changes in the world essay

Soaring temperatures in New York, July 2010. Photo by Eric Thayer/Reuters

The melting brain

It’s not just the planet and not just our health – the impact of a warming climate extends deep into our cortical fissures.

by Clayton Page Aldern   + BIO

In February 1884, the English art critic and polymath John Ruskin took the lectern at the London Institution for a pair of lectures on the weather. ‘The Storm-Cloud of the Nineteenth Century’ was his invective against a particular ‘wind of darkness’ and ‘plague-cloud’ that, in his estimate, had begun to envelope Victorian cities only in recent years. He had been taking careful meteorological measurements, he told a sceptical audience. He railed against the ‘bitterness and malice’ of the new weather in question; and, perhaps more importantly, about how it mirrored a certain societal ‘moral gloom’. You could read in us what you could read in the weather, he suggested.

July Thundercloud in the Val d’Aosta (1858) by John Ruskin. Courtesy Wikipedia

It was easy that February, and perhaps easy today, to disregard any alleged winds of darkness as the ravings of a madman. Clouds are clouds: even if Ruskin’s existed – which was a question of some contemporaneous debate – it would be untoward to imagine they bore any relationship with the human psyche. As Brian Dillon observed of the cloud lectures in The Paris Review in 2019, it can be hard to tell where Ruskin’s ‘bad weather ends and his own ragged, doleful mood begins.’ In 1886, Ruskin suffered a mental breakdown while giving a talk in Oxford. By the end of his life at the turn of the century, he was widely considered insane. His ramblings on meteorology and the human spirit aren’t exactly treated with the same gravitas as his books on J M W Turner.

And yet, for Ruskin, the clouds weren’t just clouds: they were juiced up by a ‘dense manufacturing mist’, as he’d noted in a diary entry. The plague-clouds embodied the miasma of the Industrial Revolution; the moral gloom was specifically that which arose from the rapid societal and environmental changes that were afoot. Ruskin’s era had seen relentless transformation of pastoral landscapes into industrial hubs. Everything smelled like sulphur and suffering. Soot-filled air, chemical and human waste, the clamour of machinery – these were more than just physical nuisances. They were assaults on the senses, shaping moods and behaviour in ways that were not yet fully understood.

Mining Area (1852-1905) by Constantin Meunier. Courtesy Wikipedia

Ruskin believed that the relentless pace of industrialisation, with its cacophony of tools and sprawling factories and environmental destruction, undermined psychological wellbeing: that the mind, much like the body, required a healthy social and physical environment to thrive. This was actually a somewhat new idea. (Isaac Ray, a founder of the American Psychiatric Association, wouldn’t define the idea of ‘mental hygiene’, the precursor to mental health, until 1893.) Instability in the environment, for Ruskin, begot instability in the mind. One reflected the other.

M ore than a century later, as we grapple with a new suite of breakneck environmental changes, the plague-clouds are again darkly literal. Global average surface temperatures have risen by about 1.1°C (2°F) since the pre-industrial era, with most of this warming occurring in the past 40 years. Ice is melting; seas are steadily rising; storms are – well, you know this story. And yet, most frequently, it is still a story of the world out there: the world outside of us. The narrative of climate change is one of meteorological extremes, economic upheaval and biodiversity losses. But perhaps it is worth taking a maybe-mad Ruskin seriously. What of our internal clouds? As the climate crisis warps weather and acidifies oceans and shatters temperature records with frightening regularity, one is tempted to ask if our minds are changing in kind.

Here are some of the most concerning answers in the affirmative. Immigration judges are less likely to rule in favour of asylum seekers on hotter days. On such days, students behave as if they’ve lost a quarter-year of education, relative to temperate days. Warmer school years correspond to lower rates of learning. Temperature predicts the incidence of online hate speech. Domestic violence spikes with warmer weather. Suicide , too.

In baseball, pitchers are more likely to hit batters with their pitches on hot days

But you already know what this feels like. Perhaps you’re more ornery in the heat. Maybe you feel a little slow in the head. It’s harder to focus and easier to act impulsively. Tomes of cognitive neuroscience and behavioural economics research back you up, and it’s not all as dire as domestic violence. Drivers honk their horns more frequently (and lean on them longer) at higher temperatures. Heat predicts more aggressive penalties in sport. In baseball, pitchers are more likely to hit batters with their pitches on hot days – and the outdoor temperature is an even stronger predictor of their tendency to retaliate in this manner if they’ve witnessed an opposing pitcher do the same thing.

In other words: it would appear the plague-clouds are within us, too. They illustrate the interconnectedness of our inner and outer worlds. They betray a certain flimsiness of human agency, painting our decision-making in strokes of environmental influence far bolder than our intuition suggests. And they throw the climate crisis into fresh, stark relief: because, yes, as the climate changes, so do we.

T he London Institution closed in 1912. These days, when you want to inveigh against adverse environmental-mind interactions, you publish a paper in The Lancet . And so that is what 24 mostly British, mostly clinical neurologists did in May 2024, arguing that the ‘incidence, prevalence, and severity of many nervous system conditions’ can be affected by global warming. For these researchers, led by Sanjay Sisodiya, professor of neurology at University College London in the UK, the climate story is indeed one of internal clouds.

In their survey of 332 scientific studies, Sisodiya and his colleagues show that climatic influence extends far beyond behaviour and deep into cortical fissures. Aspects of migraine, stroke, seizure and multiple sclerosis all appear to be temperature dependent. In Taiwan, report the authors, the risk of schizophrenia hospitalisation increases with widening daytime temperature ranges. In California , too, ‘hospital visits for any mental health disorder, self-harm, intentional injury of another person, or homicide’ rise with broader daily temperature swings. In Switzerland , hospitalisations for psychiatric disorders increase with temperature, with the risk particularly pronounced for those with developmental disorders and schizophrenia.

Outside the hospital, climate change is extending the habitable range of disease vectors like ticks, mosquitoes and bats, causing scientists to forecast an increased incidence of vector-borne and zoonotic brain maladies like yellow fever, Zika and cerebral malaria. Outside the healthcare system writ large, a changing environment bears on sensory systems and perception, degrading both sensory information and the biological tools we use to process it. Outside the realm of the even remotely reasonable, warming freshwater brings with it an increased frequency of cyanobacterial blooms, the likes of which release neurotoxins that increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Experiencing natural disasters in utero greatly increases children’s risk of anxiety, depression and ADHD

Indeed, recent studies suggest that climate change may be exacerbating the already substantial burden of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In countries with warmer-than-average climates, more intense warming has been linked to a greater increase in Parkinson’s cases and, as Sisodiya et al note, the highest forecasted rates of increase in dementia prevalence are ‘expected to be in countries experiencing the largest effects of climate change’. Similarly, short-term exposure to high temperatures appears to drive up emergency department visits for Alzheimer’s patients. The air we breathe likely plays a complementary role: in Mexico City, for example, where residents are exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter and ozone from a young age, autopsies have revealed progressive Alzheimer’s pathology in 99 per cent of those under the age of 30.

The risks aren’t limited to those alive today. In 2022, for example, an epidemiological study revealed that heat exposure during early pregnancy is associated with a significantly increased risk of children developing schizophrenia, anorexia and other neuropsychiatric conditions. High temperatures during gestation have long been known to delay neurodevelopment in rats. Other scientists have shown that experiencing natural disasters in utero greatly increases children’s risk of anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorders later in life. Such effects cast the intergenerational responsibilities of the Anthropocene in harsh new light – not least because, as Sisodiya and colleagues write, there is a tremendous ‘global disparity between regions most affected by climate change (both now and in the future) and regions in which the majority of studies are undertaken.’ We don’t know what we don’t know.

What we do know is that the brain is emerging, in study after study, as one of climate change’s most vulnerable landscapes.

It is a useful reorientation. Return to the horn-honking and the baseball pitchers for a moment. A focus on the brain sheds some potential mechanistic light on the case studies and allows us to avoid phrases like ‘wind of darkness’. Higher temperatures, for example, appear to shift functional brain networks – the coordinated behaviour of various regions – toward randomised activity. In extreme heat, scientists have taken note of an overworked dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), the evolutionarily new brain region that the neuroendocrinologist Robert M Sapolsky at Stanford University in the US calls ‘the definitive rational decider in the frontal cortex’. The dlPFC limits the degree to which people make impulsive decisions; disrupted dlPFC activity tends to imply a relatively heightened influence of limbic structures (like the emotionally attuned amygdala) on behaviour. More heat, less rational decision-making.

When extreme heat reaches into your mind and tips your scales toward violence, it is constraining your choices

The physicality of environmental influence on the brain is more widespread than the dlPFC – and spans multiple spatial scales. Heat stress in zebrafish, for example, down-regulates the expression of proteins relevant to synapse construction and neurotransmitter release. In mice, heat also triggers inflammation in the hippocampus, a brain region necessary for memory formation and storage. While neuroinflammation often plays an initially protective role, chronic activation of immune cells – like microglia and astrocytes – can turn poisonous, since pro-inflammatory molecules can damage brain cells in the long run. In people, hyperthermia is associated with decreased blood flow to this region. Psychologists’ observations of waning cognition and waxing aggression at higher temperatures makes a world of sense in the context of such findings.

The nascent field of environmental neuroscience seeks to ‘understand the qualitative and quantitative relationships between the external environment, neurobiology, psychology and behaviour’. Searching for a more specific neologism – since that particular phrase also encompasses environmental exposures like noise, urban development, lighting and crime – we might refer to our budding, integrative field as climatological neuroepidemiology. Or, I don’t know, maybe we need something snappier for TikTok. Neuroclimatology? Ecological neurodynamics?

I tend to prefer: the weight of nature.

The weight forces our hands, as in the case of the behavioural effects highlighted above. When extreme heat reaches into your mind and tips your scales toward violence, it is constraining your choices. By definition, impulsive decisions are rooted in comparatively less reflection than considered decisions: to the extent that a changing climate influences our reactions and decision-making, we should understand it as compromising our perceived free will. The weight of nature is heavy. It displaces us.

It is also a heavy psychological burden to carry. You are likely familiar with the notion of climate anxiety . The phrase, which tends to refer to a near-pathological state of worry and fear of impending environmental destruction, has never sat particularly well with me. Anxiety, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual , is usually couched in terms of ‘excessive’ worry. I’m not convinced there’s anything excessive about seeing the climatic writing on the wall and feeling a sense of doom. Perhaps we ought to consider the climate-anxious as having more developed brains than the rest of the litter – that the Cassandras are the only sane ones left.

I ’m not exactly joking. Neuroscience has begun to study the brains in question, and not for nothing. The midcingulate cortex, a central hub in the brain’s threat-detection circuitry, may hold some clues to the condition’s biological basis: in one 2024 study , for example, researchers at Northern Michigan University in the US found that people who reported higher levels of anxiety about climate change showed distinct patterns of brain structure and function in this region, relative to those with lower levels of climate anxiety – and irrespective of base levels of anxiety writ large. In particular, the climate-anxious brain appears to play host to a smaller midcingulate (in terms of grey matter), but one that’s functionally more connected to other key hubs in the brain’s salience network, a system understood to constantly scan the environment for emotionally relevant information. In the salience network, the midcingulate cortex works hand in hand with limbic structures like the amygdala and insula to prepare the body to respond appropriately to this type of information. In people with climate anxiety, this network may be especially attuned to signals of climate-related threats.

Rather than indicating a deficiency, then, a diminutive midcingulate might reflect a more efficient, finely honed threat-detection system. The brain is well known to prune redundant connections over time, preserving only the most useful neural pathways. Selective sculpting, suggest the Michigan researchers, may allow the climate-anxious brain to process worrisome information more effectively, facilitating rapid communication between the midcingulate and other regions involved in threat anticipation and response. In other words, they write, the climate-anxious midcingulate might be characterised by ‘more efficient wiring’.

This neural sensitivity to potential dangers could be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it may attune some people to the very real perils of the future. The midcingulate is critical for anticipating future threats, and meta-analyses have found the region to be consistently activated when people contemplate unpredictable negative outcomes. Given the looming spectre of climate catastrophe, a hair-trigger threat-detection system could be an adaptive asset.

Climate anxiety is not just a sociocultural phenomenon. It has a theoretically identifiable neural correlate

On the other hand, argue the researchers:

[T]he complexity, uncertainty, as well as temporal and geographical distance of the climate crisis, in addition to its global nature, may lead individuals to deprioritising the risks associated with climate change, or becoming overwhelmed and disengaged – a state sometimes referred to as ‘eco-paralysis’.

An overactive midcingulate has been implicated in clinical anxiety disorders, and the new findings suggest that climate anxiety shares some of the same neural underpinnings. (It’s important to recall that climate anxiety seems to be distinct from generalised anxiety, though, as the brain differences observed in the Michigan study couldn’t be explained by overall anxiety levels.)

Ultimately, while speculative, these findings suggest that climate anxiety is not merely a sociocultural phenomenon, but one with theoretically identifiable neural correlates. They provide a potential biological framework for understanding why some people may be more psychologically impacted by climate change than others. And they raise intriguing questions about whether the brains of the climate anxious are particularly well-suited for confronting the existential threat of a warming world – or whether they are vulnerable to becoming overwhelmed by it. In all cases, though, they illustrate that world reaching inward.

T here is perhaps a flipside to be realised here. A changing climate is seeping into our very neurobiology. What might it mean to orient our neurobiology toward climate change?

Such is the premise of a 2023 article in Nature Climate Change by the neuroscientist Kimberly Doell at the University of Vienna in Austria and her colleagues, who argue that the field is well positioned to inform our understanding of climate-adaptation responses and pro-environmental decision-making. In the decades since Ruskin shook his fists at the sky, environmental neuroscience has begun to probe the reciprocal dance between organisms and their ecological niches. We know now that the textures of modern environments – green spaces, urban sprawl, socioeconomic strata – all leave their mark on the brain. Climate change is no different.

Accordingly, argue Doell et al, scientists and advocates alike can integrate findings from neuroscience to improve communications strategies aimed at spurring climate action. They want to turn the tables, taking advantage of insights from neurobiology and cognitive neuroscience to more effectively design climate solutions – both within ourselves and for society as a whole.

The Anthropocene’s fever dream is already warping our wetware

We have models for this type of approach. Poverty research, for instance, has long implicated socioeconomic conditions with subpar health. In more recent years, neuroscience has reverse-engineered the pathways by which poverty’s various insults – understimulation, toxic exposures, chronic stress – can erode neural architecture and derail cognitive development. Brain science alone won’t solve poverty, yet even a limited understanding of these mechanisms has spurred research in programmes like Head Start, a family-based preschool curriculum that has been shown to boost selective attention (as evident in electrophysiological recordings) and cognitive test scores. While the hydra of structural inequity is not easily slain, neuroscientists have managed to shine some light on poverty’s neural correlates, flag its reversible harms, and design precision remedies accordingly. This same potential, argue Doell and her colleagues, extends to the neuroscience of climate change.

