing ideas and a free
exploration of concepts without the relentless underlying motives of a heavily grade
and assessment orientated system. I believe this allowed all participants a
level of pressure-free engagement that translated into presentations and discussions
of a standard that, hitherto, I have not seen.
- Ben
