Connecting the dots to make change

As you can imagine, it is amazing to be in Geneva and use the international connections. Yesterday, I had lunch with another intern and a man that works at the United Nations World Food Program. He told us that the amount of money spent in farm subsidies by Europe and America for one week, could feed the world for one year. Can you imagine that- everyone having a meal and no one going hungry?

Another interesting lecture I attended was on the United States and Energy. The U.S. has a mission office here, with workers that represent our country at the United Nations. A worker from this office presented on the U.S.'s efforts in energy. While the United States has not signed the Kyoto Protocol (the United Nations mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions) we have made significant strides in this area. You can check your own level of emissions by visiting this link: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html.

I find it fascinating to connect some of the dots from Minnesota to the international community. As you may know, the Minnesota State Legislature passed a bill entitled "25 by 25," saying that 25 percent of our state's energy should come from renewable energy sources by 2025. This legislation includes measures like producing more ethanol and also generating power from wind. The state currently has wind turbines in the Buffalo Ridge, down by Minnesota West Community and Technical College. We also have potential for more wind turbines in the Mesabi Range area. The exciting thing is that Minnesota State Colleges and Universities can train students to be workers in this area. Just think how much Minnesota could contribute to the world's energy independence!

On top of creating a more affordable energy option, producing our own renewable energy sources also provides for national security. Last fall, in my National Security Policy Course, we discussed how independence of energy eliminates our dependence on the Middle East for oil. How different would our world be without our presence in the Middle East? Would we be more safe? Could the war have been prevented?

It also intrigues me to think how one action in our daily lives makes a difference. One of my intern friends said she is doing two small things to help the environment each year. This year, her two tasks were buying a large container of yogurt instead of individual serving sizes (thus reducing waste), and consciously unplugging appliances that take a lot of electricity, like the toaster (it also cuts down on a bill!). Overall, it is exciting to think that we can individually take action to make a collective difference. It is also exciting to think that our state could be on the cutting edge of something great for our world! A big CONGRATS to our current lawmakers for having this foresight into our future. How do you plan to help?