To realise this potential, though, we need to further understand how the Anthropocene’s fever dream is already warping our wetware. Social and behavioural science have begun cataloguing the psychological fallout of a planet in flux, but a neural taxonomy of climate change awaits. The field’s methodological and conceptual arsenal is primed for the challenge, but honing it will demand alliances with climate science, medicine, psychology, political science and beyond.

Some are trying. For example, the Kavli Foundation in Los Angeles, US, recognising a need for answers, last year put out a call for scientists to investigate how neural systems are responding to ecological upheaval. With a trial $5 million, the foundation aims to illuminate how habitat loss, light pollution and other environmental insults may be influencing the molecular, cellular and circuit-level machinery of brains, human and otherwise. The central question is: in a biosphere where change is the only constant, are neural systems plastic enough to keep pace, or will they be left struggling to adapt?

The first wave of researchers to take up Kavli’s challenge are studying a diverse array of creatures, each uniquely positioned to reveal insights about the brain’s resilience in the face of planetary disruption. Wolfgang Stein at Illinois State University in the US and Steffen Harzsch at University of Greifswald in Germany, for example, focus on crustaceans, seeking to understand how their neural thermal regulators cope with rising temperatures in shallow and deep waters. Another group has targeted the brains of cephalopods, whose RNA-editing prowess may be key to their ability to tolerate plummeting oxygen levels in their increasingly suffocating aquatic habitats. A third Kavli cohort, led by Florence Kermen at University of Copenhagen in Denmark, is subjecting zebrafish to extreme temperatures, scouring their neurons and glial cells for the molecular signatures that allow them to thrive – even as their watery world heats up.

These initial investments have sparked federal curiosity. In December 2023, the US National Science Foundation joined forces with Kavli, inviting researchers to submit research proposals that seek to probe the ‘modulatory, homeostatic, adaptive, and/or evolutionary mechanisms that impact neurophysiology in response to anthropogenic environmental influence’. We may not be in arms-race territory yet, but at least there’s a suggestion that we’re beginning to walk in the right direction.

T he brain, that spongy command centre perched atop our spinal cord, has always been a black box. As the climate crisis tightens its grip, and the ecological ground beneath our feet grows ever more unsteady, the imperative to pry it open and peer inside grows more urgent by the day. Already, we’ve begun to glimpse the outlines of a new neural cartography, sketched in broad strokes by the likes of Sisodiya and his colleagues. We know now that the brain is less a static lump of self-regulating tissue than it is a dynamic, living landscape, its hills and valleys shaped by the contours of our environment. Just as the Greenland ice sheet groans and buckles under the heat of a changing climate, so too do our synapses wither and our neurons wink out as the mercury rises. Just as rising seas swallow coastlines, and forests succumb to drought and flame, the anatomical borders of our brains are redrawn by each new onslaught of environmental insult.

But the dialogue between brain and biosphere is not a one-way street. The choices we make, the behaviours we pursue, the ways in which we navigate a world in crisis – all of these decisions are reflected back onto the environment, for good or for ill. So, I offer: in seeking to understand how a changing climate moulds the contours of our minds, we must also reckon with how the architecture of our thoughts might be renovated in service of sustainability.

Bit by bit, synapse by synapse, we can chart a course through the gathering plague-cloud

The cartographers of the Anthropocene mind have their work cut out for them. But in the hands of neuroscience – with its shimmering brain scans and humming electrodes, its gene-editing precision and algorithmic might – there is something approaching a starting point. By tracing the pathways of environmental impact to their neural roots, and by following the cascading consequences of our mental processes back out into the world, we might yet begin to parse the tangled web that binds the fates of mind and planet.

This much is clear: as the gears of the climate crisis grind on, our brains will be swept along for the ride. The question is whether we’ll be mere passengers, or whether we’ll seize the controls and steer towards something resembling a liveable future. The weight of nature – the immensity of the crisis we face – is daunting. But it need not be paralysing. Bit by bit, synapse by synapse, we can chart a course through the gathering plague-clouds. It was Ruskin, at a slightly more legible moment in his life, who offered: ‘To banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyse vitality.’ Even if we somehow could, we ought not banish the alleged imperfections of environmental influence on the mind. Instead, we ought to read in them an intimate, vital relationship between self and world.

In this, climatological neuroepidemiology – young and untested though it may be – is poised to play an outsized role. In gazing into the black box of the climate-altered mind, in illuminating the neural circuitry of our planetary predicament, the field offers something precious: a flicker of agency in a world that often feels as if it’s spinning out of control. It whispers that the levers of change are within reach, lodged in the squishy confines of our crania, waiting to be grasped. And it suggests that, even as the weight of nature presses down upon us, we might yet find a way to press back.

Political philosophy

C L R James and America

The brilliant Trinidadian thinker is remembered as an admirer of the US but he also warned of its dark political future

Harvey Neptune

Progress and modernity

The great wealth wave

The tide has turned – evidence shows ordinary citizens in the Western world are now richer and more equal than ever before

Daniel Waldenström

Falling for suburbia

Modernists and historians alike loathed the millions of new houses built in interwar Britain. But their owners loved them

Michael Gilson

Computing and artificial intelligence

Mere imitation

Generative AI has lately set off public euphoria: the machines have learned to think! But just how intelligent is AI?

Anthropology

Your body is an archive

If human knowledge can disappear so easily, why have so many cultural practices survived without written records?

Helena Miton

Illness and disease

Empowering patient research

For far too long, medicine has ignored the valuable insights that patients have into their own diseases. It is time to listen

Charlotte Blease & Joanne Hunt

Essay on Changing World

Students are often asked to write an essay on Changing World in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Changing World

Our ever-changing earth.

Our world is like a big, spinning ball that never stops moving. It changes every day. Trees grow, buildings reach up to the sky, and new gadgets are made. We can talk to someone far away as if they are right next to us. Isn’t that amazing?

People and Places

Technology’s fast pace.

Our phones and computers are getting smarter and faster. It’s like they learn new tricks every day, helping us with homework or finding a new song we might like. They make life easier, but also remind us to look up from the screen and see the real world.

Protecting Our Home

Our planet needs us to take care of it. We’re learning to use less stuff that can hurt it, like plastic bags or gas for cars. Instead, we’re finding cleaner energy like wind or sun power. It’s like giving Earth a big, helpful hug.

Looking Forward

250 words essay on changing world, our world is always changing.

The world is like a giant puzzle that is never complete. As time goes on, new pieces are added, and the picture keeps changing. This change can be seen in many ways, like in technology, the environment, and how we live our lives every day.

Technology Moves Fast

Think about your phone or computer. These gadgets didn’t even exist a long time ago. Now, they are a big part of our lives. We use them to talk to friends, learn new things, and have fun. Every year, they get better and can do more things. This is because smart people are always finding ways to improve them.

Our Environment is Changing

The world around us, like the air, the oceans, and the forests, is changing too. The weather is different than it used to be, with some places getting hotter and others getting more storms. Animals and plants are also affected, and some are having a hard time living in these new conditions.

How We Live

Long ago, people lived very differently. They grew their food, made their clothes, and didn’t travel much. Now, we can buy food from all over the world, wear clothes made in different countries, and travel to new places easily. Our lives are more connected to people far away than ever before.

In conclusion, the world is like a river that never stops flowing. It is always moving and changing. We are part of this big, changing world, and we learn and grow as it changes. It’s exciting to think about what new changes will come next.

500 Words Essay on Changing World

Technology is growing fast.

One of the biggest changes we see is in technology. Think about the phone in your pocket or the computer you use at school. These devices were once just ideas in someone’s mind, and now we use them to talk to friends, play games, and learn new things. Every year, these gadgets get smarter and can do more to help us in our daily lives.

People Move Around More

A long time ago, most people spent their whole lives in the same place. But now, with planes, trains, and cars, we can travel to new places easily. This means we meet new people, try different foods, and learn about other ways of living. It’s like the whole world is becoming one big neighborhood.

The Earth’s Climate is Changing

Our jobs and schools are different, we learn and share more.

Before, if you wanted to learn something, you might go to the library and read a book. Now, you can find out about anything with just a few clicks on the internet. We can also share what we know with people all over the world using social media and websites.

Our Health is Getting Better

Doctors and scientists are always finding new ways to keep us healthy. We have medicines that can stop us from getting sick, and if we do get sick, we can get better much faster than before. This means we can live longer and do more of the things we love.

What This Means for Us

In conclusion, our world is like a kaleidoscope, always shifting and turning into new patterns. We see changes in technology, the way we travel, the climate, our jobs, how we learn, and our health. These changes can be exciting and a little scary too, but they are all part of the journey of living on our wonderful, ever-changing planet.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

If I Could Change the World Essay: Examples & Writing Guide

To write an engaging “If I Could Change the World” essay, you have to get a few crucial elements:

• What? How? Whom? When? Where?
• The essay structure that determines where each answer should be;
• Some tips that can make your writing unique and original.

Let us help you a bit and give recommendations for “If I Could Change the World” essays with examples. And bookmark our writing company website for excellent academic assistance and study advice.

• 🗯 What Would You Change?
• 💁‍♂️ How Would You Do It?

👉 Whom Would Your Changes Affect?

⏱️ when would you change the world, 🌎 where would you make changes, 📦 out-of-the-box thinking, 🤔 deep understanding, 🧠 an intelligible structure, 🗣️ excellent language.

• 📝 Essay Example

✏️ Change the World Essay FAQ

🔗 references, 💡 if i could change the world essay: essential questions.

What do you think about the world we are all living in? The vast majority of people love their lives, being human, and living on the Earth. They may have no time to think about the world around them or notice that this world requires changes.

And do you have time to notice this? Do you believe that our world is no longer the best and safest place to live in? If you do and have some suggestions on how our world can be changed, you can write a good “If I Could Change the World” essay.

Start crafting your paper by considering these questions:

Answering them will boost your imagination and help with outlining your essay. Besides, you may find something new about yourself and your mind.

🗯 If You Could Change the World, What Would You Change?

What do I want to change in the world? Start this essay with those particular things that you believe require fixing. We are sure you will not have difficulties with this point because the problems we face these days seem endless.

We’ve gotten used to having such problems, and many people are sure that nothing can ever change. But what if millions of people became more conscious and decided to make even a minor effort to solve just one problem? In that case, we would already live in a better place.

For example:

Why not mention global warming or air pollution? There are plenty of problems common to humanity that require our intervention, so essay writing about global issues is also a great opportunity to narrow down your topic.

Use your imagination and describe your great ideas in your essay about changing the world for better. You could build up a fantastic paper—or maybe even change the world.

💁‍♂️ How Would You Change the World?

What ways do you think would be the most effective to make necessary changes? Whose help might you need? You have to speculate, “How can I change the world?” for the essay.

You’ll have to use your imagination here again:

• Delve deeper into the topic. List the ways, methods, or strategies you’d utilize to help the world we live in.
• Make a list of these people or organizations.
• Explain how they could contribute to achieving your aim.

For instance, you could consider involving global charities or celebrities to assist you on your path to a better world.

Would your changes influence society in the world? Or some particular groups of people would need them more than all the others?

This is another exciting idea that you could develop in your essay. Give insight into whose lives your actions would change. For example, you could think of improving the lives of poor, hungry children in Africa or helping animals suffering from global warming.

Do you think that the problems you are talking about require immediate solutions? There are issues worldwide that can’t wait any longer and need to be changed urgently.

Why not discuss them?

Here’s an idea: Bring up a topic related to a pressing global health issue. For example, focus your main point on incurable diseases or infectious diseases that annually kill more than 17 million people .

In what part of the world would you change something?

It’s essential to touch on the location of your global changes. Are you audacious enough to implement your great ideas worldwide? Or would you be better off starting in a small area and eventually growing it into something on a larger scale?

Consider these ideas as well, and don’t forget to mention the location in your paper.

You can also read our article on world peace to learn more about current problems and issues that require changes.

✒️ If I Could Change the World Essay: Writing Guide

What are the criteria that guide your professor when evaluating your “If I Could Change the World” essay? Are there any one-size-fits-all characteristics you can safely incorporate to end up with a breathtaking paper?

There are! And knowing them will help you write more convincing essays that earn better grades.

Representing your original thinking as an author doesn’t mean that you have to invent something new or discover some unknown theory. Not to discourage you, but chances of doing that are pretty small.

Try writing a “changing the world” essay different from other students’ papers because of its original approach . You could look at things from an unusual angle or come up with a new hypothesis. Even the purpose of your writing can differ if you add creativity.

Your “If I Could Change the World” essay topic is a platform for unlimited imagination and original thinking. Go ahead and make the most of it!

A perfect essay about the world’s problems—just like any other essay—shows in-depth knowledge. Demonstrate the comprehension of all the facts, concepts, and issues you’re talking about. You also need to clearly understand why these ideas matter, both to you and your reader.

To end up with a fantastic “changing the world” essay, you should do the following:

• Craft and polish a persuasive thesis, stating your position clearly.
• Find credible sources to add quotes and value to your writing.
• Use engaging, relevant facts for your arguments and central hypothesis.
• Consider and analyze different viewpoints.
• Summarize and synthesize data from various sources.
• Double-check information that you’re uncertain about.
• Write a reference list at the bottom of your essay.

Don’t forget to analyze and consider all points of view and include quotations from reputable sources.

The first and foremost thing to bear in mind when outlining your essay is that it should answer the following three questions:

Also, a high-quality essay contains all of the necessary parts of an academic paper:

• Introduction : Starts with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention. Directs the reader, identifies the focus, and provides the context of the issue. Most importantly, it includes a thesis statement. If you struggle with this part, try to make use of a thesis statement generator .
• Main body : Provides the argumentation for your thesis and supporting details. Includes quotes and other data that you’ve gathered. Every paragraph starts with a topic sentence and ends with a concluding one, tying the text together.
• Conclusion : Restates and develops the thesis and summarizes the arguments. Gives the last impression on the reader, leaving the final thoughts in the concluding sentences. May include a call for action.

Your “If I Could Change the World” essay should have a consistent discussion and a balanced argument. Relevant facts and data should support all the points. The conclusion weighs your evidence and provides your final opinion about the paper’s central idea.

Your discussion should be smooth and effortless so that your readers feel like they are in safe hands. The sentences should be flowing naturally and logically from one to the other. The reader should understand everything from the first read. Do not deviate from your topic, or else the focus of your essay will be lost.

You should strive for flawless grammar, spelling, and punctuation, without mistakes or typos. To ensure its flawlessness, proofread your paper or ask someone to do it for you.

