SUS1501
Assignment 8
PORTFOLIO
Semester 2
2024
, Introduction
The aim of this portfolio is to reflect on the key lessons I have encountered throughout
this module, which has been an intense and thought-provoking journey. As part of this
reflection, I revisited my responses to the multiple-choice questions presented in the
Crossroads assignment. This exercise allowed me to re-examine my initial opinions and
compare them with my current thoughts. In this section, titled "Back at the Crossroads!",
I provide both my original and current opinions on specific questions, along with brief
notes on the reasoning behind any shifts in perspective. After reflecting on these
questions, I conclude with some key takeaways from the module and what has truly
resonated with me.
Back at the Crossroads!
1. "Unless fossil-fuel use slows dramatically, the earth’s average temperature
could rise by six degrees Celsius in the next 100 years."
My personal opinion on this statement is most closely described by:
a. Who cares?
b. I don’t believe this climate change nonsense.
c. Six degrees will make winters much more bearable to me personally.
d. I’m a bit concerned about this, but there is nothing that I can do about it.
e. I’m a bit concerned about this, but why should I invest my personal time, effort, or
money in solving a general social problem?
f. I think that individually we can and should strive to solve this problem for the greater
good.
Choice now: f. I think that individually we can and should strive to solve this problem for
the greater good.
Choice in assignment 1: d. I’m a bit concerned about this, but there is nothing that I
can do about it.
Notes:
In my initial response, I selected option d because I felt powerless in the face of such a
vast and complex global issue like climate change. I believed that while the concern was
valid, it was beyond my control as an individual. However, after going through this
module and learning about collective action, sustainability, and personal responsibility, I
now see things differently. I believe that every individual can make a difference, and
collective efforts start with small, personal actions. My shift towards option f reflects this
change in mindset. Even though solving climate change is a global issue, personal
initiatives like reducing carbon footprints or supporting sustainable policies contribute to
the broader solution (Stern, 2018). The module emphasized how collective action can
be powerful when enough individuals take responsibility.
