how can i change the world essay

Tips and Eight Examples for New Short Answer "Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate."

Sailing in the outer Great Barrier Reef on The Condor

Not an admissions cycle goes by that UT doesn’t kick the ball into its own net. The application hasn’t even opened as of writing July 10, and they’re already off to a poor start. Let me tell you how I really feel because somebodies got to do it, and I know thousands of people and educators will share my frustrations.

In 2021 alone, they canceled many international applications without explanation, they were late releasing applications for transfers , and they always fail to adequately communicate to the public when decisions will be released. Starting in 2013, the Office of Admissions has shifted their priorities from informing the public to persuading students to apply and enroll. It’s a glorified sales position masquerading as “access” and “inclusion.”

Their appeals process is a black box that amounts to a lottery than anything specific to individual students. They randomly admitted previously rejected students over the summer of 2020 without explanation. In 2019, they added a fourth short answer in early August and then removed it after a week without explanation, and after hundreds of students had already applied.

When I worked for UT-Austin, they released PACE decisions without informing counselors like me that it was a new program. Much of my job as a counselor was answering for screw-ups and haphazard policy changes orchestrated by senior staff and enrollment managers who seem to love kicking own goals.

If this is your first time dealing with UT-Austin admissions, buckle up. It’s never a smooth ride.

One of the many ways that college admissions is rife with uncertainty, doubt, and anxiety is a direct result of inconsistent admissions policies and arbitrary changes. UT-Austin is unreliable, and elite universities everywhere are not interested in being transparent or accountable to the tax-paying public. It saddens me that my alma mater is so out of touch with society. They can get away with their excesses because they know the public is too timid to push back. There are no alternatives in the way that UC Berkeley competes with UC Los Angeles or the other research campuses.

UT without explanation and past their July 1 promise to release the topics has unveiled four new required short answers without emailing either high school counselors or prospective applicants on their mailing list. These late changes are typical for UT Admissions’s long tradition of breaking what doesn’t need to be fixed.

I share my initial frustrations in this video.

I have no doubt many thousands of students had already started and perhaps completed their essays. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the previous essay topics, and I see no upside in changing them. Changing topics is like when a restaurant changes their menus. New topics require retraining staff on a new topic where they won’t have any examples.

Each time a university changes their policies, hundreds of high school college advisors and counselors must adjust themselves. Inevitably, the lowest-income or most poorly resourced schools suffer the most during policy changes. Changing essay requirements directly harms diversity recruitment and creating a more inclusive campus. If UT and other elite universities were sincere about diversity recruitment, they would simplify their essay requirements.

Admissions reviewers were already behind with reading and scoring applications last year, and it’s almost certain that this new change will disrupt their bureaucracy and add even more inconsistency to the review process. UT-Austin admissions outcomes are bound to be even more unfair and inexplicable than usual.

In my new book Surviving the College Admissions Madness , I argue that elite universities do not care about you. And UT-Austin is no exception.

In this post, I share some initial thoughts on the new topics, I provide tips for the Change the World essay, and I offer eight examples that could work for this new prompt.

Check out my new book Surviving the College Admissions Madness and Youtube Channel

Fall 2022 UT-Austin Required Short Answer Questions

Major: Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major? Leadership/Diversity: Describe how your experiences, perspectives, talents, and/or your involvement in leadership activities (at your school, job, community, or within your family) will help you to make an impact both in and out of the classroom while enrolled at UT. Change the World: The core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin is, "To Transform Lives for the Benefit of Society." Please share how you believe your experience at UT-Austin will prepare you to “Change the World” after you graduate. Special Circumstances: Please share background on events or special circumstances that you feel may have impacted your high school academic performance, including the possible effects of COVID-19.

Initial Thoughts and Criticisms of the Fall 2022 UT-Austin Short Answer Question

Two of them are essentially the same. One asks why you’re choosing your Major ( examples ), and the other is a hybrid essay on the previous Leadership ( examples ) and Diversity ( examples ) Short Answers. I like the Leadership/Diversity essay because some students in previous years struggled to discuss both. Now, you only have to share about either one.

If it were up to me, UT-Austin would have simplified requirements - an Essay A Tell Us Your Story, and the Major short answer only.

Will reviewers learn anything of critical importance from most of the other essays? I’m skeptical.