If I Could Change the World: Essay Topics

• Can one person change the world?
• What can we do to eliminate the global violence?
• How I would change animal rights and welfare laws .
• Helping homeless people is a critical task for humanity.
• Becoming a social service assistant is the best way to change the world.
• Creativity can change the world and make it a better place to live in.  
• If I could change the world, I would destroy nuclear weapons.
• Can courage change the world when the cost is so great?
• We need to stop climate change to save the world.
• What I can do to save the world from global warming.
• The things I would do to eliminate gaming addiction from the world.
• I would save the Earth from destruction by making hanges in an energy crisis.
• Why we should pay more attention to the overpopulation problem .
• Fighting inflation and unemployment is a way to change the world.
• What I can do today to help integration of children with special needs.
• Elimination of smoking will change the population’s health for the better.
• If we want to save the Earth, we should reduce air polution.
• The best career choice to change the world.
• If I could change the world, I would improve the humanity and nature relationship.
• The most important thing I would change about this world is the disease prevention level.
• Combat the growing trend of obesity to improve health in the community.
• Should we ban consumable plastics to save oceans wildlife?
• Using electric vehicles instead of gas cars will improve people’s life quality.
• Removing domestic violence and abuse is the thing I would do to change the world.
• What I would change to create an ideal society.  
• Becoming a teacher is my way of improving schooling for young learners.  
• How I would change the economic situation in modern Latin America.
• My plans on banning experiments on animals.  
• Preparing effective tools to change the children’s world.
• We need to change the system to remove health disparities.  
• What I would do to change the situation with alcohol abuse in the world.
• Racism is the global issue that requires an immediate change.
• The things that can be done to change the level of substance abuse among adolescents.
• If I could change the world, I would remove gender inequality from it.
• The solution to social problems within educational institutions is the change we should make in this world.
• What changes can we make to overcome the world poverty?
• Why it’s important to resolve the global water crisis.  
• The solution of immigrant problems is a step towards a better society.
• How eliminating corruption will make this world better.
• What can I do to help resolve the problems of older adults ?
• Lowering crime rates will change the world.
• How I would change the situation with indigenous Australians.
• Preventing and curing breast cancer is one of the greatest concerns in modern society.
• What can we do to prevent disease outbreaks?
• Why the problem of school violence requires our immediate attention.
• How I would change the food distribution to combat the issue of world hunger.  
• Why we should promote renewable energy sources.
• Terrorism is the most urgent problem in modern society.
• What would I do to change the situation with school bullying?  
• What should we change in the world to resolve the problems of LGBT people?

📝 If I Could Change the World: Essay Example

In this section, you’ll find an essay example on the topic. The downloadable PDF version is under the preview. Hope it will inspire you to write your own If I Could Change the World essay!

If I Could Change the World: Pros and Cons (Essay Example)

The idea of having a tremendous influence on the course of the world history is rather tempting since it implies huge power and the availability of any resource possible. Thus, the possibility of changing the world might be perceived solely as a positive concept at first. However, without the ability to encompass and understand the global implications of the changes that I would make, I would take the actions that would most likely result in the suffering of multiple people, which is why the described scenario is highly undesirable.

Now that you know a little more, it’s easy to come up with even more “If I Could Change the World” essay topics. Just think about them carefully or surf the web for some inspiration.

Thank you for reading till the end! Leave your comment in the section below. Share the article with friends who also have to write an “If I Could Change the World” essay.

Further reading:

• World Peace Essay in Simple English: How-to + Topic Ideas

It is a paper that deals with a controversial question “Can we change the world” (or similar). There are many ways to develop this topic: from telling about a person, invention, or idea of speaking about skills for changing the world.

To be concise within such a broad topic might be a challenge. One strategy might be to think about who or what in human history has changed something in society a lot. It might be an invention, a politician, a scientist, etc. Then, focus just on that subject.

There many ways to change something, both negatively and positively. If we do not care about ecology, we ruin the world’s biosphere. If we do our best to stay eco-friendly, we make it a better place. We can also change the world with the help of education, science, medicine, etc.

If you do not like the topic you are given, there are always ways to divert from it. Meanwhile, you will formally keep it the same. You can, for example, start by introducing a correlated idea. Then, write about that idea and its connection to the topic.

• One Person Can Change The World
• Essay about Three Things I Would Change in the World
• The Power of Music to Help Change the World (and Me!)
• If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
• To Change the World, Change Yourself
• Share to Facebook
• Share to LinkedIn
• Share to email

Why do you want to be a pharmacist? An essay on this topic can be challenging, even when you know the answer. The most popular reasons to pursue this profession are the following:

How to write a film critique essay? To answer this question, you should clearly understand what a movie critique is. It can be easily confused with a movie review. Both paper types can become your school or college assignments. However, they are different. A movie review reveals a personal impression...

Are you getting ready to write your Language Proficiency Index Exam essay? Well, your mission is rather difficult, and you will have to work hard. One of the main secrets of successful LPI essays is perfect writing skills. So, if you practice writing, you have a chance to get the...

Dengue fever is a quite dangerous febrile disease that can even cause death. Nowadays, this disease can be found in the tropics and Africa. Brazil, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, and India are also vulnerable to this disease.

For high school or college students, essays are unavoidable – worst of all, the essay types and essay writing topics assigned change throughout your academic career. As soon as you’ve mastered one of the many types of academic papers, you’re on to the next one. This article by Custom Writing...

An outline is the main form of organization in academic writing. It implies listing all of the research ideas and components before the writing process starts. To many of you, an outline may seem like just another piece of extra work to do, but trust us, it will end up...

Even though a personal essay seems like something you might need to write only for your college application, people who graduated a while ago are asked to write it. Therefore, if you are a student, you might even want to save this article for later!

If you wish a skill that would be helpful not just for middle school or high school, but also for college and university, it would be the skill of a five-paragraph essay. Despite its simple format, many students struggle with such assignments.

Reading books is pleasurable and entertaining; writing about those books isn’t. Reading books is pleasurable, easy, and entertaining; writing about those books isn’t. However, learning how to write a book report is something that is commonly required in university. Fortunately, it isn’t as difficult as you might think. You’ll only...

A descriptive essay is an academic paper that challenges a school or college student to describe something. It can be a person, a place, an object, a situation—anything an individual can depict in writing. The task is to show your abilities to communicate an experience in an essay format using...

An analysis / analytical essay is a standard assignment in college or university. You might be asked to conduct an in-depth analysis of a research paper, a report, a movie, a company, a book, or an event. In this article, you’ll find out how to write an analysis paper introduction,...

A film analysis essay might be the most exciting assignment you have ever had! After all, who doesn’t love watching movies? You have your favorite movies, maybe something you watched years ago, perhaps a classic, or a documentary. Or your professor might assign a film for you to make a...

Hey, Julia! Really appreciate your efforts And amazing and useful information has been provided. Just a suggestion: if you would write a sample essay for more clear understanding. But, anyway, it was great and time-consuming reading. Thnx, dude??

Really mind-blowing service. Thank you so much!

This website has really helped me. Thank you so so so much and I really appreciate it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you 🙂 🙂

Thank you for your kind words about the blog, Marylou! I’m glad it was helpful.

Good speech and very easy

I want to compose a full-fledged essay about a different topic. I read your guidelines to get some ideas to write something valid and meaningful. Really these are helpful.

This was very useful for me. Thank you!

Thank you for the inspirational advice!

Essay “if you could change the world”: what would you do and why?

Very nice essay about the world B-)

Hi Pragati! Are you writing an essay on this topic? Did you find the article helpful or you need additional help? Always happy to answer 🙂

Essays About Change: Top 5 Examples and 10 Prompts

If you are writing essays about change, see below our best essay examples and writing prompts to help expand your horizon on this topic.

The only thing constant is change. It could be good or bad. It could be short-term or have a lasting impact. The best we can do is to ride on this inevitable and never-ending cycle of change and try coming out of it still standing, thriving, and smiling. This ability to cope with change is called resilience. 

However, some changes – such as the loss of a loved one or a livelihood — are too overwhelming to deal with that some fall into trauma and depression, in which case psychological support is highly encouraged. Read on to see our round-up of rich, well-written essays about change, and a list of helpful prompts follows to help you start your essay. 

1. “The Psychology Of Dealing With Change: How To Become Resilient” by Kathleen Smith

2. how prison changes people by christian jarrett, 3. six ways the workplace will change in the next 10 years by jordan turner, 4. “social movements for good: what they are and how to lead them” by derrick feldman, 5. “the right way to make a big career transition” by utkarsh amitabh, 1. changing your lifestyle for the better, 2. be the change the world needs, 3. adapting to life-changing events, 4. addressing climate change, 5. how did technology change our daily lives, 6. people who changed the world, 7. if you could change the world, 8. dealing with resistance to change, 9. coming-of-age novels, 10. changing your eating habits.

“If you can learn to cope with change, you’ll lower your risk for anxiety and depression. Your relationships will flourish, and your body will feel healthier. But if you can’t cope with change, only a minor amount of stress can make you feel overwhelmed by life. You might also struggle to set and meet the goals you have for yourself.”

Instead of fixating on events and people over which we do not have the power to control, we should focus on ourselves and how we can embrace change without fear. Some tips in this essay include practicing self-care, being in the present, and focusing on your priorities, such as health and well-being. 

Check out these essays about being grateful and essays about heroes .

“Ultimately, society may be confronted with a choice. We can punish offenders more severely and risk changing them for the worse, or we can design sentencing rules and prisons in a way that helps offenders rehabilitate and change for the better.”

In an environment where you are forced to follow the rules to the letter and worry about your safety and privacy daily, prisoners could develop a kind of “perpetual paranoia” or “emotional numbing” and deteriorate cognitive abilities. The essay suggests a rethink in how we deal with law-breakers to encourage reform rather than punish and risk repeat offenses.

Check out these essays about police brutality and essays about assessment .

“As technology closes the divide between geographically separate people, it introduces cracks in relationships and cultures. The remote distribution of work means that many employees will not build the same social relationships in the workplace, leading to issues of disengagement and loneliness.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has already disrupted our way of work in our new normal, but more changes are yet to unfold. This essay looks into the future of work where responsibilities and demands will see a sea change; machines will be co-workers; and the best employee is defined by digital skills, not years of experience.

You might also like these essays about cinema and essays about jealousy .

“Social movements for good establish a mass platform of action for a population, which helps inform and cultivate the awareness necessary to help prevent an issue from affecting more people. True social movements for good have the power to generate awareness that produces tangible results, helping the general population live longer, more productive, happier lives.”

A social movement for good aims to bring social justice to an aggrieved community by calling for tangible support and resources. To accelerate a movement’s momentum, an effective leader must possess certain qualities in this essay.

“There were so many questions running through my head during this time. Why should I quit to make this my full-time job? Is this what I really want? When should I quit? Poet Mary Oliver’s words kept ringing in my head: ‘What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’”

Deciding on a career change is more complex than deciding whether you want to do something different. A career shift entails lifestyle, mindset, and motivation changes, each of which has to be carefully reassessed and prepared for. This essay guides you in deciding when or why it is right to leave your job.

10 Interesting Writing Prompts on Essays About Change

Below are thought-stimulating prompts to help with your essay: 

Committing to regular exercise or getting to bed earlier may be easier said than done. Moreover, the determination that was burning at the start of your lifestyle change journey may wane in the latter part when things get tough. So, for your essay, provide practical tips from wellness experts and your own experience on how to sustain a routine toward a better lifestyle. You can split your essay into sections for each health and wellness tip you recommend.

This is the gist of the famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi: “be the change you wish to see in the world.” Unfortunately, many of us get frustrated over people refusing to change but fail to see how this change should start with our perception and action. In this essay, write about what an individual can do to focus more on self-improvement and development. 

Have you ever faced a situation where you had to adapt to a drastic change? It could be moving to a different city or school or dealing with losing a loved one. Share your experience and list the traits and practices that helped you through this challenging phase. You may also research what psychologists recommend people to do to keep from falling into depression or developing anxiety. 

To offer a unique highlight in your essay, tackle what your school or community is doing to fight global warming. Interview city councilors and mayors and learn about ongoing initiatives to keep the city clean and green. So this essay could help entice others in your community to work together and volunteer in initiatives to slow climate change.

List down the advantages and disadvantages technology has presented in your life. For example, seeking clarification from teachers about an assignment has been made easier with the many communication channels available. However, technology has also enabled a work-at-home or distance learning arrangement that is causing burnout in many households. 

Feature a person who has revolutionized the world. It could be a scientist, artist, activist, writer, economist, athlete, etc. Preferably, it is someone you idolize, so you do not have to start from scratch in your research. So first, provide a short profile of this person to show his life and career background. Then, write about their ultimate contribution to society and how this continues to benefit or inspire many. 

If there’s one thing you could change in this world, what would it be? This sounds like a question you’d hear in pageants, but it could be a creative way to lay down your life advocacy. So, explain why this is where you want to see change and how this change can improve others’ lives.

Resistance to change is most common when companies modernize, and the dinosaurs in the office refuse to learn new digital platforms or systems. Write about what you think leaders and human resource units should do to help employees cope with changes in the new normal.

A coming-of-age novel tells stories of protagonists who grow up and undergo character transformation. From being eaten up by their fears, the main heroes become braver and better at confronting a world that once intimidated them. For this prompt, share your favorite coming-of-age novel and narrate the changes in the hero’s qualities and beliefs. 

Delivering fast food has become so easy that, for many, it has become a way of life, making it an enormous challenge to replace this practice with healthy eating habits. So, research and write about nutritionists’ tips on creating a lifestyle and environment conducive to healthy eating habits.

If you’re still stuck picking an essay topic, check out our guide on how to write essays about depression . For more ideas, you can check out our general resource of essay writing topics .

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Making The World a Better Place — If You Could Change the World, What Would You Do

If You Could Change The World, What Would You Do

• Categories: Making The World a Better Place

About this sample

Words: 686 |

Published: Aug 31, 2023

Words: 686 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 461 words

3 pages / 1278 words

3 pages / 1182 words

3 pages / 1178 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Making The World a Better Place

The concept of a perfect world has been a source of human imagination and aspiration for centuries. It represents an ideal state where harmony, justice, and prosperity prevail. While acknowledging the inherent challenges of [...]

Imagine waking up one day to discover that you suddenly possess a million dollars. While this scenario may seem like a fantasy, it presents a unique opportunity to reflect on how one's choices and priorities might change in the [...]

Amidst the vastness and complexity of the world, it's natural to ponder one's place and purpose. Many of us yearn to leave a positive mark, to contribute to something greater than ourselves. The question, "How can I make a [...]

Planet Earth has been changing and revolutionizing throughout the course of humanization in both positive and negative ways. Recently there has been a lot more negative things occurring in the world. We all have been doing [...]

Everyone has the right to choose the manner in which they want to live their live. This is an important issue to me as it provides a blueprint of how I will achieve my life goals. Having experienced people suffer because of [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• Published: 07 August 2024

Climate change debates

Nature Climate Change volume  14 ,  page 769 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

1338 Accesses

4 Altmetric

Metrics details

• Climate change
• Climate-change adaptation
• Climate-change ecology
• Climate-change mitigation

From a scientific standpoint, the causes of current ongoing climate change are well established. But in the context of rapid change, and real-world consequences, there is still room — and need — for scientific discussion in climate change fields.

