"The first 100 days of President’s Trump tenure in office has seen many polarizing issues. As someone studying natural resources as an undergraduate, an issue that I have been following closely is how Trump’s presidency impacts the view on the environment and climate change, the policies enacted by previous administrations and ultimately how these changes affect me personally regarding job prospects and my future.
"It seems as if lately there is a division in the culture surrounding environmental issues within the United States. On one end of this we have the scientific community trying to clearly state that climate change is real, tangible thing, humans and other combined factors play a role in accelerating it and that there are countless things that are put at risk because of this. This sphere of view is something that is commonly supported by many educators, college students, land owners and even outdoor enthusiasts. You don’t have to wear a lab coat to notice that natural systems on the planet have changed or evolved within the lifetime of an average person. I am surrounded every day by professionals, peers and strangers I run into on the street that all seem to recognize the reality of our shared environmental conditions, a factor that may be highly influenced by where I live in Vermont I should confess. However, whenever the conversation surrounding the current administration’s view on this issue is brought up I have noticed a change in the response I’ve received from many people. This is not a verbal response but instead the thoughts that occur behind those eyes, ones that used to show simple disbelief regarding the views of the once potential president. Today, that look of disbelief still stands but there is more concern and uncertainty hidden behind that original superficial show of emotion. Many people recognize the reality that all governments have the ability to enact change, support that change or not it can still occur. The view points and official statements being made by this administration regarding environmental issues are polarizing in the sense that in many instances, they are polar opposites of the conclusions that individuals within in the scientific community have come to accept.
"Within the framework of the environmental economic concept, all markets are ultimately regulated by the available natural resources that are inputted within the beginning of any form of production chain. These finite resources determine the viability of all markets which in turn create feasible jobs in order for that market to function. As the environment continues to change, so too will the type and amount of resources available for use. In reference to the rationalization that I had just outlined above, these changing resources have the potential to drastically change how markets within the world and our country function. This in turn means that the types of professional opportunities available, whether they be general or related to the environment, have the potential to drastically change as well. Being a 20-year-old college student, in many instances I don’t have the foresight as to what my next meal will consist of let alone a concrete plan on what I will be doing in a few short years when I graduate. While the unpredictability of these formative undergraduate years is something I’ve grown accustomed to, there is still an uneasiness in the back of my mind. This uneasiness is founded in my concern with the what the job market within the environmental sector will look like for the beginning and end of my professional career. The viewpoints and actions of this current administration within the first 100 days has not set my mind at ease. A confusing message is being sent to me and my peers from the leaders within our country. We’ve been told to go to college to further our education so that we will be productive members of our currently accepted economic system, and because of this hopefully many of will see some success. Now the concepts and ideas we study are no longer being supported by many leaders within our country, if these ideas are not supported right now will our skills and thoughts be valued when we start looking for jobs in two years?"
Sophomore
University of Vermont