The COVID/Special Circumstances essay is perhaps the most bizarre inclusion, but for different reasons than Change the World. I have never, ever seen a university require students to discuss special circumstances. It is ALWAYS an option and NEVER a requirement, as was the case for UT-Austin last year. Three or four of my clients wrote the optional special circumstances essay last year, and none of my clients this year were intending to write it. So far and fortunately, none of my clients have written about COVID traumas or tragedies.

Many students will feel compelled to make mountains out of molehills, and those who experienced significant trauma or hardship may either be reluctant to share their experiences or lack the language and writing ability to do so. The special circumstances topic is similar to an old “academics” short answer question that they replaced because it was a bad topic. I’m hoping that them requiring a special circumstances essay was a mistake and they are not requiring students to discuss COVID or other disruptions.

The Change the World Short Answer Question is easily the most absurd and poorly worded prompt I’ve seen in my decade working in and around college admissions, and that includes the Essay B topic I wrote in 2007 discussing a hypothetical roommate (relevant This American Life episode). They’ve taken the most common student essay cliche of “what starts here changes the world” and made an entire topic out of it. The only situation where this prompt may be appropriate is as a Forty Acres Scholarship question.

The essay also presents a challenge to forecast far into the future but in vague ways that are non-specific to your career or academic goals. They could have asked any number of related, more direct questions like why are you applying to UT, discuss a time you’ve made a difference in your home or community, or reflect on how you hope to grow in college. I’m not entirely sure what UT wants from this prompt, and I don’t think they do either.

At age 18, I never imagined that I might be “changing the world” by criticizing a stupid essay question asking students how they will change the world, but here we are. I didn’t know what an Office of Admissions was until I interviewed for the position.

Who cooked up this non-sense? We’ll never know. I’m 100% certain nobody working in UT admissions imagined in high school that they’d be “transforming lives” by becoming a middling bureaucrat. What Starts Here Changes The World seems not to apply to the entity responsible for admitting and enrolling their future students.

Tens of thousands of students will be forced to eat this half-baked essay pie. Implied in the prompt is a special kind of arrogance and exceptionalism that out-of-state or international students will give a damn about UT’s motto. To them, UT is just one university among many, and they may rightly wonder - “Who cares? Every university on my list probably hopes their graduates will change the world and transform lives.”

An insidious, speculative interpretation of the “change the world” prompt is that UT’s marketing and recruitment team are planting subtle seeds for students to imagine themselves on campus. Like a car dealer who wants you to imagine yourself taking home a new Mercedes and surprising the husband and kids - just come on in for a test drive - this new prompt is a subtle way for students to envision themselves as UT. That softens them up for aggressive recruitment and marketing techniques that UT and universities everywhere utilize. After all, who wouldn’t want to buy a service that offers the tantalizing possibility of changing the world and cementing your legacy?

I have no doubt that UT will directly tie their admissions sales pitch into this new “change the world” prompt. UT’s Office of Enrollment Management and Student Success has an incentive to increase their yield rate, or the number of admitted students who enroll. Like almost everything else in our highly consumerist society, marketing seeps deeply and almost undetectably into the fabric of our collective consciousness.

I also have no doubt the average essay will be even more poorly written than usual , and I pity the admissions counselors that are going to have to sift through what will be mostly terrible essays. What that means for you as an applicant is that if you do even a little bit better than mediocre, your essay may stand out from the pack.

The painful reality implicit in the prompt is that most people go on to live normal, unremarkable lives. And that’s okay. Not everyone needs to sit at the front of the bus or stand in front of a tank. Especially with Gen Z graduating in a pandemic, many young people are simply trying to stay afloat, pay the bills, and maintain their wellbeing and sanity. Finding a job that pays a living wage rather than your “dream job” is the most realistic possibility for many.

Implicit in the prompt is a tone-deaf assumption that everyone has the privilege to realize their dreams. Having the courage to change the world often requires the privilege of wealth and/or graduating debt-free. One reason I could take so many big risks in my life, despite growing up in a non-college-going community with parents who are not professionals nor college-educated, is that I had the utter good fortune that my grandma paid for the education of the grandkids and me. I also could live at home for the two and a half years I worked for UT admissions and save money.