Science, while ultimately grounded on the concept of knowledge, has always been a rich and often controversial stage for debate. While many scientific debates have been effectively ‘solved’ by further acquisition of knowledge (for example, heliocentrism versus geocentrism), others remain ripe for discussion. Examples include big questions about the origins of life on Earth, the potential for life outside this planet, or the ultimate impacts of artificial intelligence.

In the climate change field, the big questions have historically been those related to the recognition and acceptance of anthropogenic climate change. While the intensity of climate change debates has been partly fuelled by personal and political desires, the field remains wide open for debate even within more purely scientific realms due to its strong focus on future events. Past debates have now evolved into discussions on the details of what will happen when (and where), as well as weighing up the potential and pitfalls of different modes of action or inaction.

For example, in this issue of Nature Climate Change , we feature several pieces related to the complicated debate of how to best prioritize the conservation of species and their ecosystem functions in the context of rapid change, including discussion on the role of active human intervention. Among these, three independently written pieces on the conservation of corals highlight different, and sometimes opposing, priorities for future action.

In a Comment , Timothy McClanahan stresses that a focus on broad narratives of global coral loss, rather than acknowledging heterogeneities, caveats and uncertainty, will hinder management and muddy public communication. In their Comment , Robert Streit and colleagues argue for a minimal intervention approach in managing corals, questioning whether a human desire to ‘act heroically’ might hinder decision-making and be counterproductive. By contrast, Michael Webster and Daniel Schindler suggest in another Comment that ecological replacement — whereby corals lost to global change are replaced with species providing similar ecosystem functions — should be considered, urging that the potential risks of such actions are weighed against the risks of not intervening.

In a separate research Article , Silvio Schueler and colleagues focus on just one part of this ‘risk of inaction’ in a forest context, to demonstrate that while assisted migration (moving species and populations in response to climate change) can maintain or improve carbon stocks, failing to do so could result in large future carbon sink losses. Discussions related to active manipulation and movement of species have been historically more open when plants rather than animals (even relatively sessile animals, such as coral) are involved, particularly in artificial contexts such as crop or forestry plantations. Nonetheless, the wider debate remains in its infancy. In highlighting the potential, Schueler and colleagues call for more research to quantify the trade-offs between the opportunities and risks of implementation.

The topics here represent just a fraction of the ongoing debates in climate change circles. Recent examples range from questions related to the feasibility of large-scale carbon dioxide removal deployment ( Nat. Clim. Change 14 , 549; 2024 ), different opinions on geoengineering research and implementation , or altering the chemistry of the atmosphere to degrade methane ( Q. Li et al. Nat. Commun. 14 , 4045; 2023 ). Beyond that, many climate change debates have a common theme at their core — that regardless of the findings, any future possibilities should not be considered as an alternative for active mitigation.

Many of these are likely to be debated for some time to come as both science and time progress. We look forward to these debates, and hope that active discussion can help push science forward.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Climate change debates. Nat. Clim. Chang. 14 , 769 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02103-1

Download citation

Published : 07 August 2024

Issue Date : August 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02103-1

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Climate Change Essay for Students and Children

500+ words climate change essay.

Climate change refers to the change in the environmental conditions of the earth. This happens due to many internal and external factors. The climatic change has become a global concern over the last few decades. Besides, these climatic changes affect life on the earth in various ways. These climatic changes are having various impacts on the ecosystem and ecology. Due to these changes, a number of species of plants and animals have gone extinct.

When Did it Start?

The climate started changing a long time ago due to human activities but we came to know about it in the last century. During the last century, we started noticing the climatic change and its effect on human life. We started researching on climate change and came to know that the earth temperature is rising due to a phenomenon called the greenhouse effect. The warming up of earth surface causes many ozone depletion, affect our agriculture , water supply, transportation, and several other problems.

Reason Of Climate Change

Although there are hundreds of reason for the climatic change we are only going to discuss the natural and manmade (human) reasons.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Natural Reasons

These include volcanic eruption , solar radiation, tectonic plate movement, orbital variations. Due to these activities, the geographical condition of an area become quite harmful for life to survive. Also, these activities raise the temperature of the earth to a great extent causing an imbalance in nature.

Human Reasons

Man due to his need and greed has done many activities that not only harm the environment but himself too. Many plant and animal species go extinct due to human activity. Human activities that harm the climate include deforestation, using fossil fuel , industrial waste , a different type of pollution and many more. All these things damage the climate and ecosystem very badly. And many species of animals and birds got extinct or on a verge of extinction due to hunting.

Effects Of Climatic Change

These climatic changes have a negative impact on the environment. The ocean level is rising, glaciers are melting, CO2 in the air is increasing, forest and wildlife are declining, and water life is also getting disturbed due to climatic changes. Apart from that, it is calculated that if this change keeps on going then many species of plants and animals will get extinct. And there will be a heavy loss to the environment.

What will be Future?

If we do not do anything and things continue to go on like right now then a day in future will come when humans will become extinct from the surface of the earth. But instead of neglecting these problems we start acting on then we can save the earth and our future.

Although humans mistake has caused great damage to the climate and ecosystem. But, it is not late to start again and try to undo what we have done until now to damage the environment. And if every human start contributing to the environment then we can be sure of our existence in the future.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is climate change and how it affects humans?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Climate change is a phenomenon that happens because of human and natural reasons. And it is one of the most serious problems that not only affect the environment but also human beings. It affects human in several ways but in simple language, we can say that it causes many diseases and disasters that destroy life on earth.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can we stop these climatic changes?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, we can stop these climatic changes but for that, every one of us has to come forward and has to adapt ways that can reduce and control our bad habits that affect the environment. We have to the initiative and make everyone aware of the climatic changes.” } } ] }

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

What Change Would You Like to See in the World? Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

The world as it is in the 21 st Century is way better than it was in the 20 th Century. Technological, medical, social, and economic advancements have made life better and easier. However, the developments have several cons that have resulted in the deterioration of the world about the environment, the state of the society, relationships, and human interactions. There are several changes that I would like to see in the world to make it a better place for the current and future generations.

Equality among People/Races/Religions

In contemporary society, inequality is one of the issues that hinder progress and cultural integration. Discrimination, intolerance, domestic violence, and unequal access to opportunities are examples of the effects of inequality in contemporary society. I would like to see people treated equally and given equal access to financial, political, and economic opportunities regardless of their age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, race, or ethnicity. Gender, racial, religious, and economic quality would promote peace among the countries of the world and create a more harmonious society. Also, it would uphold the idea that human life is invaluable and mutual respect and understanding are rights that every person should enjoy.

Environmental Sustainability

The rate of environmental degradation has been on the rise in the past two decades due to the high rate of industrialization, urbanization, pollution, population growth, increase in energy consumption, and intensification of agriculture. This has resulted in outcomes such as global warming, changing climate patterns, negative health outcomes, ozone layer depletion, pollution of water, loss of biodiversity, and loss for the tourism industry. I would like to see more initiatives and efforts aimed at environmental sustainability because of the increased danger of animal and plant species’ extinction, loss of biodiversity, and risks to the health of human beings. This generation is morally obligated to conserve the environment for future generations. Otherwise, the survival of humans will be at risk. I would also like to see increased exploitation of renewable energy sources such as hydropower, geothermal, solar, wind, and biomass.

World Poverty

The high rate of poverty in the world can be attributed to ignorance and inequality. The rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. For instance, a report released by Forbes revealed that the wealth of the eight richest men in the world is approximately equal to that of half of the world’s population. Poverty is an insidious global challenge because it affects other critical life aspects such as access to quality health care, food, shelter, and housing. Studies have shown that there is a relationship between poverty and the prevalence of diseases. Many people associate poverty with underdeveloped or developing countries. However, the problem is also present in developed countries. In the United States, many people are homeless and go for days without food. Many others survive through receiving shelter and food from non-for-profit organizations. I would like to see a world where homelessness is non-existent and every person has access to basic human needs including shelter, food, ad clothing. In continents such as Africa and Asia, starvation is a common phenomenon that can be attributed to poverty.

War and Conflict

One of the expectations of civilized countries is peace and harmony. However, war and conflict are common occurrences. Sovereign states fight with each other for the control of certain regions or political interests. The downside of war and conflict is that countries that have no business fighting become involved. For instance, the United States has been involved in several conflicts between warring countries. This involvement has resulted in the spending of billions of dollars, the destruction of countries, and the fall of regimes. I would like to see a world in which countries get along and handle their political and economic matters harmoniously. I would like to see the world in which conflicts are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. War and conflict encourage poverty, destruction of property, and leads to the death and displacement of citizens. A country cannot develop if it engages in wars with other nations. On the other hand, a nation cannot progress if its people fight with each other due to racial, political, or religious differences.

Gender Equality

In the past decades, men were considered superior while women were considered inferior. In that regard, gender roles were assigned based on biological sex. Women were given easy tasks that did not necessitate the use of physical strength. For instance, they stayed at home and took care of the children. On the other hand, men were given the role of providing for their families. They were expected to provide their families with food, shelter, and clothing. In contemporary society, this approach to gender roles has changed significantly. Women are doing chores and tasks that were traditionally reserved for men. However, gender equality is still elusive. Certain professions, sports, and management positions are dominated by men because males are considered tougher and more intelligent than women. I would love to see a world in which both genders are treated equally and given access to similar social, political, and economic opportunities. The society would progress more if men and women were treated equally and allowed to tap their potential regardless of their gender and baseless societal stereotypes.

In many countries, crime is one of the challenges that interfere with economic, social, and political progress. It is a problem that both developed and developing societies encounter. In the United States, the rates of crime and incarceration are very high, and they can be attributed to a lack of access to economic opportunities and poverty. Crime breaks down families and destabilizes communities. I would like to see a world in which the rates of crime and incarceration are low, and a world in which crimes related to drug use and abuse are non-existent. Many young people fall victim to drug use and abuse because of peer pressure and broken families. They turn to drugs to drown their sorrows related to the challenges they encounter in their lives. The number of criminal cases related to drugs is very high. Therefore, it is necessary to fight drugs as a way of eradicating crime. I would like to see a world in which young people get access to innumerable economic opportunities so that they cannot indulge in illegal activities.

Medical Advances/Improved Health

Access to quality health care is an important aspect of a great life. Everyone should have access to quality medical care because human vitality and wellbeing is the foundation of economic, social, and political development. Medical advances are important because of the prevalence of diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and cancer that are responsible for high mortality rates among women, children, and young people. Also, medical advances would aid in eliminating diseases and improve the process of healthcare delivery. Medical advances such as leukemia therapies, cancer therapies, advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment, and augmented reality would play a key role in eliminating diseases that are difficult to treat. For example, finding alternatives to chemotherapy would make the treatment of cancer more bearable.

Innovations that can Change the World

Innovation is one of the pillars of economic and social progress. For instance, the technological innovations experienced in the past two decades have improved the quality of life tremendously and created innumerable social and economic opportunities. For example, the development of the Internet improved communication across the world and made access to important information easy. Other innovations have led to the development of great infrastructure, elimination of diseases, reduction of reliance on fossil fuels, and improvement of education. For instance, innovations in the energy sector have enhanced environmental sustainability by reducing overreliance on fossil fuels. Environmental sustainability efforts are more successful because of reduced rates of pollution and increased investment in alternative energy sources. I would like to see a world in which innovations that can change the world are developed in the areas of technology, education, medicine, economics, and agriculture.

The education systems of many countries have been criticized for focusing on school grades rather than on the attainment of knowledge and relevant life skills. I would like to see a world in which students are judged based on the knowledge and skills they possess rather than their grades. Basing academic success on grades undermines the importance of other learning aspects such as comprehension and creativity. Moreover, it ignores the differences that exist among learners who have varied learning needs and capabilities. A better approach would involve testing students’ levels of understanding and creativity based on their ability to generate ideas, make smart decisions, and solve problems. Grades encourage students to study for examinations and tests. This approach to education undermines the attainment of knowledge and skills as well as the improvement of cognitive faculties.

Animal Abuse

Animals play important roles in the lives of human beings. However, they are usually mistreated and subjected to acts of cruelty. Animal testing is one of how animals are mistreated. Rabbits, monkeys, mice, and guinea pigs are commonly used as test objects in medical research. They are used as test subjects to determine whether certain vaccines and medical remedies are safe for human beings. Animal testing is unethical because there are alternatives that can be used and therefore, protect animals from the pain and suffering. Animals are also subjected to cruelty in factory farms where they are reared in large numbers for commercial purposes. Other people mistreat their pets (cats and dogs) by denying them food and water or failing to provide veterinary services. Animals on farms should not be overcrowded and provide nutritious and adequate feed. Finally, puppy mills should place the well-being of the animals before financial gains.

The world has undergone significant changes in the last century. However, more could be done to improve living standards. I would like to see a world that promotes equality among people/races/religions, conserves the environment, fights poverty by ending economic inequality, and resolves conflicts through dialogue. It is important to treat men and women equally, encourage creativity and innovation, and increase access to quality health care. Poverty, ignorance, and diseases are common challenges around the world. These problems can be resolved by improving education systems, providing economic opportunities, and improving health systems. The aforementioned changes would make the world a better place.

• Buddha’s Speculation About Life After Death
• Believing Without Sufficient Evidence
• Educational Services for Children in Domestic Violence Shelters
• Community Service Experience: Homeless Shelter
• Tax Shelter and Offshore: Control and Investment
• "The Fallacy of Success" by G. K. Chesterton
• The Meanings of Lives by Susan Wolf
• Knowledge Role in People's Lives
• Worldviews on Good Life and Values
• Does the Body Influence the Mind?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2020, August 28). What Change Would You Like to See in the World? https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-change-would-you-like-to-see-in-the-world/

"What Change Would You Like to See in the World?" IvyPanda , 28 Aug. 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/what-change-would-you-like-to-see-in-the-world/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'What Change Would You Like to See in the World'. 28 August.

IvyPanda . 2020. "What Change Would You Like to See in the World?" August 28, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-change-would-you-like-to-see-in-the-world/.

1. IvyPanda . "What Change Would You Like to See in the World?" August 28, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-change-would-you-like-to-see-in-the-world/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "What Change Would You Like to See in the World?" August 28, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/what-change-would-you-like-to-see-in-the-world/.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Deadly Landslides in India Made Worse by Climate Change, Study Finds

Extreme rainfall made 10 percent heavier by human-caused climate change triggered landslides that killed hundreds, according to a new study.

By Austyn Gaffney

A sudden burst of rainfall on July 30 caused a cascade of landslides that buried hundreds of people in the mountainous Kerala region of southern India.

That downpour was 10 percent heavier because of human-caused climate change, according to a study by World Weather Attribution, a group of scientists who quantify how climate change can influence extreme weather. Nearly six inches, or 150 millimeters, of rain fell on soils already highly saturated from two months of monsoon and marked the third highest single-day rain event on record for India.

