The climate change public deliberation forum today in class was very enlightening and engaging. It was an opportunity to learn from classmates about their thoughts on these issues, as well as share my own. Climate change can be a very controversial topic, and it was refreshing to have an opportunity to discuss without the conversation becoming a debate.

The three options for climate choices offered in the forum were all very interesting. Each option on their own seems to provide only part of a solution and each have many trade-offs that make them hard to sell to other individuals in the community. However, a combination of all three options seems to be a more feasible option. Combining innovative strategies with the preparation and protection of our communities will better prepare us for the future and the different possible outcomes. New innovations could provide methods of reducing carbon emissions that have fewer drawbacks and are more accessible to the average individual. While there are still trade-offs with the three options, combining the approaches will allow individuals to take different routes in their personal approaches to the issues of climate change.

The issue of societal participation and cooperation seems to be a considerable issue when thinking of climate change and ways to stop it or prepare for it. Many individuals are very set in their ways and are resistant to change. Because of this, it could prove to be difficult to have all individuals adapt to the new innovations and preparation measures. One method of gaining higher levels of cooperation would be incentivizing the changes that need to be made. When people feel a reason for making a change, they are more likely to do it. Just hearing about the potential effects of climate change does not motivate every person. Providing easy steps or small changes individuals can implement, especially if there is an incentive behind the change, will bring greater support to the issue of climate change.

Another potential societal drawback is cost. Many individuals do not feel that it is worth it to change to a cleaner form of energy if it will cost them more, even if it is only a small amount. Accelerating new innovation could lead to lower costs, which in itself would be an incentive to individuals. Also, having companies develop ways to show people the impact they could have would also take away from the drawback of cost. If people can see how their efforts contribute to the solution, they are more likely to become involved.

Climate change is a pressing issue that we need to begin preparing for in a serious manner. Whether this involves preparations or new innovations, we can begin implementing changes today. From this forum, I learned that there are many individuals in the community and in my class that care about climate change. Hearing this makes me more confident we can have an impact in the future.