I hope that somebody writes an honest answer: “I can change the world if you don’t saddle me with a lifetime of crippling student loan debt. Could I have a full ride, please?”

I will likely have more ideas as students begin engaging with the prompt and produce drafts. Consider these tips to help answer this absurd, awful, terrible, and vague prompt.

Reframe or expand the question

One key phrase in the prompt reads: “To transform lives for the benefit of society.” This is a kind of “vision or value statement” that is problematic in its own way, which I discuss in this Admissions Madness blog post.

UT’s “core purpose” has a subset of “ core values .” You can answer the prompt by referencing or reflecting on one of these values:

Learning — A caring community, all of us students, helping one another grow. Discovery — Expanding knowledge and human understanding. Freedom — To seek the truth and express it. Leadership — The will to excel with integrity and the spirit that nothing is impossible. Individual Opportunity — Many options, diverse people and ideas, one university. Responsibility — To serve as a catalyst for positive change in Texas and beyond.

Other ways to reframe the question are to consider similar kinds of essay prompts. consider Carnegie Mellon’s college experience prompt: “As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience?”

You could answer it in a straightforward “Why UT?” or “what is a meaningful volunteering or extracurricular experience you hope to continue in college?”

The takeaway is not to get too caught up on the clunky, vague, awkward wording of the prompt. College essay questions are merely an invitation to write and not a box meant to constrain you.

Do not repeat content written in the other essays

Another reason why this prompt is tricky is that it will be a challenge to not overlap too much with your other essays. A common mistake students make is writing about, for example, robotics in Essay A, and then writing about the same aspect of robotics in your Major short answer. Essay topics and your words are like finite, scarce resources that you need to deploy strategically. You don’t want to waste space with redundant content.

Relate previous experiences to future goals

The most straightforward way I see to answer this prompt is to reference concrete experiences from your recent past or continuing into the present that you hope to continue at UT. Reframe the vague prompt by making it concrete.

Generally speaking, effective college essays reference specific experiences in your life. Share about a time you solved a problem, collaborated with a group on a project, or created something that helped simplify the lives of you or others.

You can argue through simile that “this experience in the past is like this problem I hope to solve in the future.” Showing how you are already solving problems now can help you connect why UT could help you solve problems in the future.

Answer the prompt directly

UT trademarked the “ what starts here changes the world” brand in 2005. You can read more about their branding scheme here. Investigating the origins and usage of this mantra could help.

But I’m already cringing at the thought of myriad essay responses leading with “What Starts Here Changes the World! I was inspired by William McRaven/Brene Brown/a UT football game, and I’ve been a lifelong Longhorn fan!” Or something banal and cliche. So my first piece of advice - don’t do this. With my clients, I will strike it from their submission.

If you still want to go down this road, it will help to actually read and comment on McRaven’s commencement speech ( video and text ) rather than referencing empty platitudes.

Narrow the scope of “changing the world” to changing your community, neighborhood, or family and discuss an issue of importance

This tip is a variation of the “ think global, act local ” mantra. Narrowing the scope of the prompt might help make it feel less overwhelming about solving world hunger or climate change. It will also help avoid vagueness or generalities about helping the planet.

When you can point to specific issues or problems in your community, you can make your essay concrete by suggesting how you have already helped solve those problems or how you might want to address them in the future. A UT or college education can help you understand broader structural or global contexts, which is often essential for addressing issues in your community or neighborhood.

It can also help to identify an issue of importance related to your major like social inequality, mental health, energy extraction and storage, medical ethics, civil conflict, women in STEM, etc.

Highlight how UT courses, certificates, study abroad, research opportunities, etc. can help you address local or global problems

One benefit of a UT education is that it provides a world-class education regardless of your major or department. Taking advantage of interdisciplinary certificates or courses outside of your major will help equip you with a variety of perspectives and tools necessary for addressing complex issues. Most essays should try and find some way that UT can specifically help them in the future. This topic most clearly to me seems like a “Why UT” essay even if that overlaps with the second prompt on diversity/leadership.

I share in-depth thoughts in this post about incorporating Why UT statements in your essays.

Visualize your dream life

I have used the language “dream life” rather than “dream job” here. For many, a dream job is a luxury and something that will never be attainable for economic or family reasons. Instead, consider sharing about what your dream life might look like. For example, what changes would need to happen at a societal level to ensure fairness or access to basic necessities? What might a world look like where everyone can receive a high-quality education, and what steps might be needed to get there?