“The devastation in northern Kerala is concerning not only because of the difficult humanitarian situation faced by thousands today, but also because this disaster occurred in a continually warming world,” said Maja Vahlberg, a climate risk consultant at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. “The increase in climate-change-driven rainfall found in this study is likely to increase the number of landslides that could be triggered in the future.”

In a state that is highly prone to landslides, the Wayanad district is considered the riskiest part. As of Tuesday, at least 231 people had died and 100 remained missing.

The Kerala landslides were the second extreme landslide event in July, following one in Ethiopia that killed 257 people. July was the second-worst month on record, after July 2019, with 95 landslide events that caused 1,167 fatalities , according to data maintained by Dave Petley, the vice-chancellor of the University of Hull. Together, they caused roughly one-third of the more than 3,600 deaths resulting from some 429 fatal landslides recorded this year, Dr. Petley said in an email.

Already, 2024 is an outlier, Dr. Petley posted to The Landslide Blog on Tuesday . He wrote that he could “only speculate on the likely underlying reasons for this very high incidence of fatal landslides,” but “the most likely cause continues to be the exceptionally high global surface temperatures, and the resultant increase in high intensity rainfall events.”

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

theworldoutline.com

Just another network site.

If I Could Change the World: Essay Outline & Guideline

There are a few crucial elements involved in this essay writing. The How? What? When? Whom? and Where? These are the questions that define this essay. The structure of the paper determines the perfect place for the answers to each of the above. If you have good tips provided by IBuyEssay professionals, you can write an original and unique essay.

Argumentative essay outline: important questions

What are your thoughts on the world we live in? Many people cherish their lives, earthly living things, and being human. A good number of the world population may lack time to think and focus on the world surrounding them. They may not notice that the world needs changes.

Does time allow you to realize this? Do you have a feeling or a belief that the world around you aren’t safe as before? When you have a couple of suggestions on how to change the earth, then you can write the essay “If I could change the world.”

If I Could Change the World: essay ideas

Begin writing your essay by addressing specific things that you believe require changes. You won’t encounter problems on these points since they are the problems that we face every day.

These problems have been here with us for a long until some people assume they can’t change anymore. What if all the people in the world gained consciousness and agreed to address one problem? In such a case, the world will be an excellent place to live.

An excellent of a problem to address is air pollution or global warming. Many issues exist that affect humanity and need your intervention. Writing an essay on change the world is an excellent chance to narrow down your essay topic. Imagine and describe the significant points in the paper on making the world a better place. You will build a perfect essay on change the world.

What will you do to change the world?

What is the most appropriate way to bring the changes? Whom will you seek for help? In this section, imagination is vital. Go deep into your topic and list the methods, ways, and strategies you will use to assist the world. To change the world, you need good resources. Think of the perfect person that will be of importance. Have a list of organizations and people and explain how they will boost your goal. You can involve some global celebrities and charities that will offer support.

Who will feel the impact of the changes?

Will your changes influence the whole society? Will some people need the changes more than others? It’s a good idea to include in your essay. Give clear indications of who will enjoy your actions. You can think of improving the lives of hungry African children. You can aim at helping animals facing global warming or improving the conditions of the poor.

When will you bring the changes?

Do your problems need immediate action? Discuss the worldwide issues that need urgent changes and can’t wait any longer. You can build a topic that relates to pressing global health problems. Then focus on incurable diseases.

Where will you make the changes?

Which area of the world will you change anything? It’s essential to have a specific location for global change. Will you target the whole world? Or will you begin from a particular area and expand later? When considering these ideas, don’t fail to mention your location in the paper.

Things to remember in your essay writing

• Think outside the box

Representing original content doesn’t mean inventing or discovering something new. Instead, you can use other students’ essays to get points to develop your hypothesis.

• Deep understanding

Have an in-depth understanding of the world’s problems. Prove your ability in concepts, issues, and facts you are addressing. Understand why they matter to you and the reader.

• Develop an intelligible structure

Your essay should address issues like What? How? And Why? Also, have an introduction, main body, and a conclusion in your work. Finally, your summary should have a balanced argument.

• Excellent language

Develop an effortless and smooth discussion for your readers to feel safe in your hands. Use natural flowing sentences, and the reader should grasp everything discussed. Check grammar, punctuation, typos, and spelling.

These are the significant facts to consider when writing how can I change the world essay. Derive the world problems and use this guideline to develop a perfect paper.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

10 ways COVID-19 changed the world

The illness has affected nearly every aspect of life.

The year 2020 was defined by the coronavirus pandemic , arguably the worst pandemic the world has seen in 100 years. COVID-19 has caused more than 75 million cases and 1.6 million deaths worldwide as of mid-December. The illness has affected nearly every aspect of life, from work and school to everyday activities like getting groceries, and even our wardrobes. 

Here are just some of the ways COVID-19 changed the world in 2020.

New vocabulary 

A number of new words and phrases entered the general lexicon in 2020. We were told we need to " social distance ," or stay six feet apart, so that we could " flatten the curve ," or slow the disease's spread in order to reduce the burden on the healthcare system. People even became familiar with relatively obscure epidemiological terms like the " basic reproduction number " (R0, pronounced R-nought), or the average number of people who catch the virus from a single infected person. And of course the name of the illness itself, COVID-19, is a new term, with the World Health Organization officially naming the disease on Feb. 11.

Wardrobe addition  

The must-have fashion item of 2020 was a small piece of cloth to put around your face. 

With medical masks in short supply at the beginning of the year, sewing enthusiasts began churning out homemade masks for their communities. Then, clothing companies and retailers got on board, adding masks to their fashion lines. Now, in many parts of the world, you can't leave your house without putting on a mask.

At first, it was unclear whether wearing cloth masks would protect against COVID-19, but as the year went on, numerous studies showed the benefits of wearing masks , for both the wearer and those around them .

Anxiety and depression

The pandemic took a serious toll on people's mental health in 2020. One study published in August by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that levels of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts skyrocketed amid the pandemic.

Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now

Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.

The study could not determine the reason for the rise in mental health conditions, but factors relating to the pandemic, such as social isolation, school and university closures, unemployment and other financial worries, as well as the threat of the disease itself, may play a role, the authors said. 

Pandemic drinking 

Another insidious side effect of the pandemic was increases in alcohol consumption . A study published in October in the journal JAMA Network Open found that alcohol consumption in the United States rose 14% during pandemic shutdowns. 

Women in particular reported worrying increases in heavy drinking during the spring of 2020, according to the study.

"In addition to a range of negative physical health associations, excessive alcohol use may lead to or worsen existing mental health problems," the authors concluded.

As businesses began to open after initial lockdowns, people needed to adjust to a new normal to reduce the risk of spreading the disease from everyday activities . Businesses implemented universal mask policies. Dining switched to outdoors only. Waiting rooms became a thing of the past. You needed a reservation to go to the gym. And large gatherings and events were banned completely in many areas.

Although there is no way to ensure zero risk of catching COVID-19, officials said taking precautions could reduce the risk of spread. However, as the fall began, many areas went into lockdown again amid surging COVID-19 cases.

Rampant rumors 

From the idea that drinking bleach can kill the norovirus to a theory that the virus was created in a lab as a bioweapon, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated a flurry of misinformation. Indeed, one study, published Aug. 10 in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene , found that the pandemic has hatched more than 2,000 rumors, conspiracy theories and reports of discrimination.

Such false information can have serious consequences — the researchers of the new study found that COVID-19 related rumors were linked to thousands of hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths.

"Health agencies must track misinformation associated with ... COVID-19 in real time, and engage local communities and government stakeholders to debunk misinformation," the authors concluded.

Pandemic puppies

With orders to stay at home as much as possible, many people decided to get a furry friend during quarantine.

The coronavirus pandemic has been a boon for pet adoptions, particularly dog adoptions. Many shelters, breeders and pet stores reported a surge in applications for dogs, with the demand far exceeding supply, according to The Washington Post . Some shelters reported double the number of adoptions compared with the previous year, and needed to resort to  waitlists to handle the demand.

Not only is this good news for pets who need homes, but also for their humans, given that many studies show there are mental health benefits to pet ownership, according to NPR .

School closures 

Children seem to be largely spared from the most severe effects of COVID-19, but they can still act as spreaders of the disease. So many schools across the U.S. and the world made the decision to close in 2020, and opt for virtual learning instead. Questions around how long to remain closed and how to safely reopen were the subject of much debate. As fall arrived with a number of schools still closed, many children seemed to be falling behind in learning. Statewide polls have found that nearly 9 in 10 parents are worried about their children falling behind at school due to the pandemic closures, according to The Educational Trust . 

Lowered emissions 

Coronavirus lockdowns, which slowed the normal hustle and bustle of cities to a near halt, also appeared to dramatically lower emissions of carbon dioxide around the world. A study published May 19 in the journal Nature Climate Change found that daily global carbon dioxide emissions dropped by 17% in early 2020, compared with levels in 2019. That appears to be one of the biggest drops in recorded history. But this temporary drop is far from enough to undo the harmful effects of man-made climate change.

"Although this is likely to lead to the largest cut in emissions since World War II, it will make barely a dent in the ongoing build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere," Richard Betts, Head of Climate Impacts Research at the Met Office Hadley Centre in England, said in a statement . 

New vaccine 

Developing a new vaccine normally takes years to decades. But in an unprecedented feat, researchers in the U.S. and several other countries created a coronavirus vaccine — taking it from lab bench to bedside — in just under 12 months. When 2020 began, COVID-19 and the virus that causes it, SARS-CoV-2, were unknown to science. But once the virus was identified, scientists acted quickly to begin developing a vaccine. By mid-March, early trials in humans had begun, and by late summer, the vaccines were ready for more advanced trials with thousands of participants. In December, the United States authorized two COVID-19 vaccines , from Pfizer and Moderna, after trials showed impressive results. Both vaccines used molecules known as mRNA to stimulate an immune response against the coronavirus, marking the first time that any mRNA vaccine has been authorized for use in people. The vaccines were heralded as an extraordinary scientific advancement , and the first doses were administered to healthcare workers in the U.S. in mid-December.

Originally published on Live Science.  

Rachael is a Live Science contributor, and was a former channel editor and senior writer for Live Science between 2010 and 2022. She has a master's degree in journalism from New York University's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. She also holds a B.S. in molecular biology and an M.S. in biology from the University of California, San Diego. Her work has appeared in Scienceline, The Washington Post and Scientific American.

Newfound autoimmune syndrome tied to COVID-19 can trigger deadly lung scarring

COVID pandemic knocked 1.6 years off global life expectancy, study finds

Nearly half of global dementia cases could be delayed or prevented, scientists say

Most Popular

• 2 'Sloth virus' reported in Europe for 1st time — but what is it?
• 3 Huge mammoth tusk discovered sticking out of Mississippi streambed
• 4 1-in-100 million 'cotton candy' lobster caught off New Hampshire alive and well at aquarium
• 5 Rat poison is ripping through the food chain, threatening predators at the very top

• AP Calculus
• AP Chemistry
• AP U.S. History
• AP World History
• Free AP Practice Questions
• AP Exam Prep

AP World History: Modern Sample Long Essay Question

In the period 1850 to 2001, new technologies emerged that had significant social, political, and economic effects. Develop an argument that evaluates the extent to which changes in the spread of ideas/information before and after World War I impacted societies.

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt

As you choose which question you will answer, begin thinking about what your thesis will entail and how your essay will demonstrate a complex understanding. The notes of a sample high- scoring writer are below. Note that the writer plans to develop a complex argument by addressing not only changes, as required by the prompt, but also continuities in societies before and after World War I.

Thesis : changes: faster spread of ideas made news, politics, and war more immersive and fast-paced; continuity: cross-cultural interactions transform all cultures (complex understanding, historical skill)

Step 2: Plan Your Response

• Context : Gutenberg → 2nd industrial revolution (steamship, train, telegraph) → digital revolution (radio, TV, Internet)
• Thesis : changes: faster spread of ideas made news, politics, and war more immersive and fast-paced; continuity: cross-cultural interactions transform all cultures ( complex understanding, historical skill )
• Evidence : War of 1812 versus WWII, Vietnam, Gulf War
• Evidence : American Revolution versus Cold War
• Evidence : language: Arab traders & Swahili, and modern business & English
• ¶ conclusion: impacts of tech on society have become more pervasive, though tendency towards cross-cultural influence has persisted

Step 3: Action! Write Your Response & Step 4: Proofread

Sample high-scoring response.

A key change between these eras of communication is how the speed of ideas’ dissemination impacts their force of impact and makes news more pervasive in civilians’ lives. In the distant past, the slow rate of communication caused reactions that were often months, or even years, after the initial communication. For instance, the final battle of the War of 1812 was fought after the signing of the war’s peace treaty because news had not yet traveled by ship across the Atlantic Ocean. In contrast, the peace treaties of WWII were celebrated in cities around the world mere minutes after news of their signing was shared by telegram and radio signals. The quick spread of images and video from the Vietnam conflict helped intensify Americans’ resistance to the war. In recent decades, 24-hour live coverage of conflicts, as in CNN’s being the first to provide constant coverage of a war during the Gulf War, allowed policy- makers and civilians to respond instantly to developments. As news became quicker, so its impact became more significant and more immediate.

Another change is that the quick and pervasive spread of ideas has made political conflicts more ideological and propaganda-based, further drawing societies into global disputes. Political rebellions of the eighteenth century, such as the American and French Revolutions, were based on Enlightenment ideals such as equality and representative government; they made use of propaganda in the form of printed political cartoons, tracts, and engravings to spread their ideals among the populace. However, the news communication made possible by radio and television after World War II helped propel the ideological conflict between the communist Soviet Union and the democratic United States into a worldwide phenomenon that intensely impacted both nations’ citizens. Technology was able to so effectively spread this war of ideas that the two major superpowers never engaged in direct battle themselves; still, citizens were drawn into a culture of propaganda that demonized the other side, made bomb shelters and bomb drills a part of daily life due to fear of nuclear warfare, and saw governments pour millions of dollars into the space race. Technology thus made it possible for conflicts to become all-immersive, even if they were based on ideas rather than physical confrontations.

Despite changes in communication, constants about its impacts remain. Cross- cultural communications still transform societies as they borrow and adapt ideas from others. For instance, from the eighth century onward, Arab traders who traveled throughout West Africa and along the eastern and northern coasts not only enriched communities economically but also spread Islam. Further, the necessity for communication among traders led to the rise of Swahili, a language that combined Arabic and African words and is still the lingua franca in much of East Africa today. Similarly, in modern times, as Britain and then the United States dominated world trade, English became a kind of worldwide lingua franca of modern business. Just as Arab traders spread their religion, American culture also diffused to other societies: almost every nation in modern times, for instance, built American-style fast food restaurants. Mirroring the trends related to the spread of news and politics, cultural diffusions in recent decades occurred at a faster rate and to a more pervasive extent than in the past. Whereas primarily traders would have adopted Swahili as it developed over generations, today English is taught in grade schools throughout the world.

