Rockefeller Foundation Summary Post

In listening to the expert panel debate the ideas of resiliency and adaptation, I found one piece to be most interesting. First, Christiana Figueres passionately discussing the notion that the U.S. has a responsibility to assist in mass global chaos seemed to be important. The panelists spoke about the need for the U.S. to address climate change, first within our borders and then beyond. Global change is unlike other areas of concern, where we typically would keep knowledge to ourselves. It is possible that domestic climate change would not be enough to prolong the lifespan of earth. The panel also pointed out that this is the ideal, but currently political winds are blowing in the opposite direction. Republicans are calling for less spending and cutting funding and programs in an effort to reduce the national debt. Christiana also discussed the idea that resiliency requires a certain standard level of global stability and we are currently not yet there. She notes women in the world who need to give birth hanging from a tree in order to prevent falling into flooding water. The huge gap in financial and social equality across the globe means we should not be spending any more money on adapting to the future, in her eyes.

I believe resiliency is an essential topic of conversation. The world and the U.S. are experiencing threats greater than ever before, both domestically and internationally. We must talk about the future, adapting culture, and fending off harm in order to optimize life for as long as possible for humans on earth. If Bill Gates were on that panel, it would have been far more interesting to listen to his opinion. I believe he would agree that money needs to be spent to financially ensure stability, but that those globally of wealth have an obligation to give back to others in the world. I also believe Gates would highlight the fact that no matter one's level of wealth, we each have an abundance of resources to offer the world and the greater good. Someone may not have money, but may have a wealth of knowledge in the subject of math. That person can start tutoring children in that area to share their intellect. All in all, I believe discussing resiliency is essential but so is philanthropy and giving back to others. Both ideas can be viewed as opposing forces, but melding the two together and working on both hand-in-hand is optimal for mankind.