Imagining your dream life can help situate your place in solving those problems. Visualizing carbon sequestration, efficient water desalination processes, advances in hydrogen power or fusion, distributing funds through a Universal Basic Income scheme, solving autonomous driving problems, eliminating infant mortality, curing tropical diseases, ensuring justice in the legal system, protecting online privacy, or your role in addressing any other ambitious social or technological problem. That may or may not be a job. You could frame it as finding your calling, which opens the possibility of service, art or music, or becoming a social entrepreneur.

In a way, this prompt could elicit responses similar to the old Apply Texas Essay C “you have a ticket in your hand. Where will you go?”

Write another essay about Major, Leadership, or Diversity

If all else fails and you’re feeling stumped, just write another essay about your area of study, a leadership experience, or a unique perspective or talent you will bring to campus. I think a lot of applicants will worry whether they are “answering the prompt,” but again, essay questions are invitations to write and not constraints on what you can share. This essay could be your opportunity to share content you feel is essential about you but that doesn’t fit well into the other prompts. Basically, write whatever you want, and don’t worry about the actual topic.

It isn’t your fault UT is making you write a stupid prompt. If you’re feeling ballsy, maybe write about how you hope to change the world by speaking truth to power for unresponsive bureaucracies who submit you to their whims and inconsistent policies.

Eight Change the World Short Answer Question Example Essays

I’ve provided eight examples that could work for the new Change The World prompt. I’ve adapted them from other essay topics. You can see a wide variety of approaches, and not all students are certain of their future career. One reason I despise this prompt is it reinforces the unfair expectation that teenagers need to have their lives figured out and somehow envision how they will change the world.

Another problem is the social desirability bias that lingers in almost every topic whereby students feel compelled to share how their academic or professional interests will somehow benefit society. Prompts like this pressure students feel to link everything they’re writing into their major or connect their major into pro-social values such as service or philanthropy. These pressures produce a sea of Computer Science or Finance majors writing difficult-to-believe essays about how search engine optimization or credit default swaps will save the world.

Still, most of the examples speak broadly about underlying characteristics, assumptions to challenge, or possible issues to confront. Some, but not all, reference specific UT opportunities or resources that will help them “change the world.” I haven’t provided commentary under each one because I have already provided general tips above.

Architecture and Advocacy

I was always that student who tried a little bit of this and that to explore and be adventurous. After completing dozens of 3D models, one architecture-related honors thesis, two summer programs, and work experience, I realized that architecture brings me unparalleled fulfillment. I love architecture for its creativity and intrinsic relationship with other fields of my interests. It is a subject that minges together science, art, humanity, and history to create a shelter for the world. I might forget the solution to a calculus question, but I will always remember the visualizations of my Columbia summer program's professor. He conveyed theories by showing a picture of a ramp and stairs and asking us which we would choose to enter the building. One critical interpretation he offered is that ramps symbolize slaughterhouses and that stairs distinguish humans from domesticated animals. My most transformative experience was visiting the Libeskind's modern Jewish Museum Berlin. It consists of a tower with a single light source that captures the helplessness of Holocaust victims, a tilted foundation with concrete pillars that show oppression, and a pathway paved with metallic crying faces that create distorted sounds. The deconstructivist style conveys an aspect of Jewish-Berlin history: humanity reduced to ashes. Libeskind’s tactile representations reminded me of my childhood habit of always touching the walls and floors of old buildings, seeing it as a way to resonate with past inhabitants. I learned that architecture is not merely about design, but also sensation, culture, history, and narrative. Especially during our current chaotic times, architecture and imagery stimulate social awareness and difficult discussions. They inspire my qualitative research on the visualization of depression through architectural spaces, and I hope to continue to address complex global, societal, and ecological problems through an architectural perspective.