Cultures that interact always influence each other. In the past century, how- ideas travel at a faster pace. As they have in ever, technology has made the impact of this spread of ideas more pervasive and significant as news and political the past, societies will continue to transform as they encounter ideas from other cultures, but with this increased intensity of communication, the impacts of ideas will continue to escalate.

You might also like

Call 1-800-KAP-TEST or email [email protected]

Prep for an Exam

MCAT Test Prep

LSAT Test Prep

GRE Test Prep

GMAT Test Prep

SAT Test Prep

ACT Test Prep

DAT Test Prep

NCLEX Test Prep

USMLE Test Prep

Courses by Location

NCLEX Locations

GRE Locations

SAT Locations

LSAT Locations

MCAT Locations

GMAT Locations

Useful Links

Kaplan Test Prep Contact Us Partner Solutions Work for Kaplan Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy CA Privacy Policy Trademark Directory

How to Change the World: One Person Can Make a Lasting Impact

By andy minshew.

• April 9, 2019

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Most of us have heard this quote by Mahatma Gandhi and perhaps even been inspired by it. It’s a beautiful sentiment and one that reminds us how everyone has the power to make an impact. Whether it’s by volunteering at a food bank, starting a nonprofit, or caring for your kids, what you do today can lead to lasting change.

But sometimes when we hear about so many global issues on the news, it can be difficult to believe that just one person can make a difference. Luckily, social change doesn’t have to happen instantly or on your own. By working together with your community to change lives one day at a time, your actions can have a meaningful impact.

If you’re interested in making the world a better place, read on to discover how one person can change the world and what makes a social change project successful. Then, discover a few tips on how you can change lives for the better.

How Much Can We Really Make an Impact in Our World?

For as long as humans have been around, we’ve been asking ourselves questions about our purpose in life and how we can best fulfill it. These existential questions seem to be a part of human nature and often drive people to start social innovation projects so they can leave a meaningful mark on the world.[2] But sometimes, it’s hard to see what difference one person can make and how we can help our local and global communities.

Even if you’re not trying to solve world hunger or global warming, brainstorming ways to help your community can make a big difference. When we help others, it doesn’t stop with us. Studies have found that when we help others, those around us are more likely to help, too.[3] This means that the more we give our time or resources to the issues we care about, the more others will give in return. In that way, one person’s actions really can change the world for good.

Altruism is contagious and if you’re figuring out how you can make a difference, take it one day at a time. You may not always see how you impact the people you’re serving, but everything you do to promote change can add up over time. If every person committed to just one act of kindness a day, think how much better our world would become.

Want to Know How to Change the World? Start with One Person

At some point in our lives, most people find themselves declaring, “I want to change the world.” We are all hardwired to help others, and altruism is a part of what it means to be human.[5] This is what causes people to volunteer or dedicate their lives to something greater than themselves.

But meaningful or effective change isn’t always instant nor is it large-scale. Real impact can take months or years, and making the world a better place often means bettering it for a few people at a time. Every time you change just one person’s world, you’re starting a butterfly effect with the potential to improve lives for generations to come.

Asking yourself, “How can I make a difference? I’m just a single person.” Keep this poem by Edwin Osgood Grover in mind:[4]

“I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

If you’re not sure what you can do to help others, consider what “the something that you can do” is. Maybe you’re a teacher and have noticed a child in your class is struggling to learn math . Or maybe you’re a parent and want to teach your family how to help others through the power of community service. Because everyone’s life is different, the opportunities you have to serve others are unique but essential for bettering the world around us.

Health Benefits of Giving Back to the Community

When we think about the benefits of helping others, our motivations are usually altruistic. But the benefits of volunteering, doing community service, and finding ways to help those around us also extend to ourselves. Our physical, mental, and social-emotional health all flourish the more we serve our local and global communities.

What are the Benefits of Trying to Change the World?

In terms of physical benefits, making a difference in your community can increase your lifespan. Researchers found that seniors who regularly served others lived longer, on average, than those who didn’t.[3] The reasons are complex, but in part because people who volunteer often report lower levels of stress and depression. And what’s more, helping others can lower your blood pressure–people who volunteer for at least 200 hours a year can decrease their risk of hypertension by as much as 40 percent.[3]

And overall, giving back can help you find purpose and a sense of belonging. People who volunteer are more likely to feel like their lives have a purpose and are full of meaningful relationships.[3] Rates of loneliness and isolation plummet the more we serve those around us. When we’re helping others, we’re helping the whole community–including, as it turns out, ourselves.

In short, why is compassion so important for personal well-being? Consider the benefits:

• Happier mood
• Lower blood pressure
• Decreased risk of chronic stress, loneliness, and depression
• Longer average lifespan
• Greater sense of purpose and belonging

What Made People Who Changed the World Successful?

So you’ve decided that you want to make a positive impact: this is the beginning step to changing your community for the better. But how can you make sure that you have an effective and lasting impact? Knowing the right strategies can help you or your group help as many people as possible.[8] Keep these four tactics in mind, along with examples of social change achieved by people who made a difference.

First, do your research.[7] Once you’ve picked a problem in your community, find out what’s already been done to try to solve it. Where did previous efforts succeed, and where did they fail? What were they missing that you could provide? Knowing the answers to these questions will arm you with the insight you need to make a solution while avoiding common mistakes.

Once you’ve immersed yourself in research, make a plan of action and write it down.[7] Studies show that written goals are significantly more likely to be achieved than non-written ones.[9]

Set goals and ways to measure progress for yourself, such as:

• Why is this goal important to you?
• How often will you volunteer your time or resources towards this goal?
• What are your next steps?
• How much do you hope to achieve in a month? A year? Five years?
• What is your ultimate goal and how will you know when you’ve achieved it?

How Jaime Escalante Made an Impact in His Community

Take Jaime Escalante, for example. Escalante taught math in Los Angeles and discovered a way to teach his struggling students. He put together a strategy that helped poorly-performing students not only grasp basic math skills but pass the AP Calculus test. Through crafting his program and researching the best ways to help his students, he was able to change thousands of lives.[10]

But never underestimate the power of changing one person’s life. Twenty-year-old Anne Sullivan graduated from Perkins School for the Blind and moved across the country to teach a deaf-and-blind girl named Helen how to communicate with the world around her. Helen Keller grew up to be an advocate for those with disabilities and remained close friends with Sullivan for her entire life.[12] Don’t think that because you’re only helping a few people that your contribution doesn’t matter.

How to Change the World: Make the World a Better Place, One Life At a Time

If you’re figuring out how to make a difference in the world, you don’t always have to think globally. Every act of service you do adds up and can lead to lasting change.

Keep these tips on how to help the world around you in mind while exploring ways that you can make a difference:

• Try giving back to your community. Research charities and nonprofit organizations in your area and volunteer a few times a month [1]
• Stand up for causes that you care about. If you want to protect the environment, for example, attend a protest to save an endangered species or organize an Earth Day celebration
• Do random acts of kindness for loved ones or people you meet throughout the day. Even little things like calling a friend or buying a stranger’s lunch can turn their day around
• Find like-minded people who are committed to the same cause as you and can help you make an impact. [8]
• Don’t work yourself to exhaustion. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have the energy to take care of others [3]

Mawson, J. 10 Ways You Can Change the World Today . Amnesty International Australia, November 2018.[1]

Stonge, E. How to Change the World . Retrieved from rivendellvillage.org: https://www.rivendellvillage.org/How-To-Change-The-World.pdf.[2]

McCullough, A. Doing Good Does You Good . The Mental Health Foundation, May 2016, pp. 1-20.[3]

Grover, E.G. The book of good cheer; a little bundle of cheery thoughts . Chicago: P.F. Volland, 1909.[4]

Batson, C.D. Empathy-Induced Altruistic Motivation . University of Kansas Department of Psychology, March 2008, pp. 2-32.[5]

Piliavin, J. A., & Charng, H.-W. (1990). Altruism: A review of recent theory and research . American Sociological Review, 16, 27-65. [6]

Mittenthal, R.A. Ten Keys to Successful Strategic Planning for Nonprofit and Foundation Leaders . The Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, 2002, pp. 1-12.[7]

Hanleybrown, F., Kania, J., and Kramer, M. Channeling Change: Making Collective Impact Work . Stanford Social Innovation Review, 2012, pp. 1-8.[8]

Utah State University. Getting What You Want: How to Make Goals . Retrieved from usu.edu: https://www.usu.edu/asc/assistance/pdf/goal_setting.pdf.[9]

Escalante, J. The Jaime Escalante Math Program . Retrieved from: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED345942.pdf.[10]

Röhrs, H. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) . PROSPECTS: the quarterly review of comparative education, 1994, 14(1), pp. 169-183.[11]

Biography.com Editors. Helen Keller: Educator, Activist, Journalist (1880-1968) . Retrieved from biography.com: https://www.biography.com/people/helen-keller-9361967.[12]

More education articles

Don’t Prevent Summer Slide—Build Student Strengths Instead

MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Awards Waterford.org a $10 Million Grant

50 Transformative Ideas: If You Had the Power to Change One Thing…

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on August 22, 2023

Categories Society

In the vast tapestry of human existence, every individual has a perspective, a dream, or a singular hope for a better world. While some wish for grand systemic changes, others hope for intimate, personal transformations.

The question, “If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?” invites introspection and a deep dive into the core of our beliefs and desires. It’s not just about identifying an issue; it’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind our choice and envisioning the ‘how’ of bringing forth this change.

As we delve into this topic, let’s explore the myriad possibilities and the profound impact that one change, however big or small, can have on the fabric of our global community.

Key Takeaways

• Change acceptance is crucial for progress and adaptation.
• Pinpoint the area of impact to direct efforts effectively.
• Personal motivations drive the connection to the chosen cause.
• Clearly define the problem, desired outcome, and logical steps for change.

50 Global Shifts: Urgent Calls for Change

As we navigate through the 21st century, our planet confronts a mosaic of challenges, from environmental degradation to social inequities. While progress has been made in certain areas, there remains a list of pressing issues that need our immediate attention.

Here are 50 pivotal things in the world that demand a shift, underscoring the urgency to rethink, reframe, and rebuild for a more harmonious future:

Equality & Justice

• Reducing poverty and income inequality
• Closing gender and racial divides
• Ending discrimination against marginalized groups
• Reforming criminal justice inequities
• Increasing government accountability and transparency

Environment & Sustainability

• Addressing climate change and pollution
• Advancing renewable energy adoption
• Promoting wildlife and habitat conservation
• Developing sustainable food production
• Building resilient urban infrastructure

Health & Wellbeing

• Making healthcare and insurance more affordable and accessible
• Ending hunger and expanding food access
• Stopping pandemics through better public health practices
• Addressing mental health stigma and improving support
• Reducing addiction and substance abuse

Education & Opportunity

• Improving access and equity in education
• Making higher education more affordable
• Increasing early childhood services and support
• Boosting workplace conditions and employee rights
• Raising wages and reducing income disparity

Safety & Security

• Passing stronger gun safety laws
• Reducing crime, violence and human rights abuses
• Curbing domestic violence and providing family planning
• Preparing for disasters and strengthening infrastructure
• Ensuring digital privacy and ethics in technology

Policy & Governance

• Fighting political corruption and misinformation
• Increased civic engagement and voter participation
• Diversifying leadership and improving representation
• Regulating corporate greed and lack of ethics
• Limiting media bias and improving accuracy

Inclusion & Representation

• Improving disabilities rights and inclusion
• Increasing diversity and representation across society
• Reducing bias, prejudice and lack of inclusion
• Promoting reproductive healthcare and choice
• Strengthening LGBTQ+ protections and rights

Industry & Labor

• Improving conditions for factory farming and animal welfare
• Ensuring ethical practices in technology companies
• Prioritizing worker rights and fair compensation
• Regulating pollution-causing industries
• Diversifying and unionizing workforces

Global Relations & Aid

• Increasing international cooperation and diplomacy
• Providing more development aid and trade partnerships
• Welcoming refugees and reducing migration barriers
• Promoting peace and human rights globally
• Supporting democratic reforms and fair elections

Community & Culture

• Investing in public schools and education
• Making cities more livable and community-oriented
• Appreciating diversity and intersectionality
• Fostering civil discourse and understanding
• Funding arts, libraries, parks and cultural programs

There are always more ways we can improve society. Progress comes from uplifting voices, collaborating on solutions, and embedding justice, ethics and care into our systems and policies. The potential for positive change is immense if we work together.

Understanding the Concept of Change

Let’s delve into understanding the concept of change, as it’s key to formulating how we’d alter our world.

Change acceptance and resistance are two opposing forces that you’ll often encounter. You see, accepting change is a crucial step towards progress. It allows you to adapt, evolve, and thrive in any given circumstance.

However, resistance to change – while viewed negatively by some – can also serve a purpose. It might be a protective mechanism against sudden disruptions or an indication that the proposed changes aren’t fully understood or accepted yet.

Identifying the Area of Impact

Identifying the area of impact is crucial, as it’ll allow us to pinpoint where our efforts ought to be directed. You’re not just seeking a personal transformation; you’re aiming at a change that will ripple through the world, affecting many lives positively. Therefore, global prioritization becomes paramount.

When considering what to change in the world, you might feel overwhelmed by the multitude of issues demanding attention. This is understandable but unproductive. Instead, focus on areas where your skills and resources can make a significant impact.

Think strategically about how your personal transformation can contribute to global improvements. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your actions aren’t merely drops in an ocean but waves that transform societies for the betterment.

Deciphering the Personal Connection

In your journey of personal transformation, it’s vital to understand how deeply you’re connected to the cause you’ve chosen. This connection is shaped by two key factors: your personal motivations and global perceptions.

Your personal motivations are driven by what matters most to you. These could be experiences, values or aspirations that tie you strongly to the change you want to see.

Global perceptions refer to how the world views a particular issue, its significance and urgency.

Deciphering these elements will help align your actions with your vision for change in an authentic way.

Deep Dive Into the Reasoning Behind the Change

You’re about to embark on an exploration of the reasoning behind your desired change. You’ll delve deeply into a root cause analysis. This process will prompt you to peel back the layers of your chosen issue. You’ll identify its underlying causes and scrutinize how they’ve contributed to its manifestation.

Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to critically examine potential impacts that such a change could bring. This will stimulate thought around broader implications and ripple effects in a wider context.

Root Cause Analysis

We’ll need to perform a root cause analysis to determine the fundamental issues we’d wish to change in the world. To address these challenges, it’s crucial that you don’t merely treat symptoms but delve deeper into analyzing failure and its unintended consequences.