Multidisciplinary Perspectives

With a final swipe, I lathered electric blue paint on the last blank spot on the MDF. Beaming, my Eagle Project crew and I exchanged high-fives. It took two years, but we’d finally completed the Story Steps. Freshman year, Jackson Ridge Elementary requested me to build a structure to hold class assemblies. The problem statement dictated that it must fit within 200 square feet and seat thirty students. Having recently learned CAD-modeling in my Engineering elective, I designed a mini-amphitheater dubbed “Story Steps”. Collaborating heavily with my scoutmaster and the Walnut Creek librarian, I created nineteen different Story Step iterations, adding guardrails to improve safety and swapping treated lumber for MDF panel to boost durability and curb cost. We considered seven colors before opting for a cheerful blue that matched Walnut Creek’s mascot, a diving eagle. Many former Eagle Scouts warned me of project bureaucracy. I dispatched hundreds of emails and navigated a morass of troop, council, and district approvals, diligently tracking all of my expenses from numerous trips to Home Depot, and organizing a mail fundraiser to cover them. The profuse paper-pushing paid off. Thanks to a scaled prototype I pre-built alongside a meticulous assembly line, two years of planning culminated in five hours of work, leaving us enough time to chow down on Domino’s pepperoni pizza afterward. Occupying a generalist role in my Eagle Scout project -- designer, builder, accountant, project-manager -- fits my jack-of-all-trades abilities. I eagerly absorb information in my AP Physics and Calculus classes, but I also relish learning about ancient government systems in AP World History. I’m the team-utility tool who’s willing to work behind-the-scenes and crank out the coding gruntwork like at my NASA SEES Internship, but I’m also comfortable public speaking, like presenting our group’s hypothetical Mars mission proposal to my Engineering class. Chatting about fantasy football over lunch comes as naturally as deconstructing a fantasy novel in AP English. I can recite 66 digits of pi from memory, but I also love fencing and competing in a game of H-O-R-S-E with my friends. I’ll bump Travis Scott and Young Thug, but I can also play Chopin’s Mazurka on the piano. At times I feel like a “master-of-none”, but I’m excited about enrolling at UT to expand my curiosities and explore deeply. Unlike most of my already highly-specialized peers, I invite pivoting into the unknown. Generalists can develop specialties but not all specialists can spread out into generalists. The COVID-19 pandemic teaches me that changing the world requires a flexible mindset and an openness to new ideas and unfamiliar disciplines.

Sustainable Development

My journey accompanying my family in developing large planned communities, emphasizing responsible construction, and promoting sustainable living associated with forestry agriculture in Brazil, reached its climax when I finally could influence the company's directors that it's our social responsibility to build affordable housing with the same amenities allotted to high-income clients living in gated communities. On a continent with complicated relationships between money, corruption, and the environment, I'm proud that we have just received approval for twenty-three thousand apartments intended for low-income families on a beautiful property. It's challenging to escape crime and poverty when there aren't affordable housing alternatives, let alone options with bike lanes, public transport access, and a low carbon footprint. I have participated as an intern, together with junior architects and engineers, to develop LEED-certified buildings that will provide affordable housing integrated with nature to families at risk of violence living in favelas. The new first-time property owners will benefit from open park spaces, biking trails, sports fields, shopping centers, locally-owned restaurants, schools, churches, lakes, and orchards planted within the remaining Atlantic Forest surrounding it. It gives me meaning to assist with the agricultural forestry projects to create orchards within the remaining and recently restored Atlantic Forest surrounding the new community. Following the forest's recovery project's implementation and observing the birds' return, like colorful toucans, to this newly restored and abundant paradise fills my heart with joy. I hope that my small contribution to developing the new residential complex will help families live safely and with dignity. What starts locally can change the world globally.

Combating Prejudice, Anti-Semitism, and Discrimination

In seventh grade, the night before Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, a few friends and I received a text message from an unknown number saying that Jewish people should die. It spread like wildfire throughout the school, and within hours, local police confiscated our cell phones and identified the sender of the anti-Semitic text message. It shocked me to learn it came from Joseph, a Catholic boy I rode the school bus with since kindergarten. As a proud and active member in my Jewish community where I spent years in Hebrew school learning about anti-Semitism, it boggled my mind to experience such bigotry first hand. After family discussions with the prosecutor’s office and the Anti-Defamation League, we concluded that, rather than prosecuting Joseph’s behavior as a hate crime, we needed to treat his offense as ignorance stemming from a lack of awareness. I was also shocked to learn that his parents denied his actions and I even saw Joseph on the school bus the next day after he was suspended by the district. It was clear that education would be the only way to create change. As a consequence, Joseph was required to participate in monthly anti-bias classes at my local synagogue and have conversations with Holocaust survivors. A key reason I’m applying to UT Austin is because of the vibrant and charitable Jewish Longhorn community. I intend to take an active role with Rabbi Zev of the Chabad Jewish Student Center to educate others about ongoing anti-Semitism. Belonging to the UT White Rose Society, which raises awareness of the Holocaust and genocide prevention, would also further my commitment to learning from history to teach others. I want to do my part alongside like-minded advocates to achieve racial and religious equality while contributing to an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes diverse communities, especially those who have historically been marginalized. I understand what it is like to be targeted because of my religion, and I want to do my part in proclaiming “never again.”