Here are four steps you should follow:

• Identify what appears wrong: Look for symptoms that signal something is not right.
• Trace the issue back to its origin: Find out where and why the problem started.
• Determine why it occurred: Analyze circumstances or actions leading up to this point.
• Propose solutions based on your findings: Outline strategies aimed at preventing recurrence.

This approach gives you a clearer picture of underlying problems, equipping you with insights to effect real, impactful change.

Change’s Potential Impact

Don’t underestimate the potential impact your proposed solutions could have on shaping a better future. In implementing change, it’s crucial to anticipate Change’s backlash – the resistance and unintended consequences that often come with disruption of the status quo.

You must consider not only your solution’s immediate implications but also its long-term sustainability. That’s how you overcome Change’s sustainability challenge – ensuring your solution doesn’t just result in momentary relief, but fosters enduring improvement.

You’re tasked with understanding the intricate web of cause and effect, recognizing that actions today ripple into tomorrow. It’s a delicate dance between optimism for what could be and sound judgment of potential pitfalls.

Outlining the Proposed Change

Let’s start by clearly defining what your proposed change would be. As a change catalyst, you’re looking to spur evolutionary progress. But before diving in, it’s crucial to outline the specifics of your vision.

• Identify the issue: What is the problem that needs changing? Understanding this will give you direction.
• Define the desired outcome: What is the ultimate goal of this change?
• Map out steps: How can we get from here to there? Developing a logical progression ensures feasibility.
• Anticipate challenges: Where might resistance or obstacles arise?

Your role as a catalyst for change isn’t just about stirring things up; it’s about ushering in progress with clear intentions and well-planned strategies.

The Potential Impact of the Desired Change

It’s crucial to consider how your desired alteration might impact both the immediate environment and the broader context. Resistance to change is a natural, if not inevitable, reaction from all aspects of society. Your proposal must account for this change resistance, ensuring you have strategies in place to overcome it.

Equally important is fostering change acceptance amongst those affected by your proposed alteration. This involves thoroughly communicating the benefits of the change and involving stakeholders in its implementation process.

A thoughtful analysis of potential impacts will not only provide insight into possible obstacles but also illuminate opportunities for positive outcomes. By anticipating both resistance and acceptance, you’ll be better equipped to drive meaningful and lasting transformation in our world.

Historical Perspective: Successful Changes in the World

You’ve likely contemplated the impact of significant historical changes, but have you fully examined their origins and lasting effects?

While it’s easy to marvel at transformations that have shaped our world, understanding the driving forces behind these shifts can provide profound insights into how change occurs.

In this rigorous exploration, we’ll delve into key influential changes in history, scrutinize their outcomes, and dissect the catalysts propelling these transitions.

Influential Historical Changes

Reflecting on influential historical changes, you’d probably consider many monumental moments that have shaped our world as we know it today. You may look at the change catalysts, those pivotal figures or events that set the course for a revolution. Then, inevitably, your mind would wander to the aftermaths of these revolutions.

In understanding these historical shifts:

• Identify key change catalysts: Look for individuals or events that sparked significant alterations.
• Analyze the immediate aftermath: Consider how societies reacted immediately after the change took place.
• Evaluate long-term effects: Assess how these changes have influenced our current reality.
• Predict future implications: Anticipate potential outcomes based on previous patterns.

Impact of Successful Changes

Considering the impact of successful changes, it’s crucial to dive deeper into how these shifts have brought progress and prosperity in various aspects of society.

It’s important to understand that change isn’t always easily accepted; it often meets resistance before acceptance sets in. Change resistance is a natural human reaction due to fear of the unknown, comfort with the status quo, or perceived threat to personal interests.

On the flip side, change acceptance occurs when people recognize that the benefits outweigh their fears or losses. Analyzing from a broader perspective, this “change resistance” followed by “change acceptance” pattern has been instrumental for societal evolution.

For instance, consider industrialization. It was initially resisted due to job loss fears but later accepted for its overall economic growth potential. Understanding this dynamic can help catalyze positive transformations globally.

Driving Forces Behind Changes

Let’s delve into the driving forces behind changes, as they’re pivotal in shaping our society and its evolution. You’ll see that change catalysts serve as the backbone of global transformation.

• Technological Innovation : It’s a major instigator of change. As technology evolves, you must adapt to make use of new tools and platforms.
• Social Movements : These push societal norms towards progression. They’re often driven by collective discontent with current conditions.
• Economic Factors : Fluctuations in the economy can force changes within societal structures and individual behaviors.
• Political Shifts : Changes in leadership or policy can have sweeping effects on society.

Analyzing these drivers helps us understand how we’ve arrived at our current state and also provides insight for future transformations.

The Role of Influential Figures in Enacting Change

Influential figures often have the power and resources to enact real change in the world, so it’s critical we hold them accountable. You’ll notice this prominently in Celebrity Activism. Stars leverage their fame to spotlight societal issues, yet their actions can provoke both applause and criticism. It’s your role to discern genuine advocacy from self-serving publicity.

Political Influence also plays a significant part in instigating change. Elected officials wield substantial authority, but you must remember they’re representatives of public will. Your active engagement is essential – voice your concerns, participate in voting processes, demand transparency.

In this interconnected era where influence isn’t limited to the elite few, you have an immense role in shaping global narratives.

Societal Reactions to Major Changes

You’re now stepping into the arena of societal reactions to major changes, where the tug-of-war between resistance to change and embracing global shifts is a constant theme.

Interestingly, it’s often not the change itself that’s difficult; rather, it’s our instinctive pushback against alterations in what we’ve come to know as ‘normal’.

As you delve deeper into this discourse, consider how understanding these dynamics can shape strategies for effective implementation of transformative global trends.

Resistance to Change

It’s important to note that resistance to change is often a huge barrier when trying to make significant alterations in the world. This resistance stems from Change Fear, an innate dread of stepping out from our comfort zones. However, overcoming this fear leads to Change Acceptance.

• Recognize the Fear : Identifying your fear is the first step towards addressing it.
• Understand its Roots : Fear of change usually arises from uncertainty or perceived threats.
• Embrace Uncertainty : Accepting the inevitability of uncertainty can help reduce your apprehension.
• Practice Flexibility : Being open and adaptable encourages acceptance.

Embracing Global Shifts

We’re living in a rapidly changing global landscape, and embracing these shifts is key to thriving in the modern world. Particularly, two pivotal areas are ‘Global Digitalization’ and ‘Climate Adaptation’.

Your understanding of global digitalization allows you to leverage technology in innovative ways; it’s becoming a necessity rather than an option. Simultaneously, climate adaptation demands acknowledging our environmental impact, making conscious efforts to mitigate damage.

Let’s consider this comparison:

Ultimately, your capacity to navigate these evolving realms will determine your success in our dynamic society. It’s not just about surviving but excelling amidst change by seizing the opportunities they present.

Possible Challenges in Implementing Changes

There’s no denying that implementing global changes often comes with a host of challenges and obstacles. You may encounter ‘Change Resistance,’ where individuals or groups resist new initiatives due to fear of the unknown or loss of control. Simultaneously, ‘Innovation Adoption’ can be slow, as people are typically more comfortable with familiar systems.

Consider these four key issues:

• People’s inherent resistance to change.
• The pace at which societies adopt innovations.
• Existing structures that hinder progress.
• The lack of resources for executing changes.

Understanding these barriers, you can strategize adequately to overcome them successfully. Remember, change is not an event but a process — one that requires patience, persistence, and strategic thinking in equal measure.

Strategies for Overcoming Potential Obstacles

As you navigate the complex realm of change implementation, it’s crucial to first identify potential barriers that may stand in your path.

You’ll need to strategically solve problems by critically analyzing each obstacle and developing effective solutions.

With a solid understanding and a well-devised strategy, you’re better positioned to implement changes successfully, yielding transformative results for both you and those impacted by these changes.

Identifying Potential Barriers

You’re going to face some challenges along the way, and identifying potential barriers is a crucial step in your journey. The concept of Barrier Perception becomes highly relevant here. It’s about understanding what could possibly stand in the way of your desired change and preparing for it.

• Internal Barriers : These are personal obstacles such as fear, self-doubt, or Change Resistance.
• External Barriers : This includes societal norms, laws, or physical limitations that may prevent the changes you wish to make.
• Resources and Support : Lack thereof can be a significant barrier.
• Time Constraints : Limited time can often hinder progress towards your goal.

Strategic Problem Solving

Navigating through these barriers requires strategic problem solving, an essential skill that’ll help in tackling hurdles effectively. You’re faced with a multitude of Innovation Obstacles, and it’s your task to evolve solutions.

Here’s a simple illustration:

Each stage presents its own set of challenges. By understanding the obstructions you face at each juncture, you can strategically plan your steps. Remember, overcoming obstacles isn’t about brute force; it’s about smart tactics and constant Solution Evolution.

Implementing Change Successfully

Implementing change successfully isn’t just about introducing new systems or processes; it’s also about managing people’s reactions and ensuring they’re on board with the changes. You’ll encounter two main hurdles: change resistance and change acceptance.

• Change Resistance: This is a natural reaction to unfamiliarity. Your challenge is to anticipate this resistance and plan strategies to overcome it.
• Communication: Clear, honest communication regarding the necessity for change can eliminate much of the fear associated with it.
• Training: Providing adequate training helps employees understand their roles in the new process, easing transition.
• Change Acceptance: Ultimately, your job is to cultivate an environment where change is not only accepted but embraced as a necessary part of growth.

The Power of Collective Action for Change

Harnessing the power of collective action can dramatically increase your chances of effecting meaningful change in the world. Reflect on Collective Action’s Evolution as it’s a testament to Grassroots Movements Power. It’s not enough to want change; you’ve got to be part of it, mobilizing others to join your cause.

In this digital age, harnessing online platforms enhances your movement’s visibility and reach – a potent tool for social transformation.

Real-Life Examples of Individuals Who Changed the World

Let’s look at real-life examples of individuals who’ve left their mark on the world through persistent action and determination.

• Mahatma Gandhi: His individual motivations towards nonviolent resistance led India to independence, influencing civil rights movements worldwide.
• Marie Curie: This trailblazing innovator transformed science, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win in two different sciences.
• Elon Musk: With a futuristic vision, he’s revolutionizing transportation on Earth and space.
• Malala Yousafzai: Her determination for girls’ education has sparked international advocacy.

These leaders show that one can effect change with enough perseverance and commitment – inspiring you to contemplate: What could your potential impact be?

Final Thoughts: The Ongoing Journey Towards Change

In conclusion, it’s a continuous journey towards effecting impactful change, where every step counts. You’re not just an observer in this process; you’re an active participant. Change acceptance isn’t about passive acquiescence but about conscious engagement and personal transformation.

However, as with any journey, there will be obstacles on your path to change. It takes courage to confront these challenges and resilience to persist through them. But remember, transformation is not an overnight phenomenon; it’s a gradual process that requires patience and perseverance.

As you navigate this journey of change, keep reminding yourself that each small step forward plays a crucial role in achieving the larger goal. And most importantly, never underestimate the power of your individual contribution in shaping our collective future.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Auto Racing
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

US Coast Guard Academy works to change its culture following sexual abuse and harassment scandal

Swabs march under the eye of second class cadets known as cadre at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Swabs read the “Running Light” guidebook during Swab Summer indoctrination at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. The training program designed to transform civilian students into military members with guidance from the team of second class cadets known as cadre. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Swabs climb a rope in an obstacle course during Swab Summer indoctrination at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

A second class cadet known as cadre holds a clipboard while watching Swabs in a training exercise at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is seen in early evening, Monday, July 15, 2024 in New London, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Second Class Cadet cadres read and respond to journal entries written by Swabs during an evening debriefing at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. Swabs write about their feelings and experiences about their day. Cadres reply with notes to the Swabs and also use the journals to help them be on the lookout for a swab who might be having problems. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Second Class Cadet Cadre Gabriella Kraus-Rivera, right, listens as she leads an Shield training session with Swabs at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. The training is an opportunity for Swabs to learn about the core values of honor, respect, devotion and duty on an intimate level with guidance from the team of second class cadets known as cadre. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

A Second Class Cadet cadre leads an Shield training session with Swabs at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. The training is an opportunity for Swabs to learn about the core values of honor, respect, devotion and duty on an intimate level with guidance from the team of second class cadets known as cadre. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Swabs Rafael Davila or Puerto Rico, left, and Cadre Conner Dobie of Louisiana, center, listen to instructions from Second Class Cadet Cadre Jackson Triepke of Montana, right, while training to sail during Swab Summer indoctrination at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. The training program designed to transform civilian students into military members with guidance from the team of second class cadets known as cadre. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Swabs Chloe Middleton, left, and Isabelle Fontana, high-five each other after completing a task in their boat during Swab Summer indoctrination at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. Swab summer is designed to transform civilian students into military members with guidance from the team of second class cadets known as cadre. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Rear Admiral Michael J. Johnston sits for an interview with The Associated Press at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024, in New London, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Cadets line up during evening colors at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Monday, July 15, 2024 in New London, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

• Copy Link copied

NEW LONDON, Conn. (AP) — The grueling basic training for fledgling cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, known as swab summer, has been revamped this year in light of a sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the prestigious service academy.

Gone is the shock-and-awe on Day 1 of the seven-week boot camp when rising juniors, known as cadre, shout in the faces of the roughly 300 incoming freshmen students when they first arrive at the New London, Connecticut, campus for future U.S. Coast Guard officers. This year, the cadre read forcefully from a prepared script, avoiding improvisation and yelling.

The goal is to drain the adrenaline of the cadre and make the boot camp more about mentorship and respect than browbeating and bullying, hopefully creating a positive ripple effect throughout the Coast Guard.

“When you don’t have a script, you end up just resorting to volume,” said retired Cmdr. John Heller, the deputy commandant of cadets for strategy and leadership, who has worked at the academy in various roles for about 25 years and helped to oversee the latest changes mirrored after the U.S. Military Academy’s cadet training. “What ends up happening is, we had been onboarding our cadets for decades, unintentionally perhaps, in a climate of fear and intimidation.”

Changing the climate of swab summer is one of seven actions the academy was instructed to take following revelations the Coast Guard kept secret a probe called Operation Fouled Anchor. The investigation found that dozens of sexual assault and harassment cases involving cadets from 1990 to 2006 had been mishandled by the school , including the prevention of some perpetrators from being prosecuted.

The revelation, first reported by CNN , sparked calls for major reforms and long-awaited accountability for the offenders and those who protected them. There are multiple government and congressional investigations underway looking into the mishandling of serious misbehavior at the school and beyond.

A damning majority staff report released Wednesday by the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations found “systemic failures” that “continue to this day” at the academy and in the wider Coast Guard. At a field hearing the committee held Thursday in New London, past and present enlisted personnel spoke of abuse and harassment they experienced and how a “culture of coverup” ultimately protected their perpetrators.

Shannon Norenberg, a former sexual assault response coordinator at the academy who resigned in June and turned whistleblower, said 20-year-old cadets training and having power over swabs a couple years younger, with minimal supervision, was an issue she raised during last year’s review that the commandant ordered following the revelations of Operation Fouled Anchor.