Religion at Home and Abroad

Like many San Antonians, I was raised Catholic, but I thankfully come from a very religiously open-minded family, unlike many in my school and community. My mom encouraged me to read the Torah and Quran in between Bible verses. We made a “Stopplebeen” pilgrimage in the summer of 2019 to Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. Our colorful Israeli guide Dror introduced himself. “I am a tank commander in the Israeli Defense Force. My tank is inside a mountain. If the secret word is messaged to me or put on the radio, my crew and I will report to the cave in the mountain.” With our tour guide, I volunteered to read verses from his Bible when we visited the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus reportedly fed 5,000 people with five bread loaves and two fish. I read verses from the English Quran detailing Muhammad’s epic Night Journey before visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem’s hotly-contested Temple Mount. I assume visiting Al-Aqsa with a Palestinian guide contrasted touring Jewish sites with Dror. In Jerash, Jordan, traveling to Roman ruins offered opportunities to buy “real” Roman coins just like the “authentic” Native American arrowheads in Missouri. Seeing the Middle East in person obfuscates the conflict lines. Approaching the Wailing Wall requires passing through Muslim-owned shops alongside a Zionist museum. Our Israeli guide assured our safety from “heathenous” Muslims by pointing out armed guards. The only thing the three religions seem to agree on is falafel. Israel’s recent peace agreement with long-time rival the UAE further complicates the landscape, but my visit to the Middle East helps bring to life current events. Going overseas reinforced my curiosity for foreign languages and their necessity for digging deeper into different cultures. I’m currently in AP Spanish Literature and my third year of high school French. I dabble in German and Arabic in my spare time and test new language waters on Duolingo. What excites me most about college is studying abroad. UT’s Hautes Etudes Commerciales international business program in Jouy-en-Josas, France, will allow me to build my BHP core while having my first experiences practicing street French. Exploring my Catholic roots in a Plan II Rome Maymester will provide further context to my religion and culture. Finally, I plan to join the Global Business Bridge (GBB) to contribute my foreign language and cross-cultural skills and address global challenges in African and Latin American countries.

Rejecting Religious Dogma

It seemed like the next logical step in my commitment to Christian ethics would involve enrolling at Liberty University. It all made sense in my head: join my senior girlfriend, learn an integrated Christian and secular curriculum, and collaborate with the next generation of Christian leaders. I attended their “One Weekend” in late February 2020, a three-day two-night immersion into hypocritical propaganda masquerading as a sincere commitment to the Gospel. Liberty feels like the imitation of a legitimate college campus. At first glance, everything appears orderly and spotless, a confident image of elegance. It’s neoclassical architecture seems nice enough, but if you look beyond the finely mowed grass, you see bricks-missing potholed pathways and dirty, neglected common rooms. Unnaturally separating buildings feels cold and empty. It reflects President Jerry Falwell Jr’s hollowed faith, sacrificing Christian values at the altar of Donald Trump and the alt-right. I questioned my decision to apply and enroll with the five or so other [private Christian school] classmates who attend each year. A recent graduate notorious for her toxic personality has unsurprisingly emerged as a leader on Liberty’s campus. Their student body presents a distorted reflection of human decency. It isn’t accidental that nearly every student I saw at the near-daily 8,000 student Convocation gathering at the Vine Center is white. Students stride with an air of dogma-enabled superiority. Newsflash Jerry: Jesus wasn’t white, and he definitely wouldn’t vote Republican. If God’s Kingdom is reserved solely for fake hetereosexual white people, I’d rather burn at a heathen “liberal” university where I can think critically and engage my doubts and beliefs, just like Jesus. More alarming than the lack of cultural diversity is the utter scarcity of diversity in thought. Everyone walks in lock step: same page, same opinion, same agenda, indoctrinated clockwork. I expressed interest in joining the “elite” worship team who treated me with insincerity and condescension because I didn’t pass some arbitrary purity test. How can Liberty claim to be a city on a hill broadcasting light across a dark world? I reject Liberty’s lukewarm Christianity in favor of thoughtful dialog and finding common ground with people from diverse cultural, religious, political, racial, and sex/gender backgrounds. Without thoughtful dialog, how can we ever hope to change the world for the better?