“Sometimes the cadets just are not mature enough to handle that role of being in charge and they go too far” and get personal, such as making comments about a swab’s intelligence or appearance, said Norenberg, who has since rescinded her resignation and is trying to return to her campus position. “Instead of correcting swabs’ behavior, they would insult their character or attack their worthiness to be there.”

Months later, the swabs have learned that the cadre, whom they still call sir and ma’am, can tell them what to do and get them in trouble.

“You can imagine the misuse of power that has been taken advantage of over and over,” said Norenberg, who noted that during her 11 years at the academy, she dealt with more than 150 reported sexual assault cases, including many that involved the abuse of power.

As ordered by the commandant, there’s more oversight of the cadre this summer. Drill instructors from Training Center Cape May in New Jersey, where enlisted personnel are trained, have been tasked with mentoring the cadre. Outside experts have been invited to campus to talk about issues such as power dynamics.

That’s in addition to professional victim advocates who were first hired at the school in 2021 and who have been training the swabs and cadre about sexual harassment, assault and rape.

A new program called shield training was implemented this year to emphasize the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty. Every night after tired swabs have showered — some in individual stalls that were recently built to provide privacy — they break into groups with a cadre member to go over a lesson and discuss what happened that day with their squad.

Swabs are allowed to note personal issues they might be having in daily diaries that cadre review. They can also make a special hand gesture to signal they need to speak in private with cadre.

Oliva Spada, a swab from Long Island, New York, said she had some trepidation before coming to the academy due the reports of sexual abuse and harassment. But a few weeks into her new life as a cadet, she felt completely safe.

“Like, never, ever would I feel like anything like that would happen,” she said. “I feel completely safe around my cadre, around my shipmates.”

But the changes have been met with skepticism by some past and present Coasties, the nickname for Coast Guard members.

“It’s theater. They have not internalized any wrongdoing,” said retired Cmdr. Kimberly McLear, a former whistleblower who taught at the academy and later founded the Right the Ship Coalition, which seeks to help those “wronged by the culture of cruelty and cover-up” in the Coast Guard.

“They are taking calculated measures to shift attention to cadets’ performance to distract from the culture of the staff, faculty, and leaders up to the commandant.”

Academy staff are well aware of the skepticism about the changes being made and whether they get to the heart of the problem.

“We’ve got a lot of trust that we’ve got to earn back,” said Cmdr. Krystyn Pecora, who attended the academy 20 years ago. “And so I can appreciate that skepticism.”

Pecora said she disagrees with criticism from some old-guard Coasties, who believe the school is now going too easy on the new cadets.

“There’s nothing easy about respect,” she said. “In fact, it’s easier for me to just go down there and scream and intimidate. It’s not more effective. So putting this focus on building respectful leadership, that’s challenging and it’s not easier for anyone.”

The Coast Guard as a whole has been tasked with taking 33 actions in light of Operation Fouled Anchor, including seven assigned to the academy.

Besides changes to swab summer, the cadets’ conduct system is being updated and security in the dormitory is being strengthened, including plans to upgrade locks on cadets’ rooms and install more security cameras. There’s a new policy that allows cadets who have been assaulted to continue their studies at another service academy.

Cadet 2nd Class Gabriella Kraus-Rivera said Operation Fouled Anchor is common knowledge among the cadets and “there’s no kid here that doesn’t understand what happened” and that cultural changes are needed.

“I think that’s part of having honor, is living with that integrity and being able to be honest about the things that happened at this academy,” she said. “The only way you’re going to change it is if you acknowledge it first.”

Be The Change You Want To See In The World Essay

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

This famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi has been inspiring people for generations. But what does it really mean?

In essence, it means that if you want to see change in the world, you need to be the one to make it happen. It’s a simple but powerful message. And it’s one that we all need to remember.

We can’t sit around and wait for someone else to make the changes we want to see. We need to take action and be the change ourselves. Only then will we truly be able to make a difference in the world. Management principles tell us that things won’t change unless we change them. The same is true of the world around us. If we want to see change, we need to be the ones to make it happen.

According to Gandhi, who is a well-known philosopher, ‘be the change you want to see in the world.’ According with Gandhi, who is a well-known thinker, you can make a huge difference if you do this changing on yourself. (back ground) Some people feel that individuals should reconsider their irreplaceable position in society as well as their influence on others and the likelihood of finding other folks.

Management and psychology research has shown that people in general are terrible at predicting their own behavior, and are even more biased when it comes to predicting the behavior of others. ( Management) We think we know ourselves, but in reality self-knowledge is an illusion. To change the world, first change yourself because if you don’t , you’re just part of the problem. After all, you can’t be the solution if you’re part of the problem.( Management)

Some people believe that in order to bring about change in the world, we must first change ourselves. Management and psychology research has shown that people are often poor predictors of their own behavior, and are even more biased when trying to predict the behavior of others. This means that we often think we know ourselves better than we actually do. If we want to change the world, it is important that we first change ourselves. Otherwise, we will simply be part of the problem and not part of the solution.

To begin with, it’s important to recognize that everyone has a particular role in this ever-changing world. Society is made up of individuals who have separate roles and responsibilities, and their activities will certainly influence others and the environment. So first and foremost, you must consider what type of change you want to see in the world.

For example, if someone wants to see a more efficient management system, they first need to study how management works and what can be done to make it more efficient. After that, they should try to implement these changes in their own work or organization. Similarly, if someone wants to see more loving and harmonious relationships, they should start practicing love and understanding in their own lives.

In short, the change begins with oneself. As the popular saying goes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. If everyone does their part in making the world a better place, the world will definitely become a better place.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” as Mahatma Gandhi notes. You have the capacity to make your own destiny. You hold the power to influence others simply by being yourself and communicating in a certain way. Everything in the outside world is caused by what happens inside one’s mind, according to one of the fundamental principles of living a life by design.

In order to change the world, you must first change yourself. If you want to see more love in the world, be more loving. If you want to see more peace in the world, be more peaceful. It really is that simple. The power to change the world is within each and every one of us. All it takes is for enough people to take responsibility for their own inner state and make a commitment to being the change they wish to see in the world.

When you look at all the turmoil and suffering in the world, it can be easy to feel powerless and like there’s nothing you can do to make a difference. But each one of us has the ability to create positive change simply by changing our own state and the way we interact with the world.

It might not seem like much, but if we all make a commitment to being the change we wish to see, the world will start to reflect that back to us. bit by bit, we can create a more loving, peaceful world simply by being more loving and peaceful ourselves. So make a choice today to be the change you wish to see in the world, and watch as the world around you starts to change too.

The first Law of Supreme Influence asserts, “I am in control of my destiny.” Taking responsibility for your current condition means you have complete personal sovereignty and accountability for where you are now. You may gain access to the knowledge to see how your moment-by-moment beliefs, words, and actions contribute to the outcomes you experience by recognizing that you are “totally at blame.”

You can also begin to change what isn’t working by choice rather than chance. When you become the change you wish to see in the world, you inspire others around you to do the same. Management guru Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” As a leader, your primary task is to create the conditions for people to reach their highest potential. When you model the behavior and attitude you want to see in others, they are more likely to follow your lead.

Ultimately, each of us has the power to choose our thoughts, words, and actions. The question is: Are we conscious of the choices we make and the impact they have on our lives and the lives of others? When we are, we can choose to create the change we wish to see in the world.

Management gurus like Peter Drucker say that the best way to predict the future is by creating it. This can only be done if you take charge of your thoughts and actions and become the change you want to see. Not only will this positively impact your life, but it can also inspire those around you to do the same.

More Essays

• Essay on How Did Gandhi Change The World
• If I Could Change The World Essay Examples
• How Does Great Expectations Change One’s Life Essay
• Example Advocacy Plan For Social Change
• Best Response To Climate Change Essay
• Persuasive Essay: Can We Change In Our Schools
• The Influence Of Climate Change In China Essay
• Small Change Why The Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted Analysis
• Everything Is About To Change Essay
• Walt Disney World Business Analysis Essay

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Share this —

• Watch Full Episodes
• Read With Jenna
• Inspirational
• Relationships
• TODAY Table
• Newsletters
• Start TODAY
• Shop TODAY Awards
• Citi Concert Series
• Listen All Day

Follow today

More Brands

• On The Show
• TODAY Plaza

The lasting power of ‘Sweet Valley Twins’: How my daughter and I are connecting over the series

When I was in the fourth grade, my teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. “A writer,” I said without hesitation. “Just like Francine Pascal — and Elizabeth Wakefield.”

Francine Pascal was the writer and creator of the book series “Sweet Valley Twins” and “Sweet Valley High.” Elizabeth Wakefield, of course, is twin sister to Jessica Wakefield — the main characters of the beloved series. When I learned that Pascal passed away in July at 92, it hit me hard. Not only did I consider her my first writing teacher (though we never met), but also I’d just reconnected with Elizabeth and Jessica and the world of Sweet Valley by introducing them to my 9-year-old daughter, Mila.

“Sweet Valley ” was so ingrained in my childhood that it’s more to me than just a book series. The characters and storylines of “Sweet Valley Twins” were amalgamations of what was happening in my own life: friendship drama, gaining my parents’ trust and finding some independence, and, in the case of “Sweet Valley High,” what I hoped would happen one day: boyfriends, homecoming dances and driving a car or — gasp — a motorcycle. The bookshelf in my bedroom is where I proudly displayed my prized collection of “Sweet Valley” books. I used my allowance money to bring them home as soon as they hit bookstores. 

“Sweet Valley Twins” always ended with a cliffhanger that teased the next book. This was 1986, a time before spoilers and Goodreads. Since I devoured each book in a single setting, I had to take matters into my own hands when it came to satisfying my craving for more. When I finished a book, I’d painstakingly write up “bonus chapters,” creating my own plot twists and fantasies instead of idly waiting for the next release. It was fan fiction before I knew what fan fiction was. I filled dozens of notebooks with the trials and tribulations that I dreamed up for Elizabeth and Jessica to go through next. I even sent some of my work to Pascal herself in the hopes she’d take my ideas into consideration. I’m sure my pages must have been lost in the mail.

Alas, as I got older, I grew apart from Elizabeth and Jessica, but I always carried a piece of the Wakefield twins with me. I became editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper and took it as the highest compliment when a friend said I was following in the footsteps of Elizabeth, who was also editor of her school paper in the books. As I moved to New York City and started a writing career , many friends liked to joke that I was a “Carrie Bradshaw,” but I always thought of myself as more of an Elizabeth.

I never thought my daughter would be interested in “Sweet Valley.” But when Mila became so enthralled with my other love, “The Babysitters Club,” that she dressed as Claudia for “Character Day” at school, I wondered if she’d connect with the Wakefield twins, too.

All my “Sweet Valley” books were donated years ago (against my will, when I went off to college), but thanks to eBay and Etsy, I’ve begun rebuilding my collection. 

Though my daughter is almost 10 years old, reading out loud to her is still a cherished part of her nightly bedtime routine. And it was the perfect way for me to introduce her to the Wakefield twins. I have to admit, it took a bit for my Gen Alpha daughter to find her groove with the totally '80s lifestyle in Sweet Valley. Some of her questions were simply reflections of the books’ age (“Sweet Valley High” debuted in 1983 and “Sweet Valley Twins” in 1986): “Why are they using typewriters instead of laptops?” “Why is Jessica leaving Elizabeth a note? Can’t she just call her cell phone?”

But other questions initiated deeper conversations. We were on page two of the very first “Sweet Valley Twins” book, “Best Friends,” when I gasped, unsure if I should skip over a conversation where Jessica complains to Elizabeth about their classmate looking “fat” in her leotard. “They shouldn’t let a tub like her take ballet,” I read in practically a whisper, watching my daughter’s eyes widen with horror. The upside was that the moment prompted Mila to go on a rant about how “fat” is a terrible word and “everyone’s body is beautiful” before we put the book down for a heart-to-heart about acceptance and not judging others by their looks .

I would argue that the 'Sweet Valley' books are timeless. The struggles and growing pains of tweens and teens don’t change even if their fashion, slang and technology do.

But, while Jessica’s prejudice against weight is not where the outdated, cringey moments in the series ends, I would argue that the “Sweet Valley” books are timeless. The struggles and growing pains of tweens and teens don’t change even if their fashion, slang and technology do. Elizabeth and Jessica, though identical on the outside, are complete opposites. They’re lucky enough to be sisters and best friends — but still struggle with growing apart and embracing separate interests. I’ve watched this start happening with my daughter and her own friends — and they’re not even in middle school yet. Elizabeth, as the responsible one, always bails impulsive Jessica out of trouble. Elizabeth dreams of being a writer while Jessica just wants to be popular. In “Sweet Valley Twins,” Elizabeth starts a school newspaper while Jessica is initiated into a clique of snobby girls called “The Unicorns” (they were ahead of their time, paving the way for Regina George and “ The Plastics ”).

As a kid, I always had an “Elizabeth” sitting on one shoulder encouraging me to read, write and behave, while a “Jessica” sat on the other, daring me to disobey my parents, wear a little lip gloss and talk to cute boys. Elizabeth was my soul sister but it never stopped me from wondering, “What would Jessica do?”

I could tell my daughter was inspired by Elizabeth yet awestruck by Jessica, just as I’d been.  In one book, Jessica tells an elaborate lie so she can see her favorite singer, Johnny Buck, in concert even though her parents already told her she was too young to go. “Mommy, didn’t you do the same thing?” my daughter gleefully asked me. It’s a famous story in my family about a complex plan I hatched so I could attend a meet-and-greet event with Brian Austin Green after my parents said I too was too young to go. Things went so horribly awry that I got caught by my parents and needed assistance from the police to safely get home. I’m sure if my daughter ever pulls a stunt like that, I’ll initially be angry or disappointed. But I also know it’s a rite of passage to embrace your inner “Jessica.” In fact, it’s a rite of passage to discover the world of Sweet Valley. And now that my daughter has met the twins, perhaps she’ll have a few chapters of her own to write for them.

Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal is a writer, storyteller and producer with over 20 years experience interviewing celebs, writing features, essays and more for various publications, brands and TV. You can learn more  about her at laurenbwestro.com .

How Forest Whitaker ignited a discourse on toxic Black excellence in ‘Emperor of Ocean Park’

The ‘It Ends With Us’ cast drama and controversy, explained

Everyone’s listening to ‘It Ends With Us’ audiobook on Spotify. Here’s how you can, too

5 things we learned from reading a former nanny’s memoir about working for the 1%

All of the books you've seen on TODAY — and where to get them

Dear daughter: Why you’re not getting a phone until high school

How romance novels got me through the grief of my double mastectomy

Britney Spears biopic in the works at Universal

Alice Munro’s daughter controversy: Inside the accusations rocking the literary world

What to read this July, according to bestselling author Emily Giffin