Arts and Sciences, Future Career Uncertain

I used to believe that absorbing lectures and memorizing information correlated directly with genuine learning. Early on, math stumped me because lectures droned on while I struggled to apply what we learned. However, in high school my algebra teacher shifted my mindset because she reinforced mastery of the material subsequently applied to increasingly complex problems. Understanding the underlying mechanics of advanced math allowed me to teach myself more advanced topics. Likewise, studying the sciences requires internalizing large amounts of content, elements, and formulas. Applying scientific concepts across domains comes more naturally to me than math. Although I eventually want to pursue a healthcare profession, what I love doing the most in my free time is writing. When I was a child, I wrote fantasy stories, and once, a full-length novel. Rereading my old works now, their premises and writing were quite simplistic, but I’ve stuck with it. My writing has matured through the experiences of growing older like newfound academic stress, social anxieties, and discovering my identity. I started submitting my writing to local events like PTA contests and later, to national ones such as the Lake Effect Poetry Contest. It takes courage for other people to read your writing, so competitions encourage me to be more creative and mindful of communicating life’s complexities to people who don’t know me. I’m excited for an interdisciplinary education at UT since it has renowned professors in essentially every subject. I look forward to taking Professor Davis’s course on social thought and the history of feminism and political philosophy with Professor Deigh. COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of medical ethics, so social work and Plan II Professor Sonnenberg’s humanities approach to medicine appeals to me. My creative background will contribute to science courses, and I can bring scientific approaches to liberal arts discussions. Breaking down departmental boundaries is essential for addressing complex global problems like public health and climate change. I’m unsure of my future career, but I hope to tackle humanity’s Biggest Questions.

Issue of Importance

We live in a modern Gilded Age. Amazon can deliver motion detecting toilet seat lights in a couple of hours, but it depends on a legion of overworked warehouse workers. They may earn $15 an hour or higher, but with fewer protections to cover long-term disability. Turnover in fulfillment centers remains high, and Amazon is notoriously opaque about sharing injury or COVID rates. Journalists and documentarians brought awareness to sweatshop factories that supply our global fashion and electronics supply change. Rising inequality and a shrunken middle class follow from the logic of global capitalism. Uber’s refusal to classify drivers as employees symbolizes prioritizing shareholder profits over basic human decency. Protecting workers in the gig and technology economy are society’s most pressing issues. Former Facebook Exec. Chamath Palihapatiya says “150 people run the world… almost all are men and white.” Shoshana Zuboff calls technologists like Bezos and Zuckerberg the “high priests of surveillance capitalism.” Digital ethicists like Tristan Harris push back against the “move fast and break things” ethos, but at the top of corporate boards and senior engineering teams, there appears to be little diversity of thought. Although consumers like you and I become the raw materials for data gathering, “essential workers” form the backbone of our digital feudalism. Understanding the human psyche and the history of capitalism requires Plan II’s courses in Anthropology and Economics. History teaches us that the pace of change may be a matter of degree rather than kind, and learning from other countries in non-US history courses helps explore “Where did society go wrong?” and “What can we do to fix it?” together. Education and awareness is a prerequisite for resisting technology’s tug and advocating for the least fortunate locally and globally.

Interested in working together?

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:

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What? How? Whom? When? Where?
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Some tips that can make your writing unique and original.

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🗯 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:

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If I could change the world essay 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.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 20% off your first order!

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?

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

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 changes 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.

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 .

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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Grow Ensemble

Build a Better World, Together

How to Change the World: 101 Ideas Big & Small to Leave the World a Better Place Than You Found It

Bonus Material! 10 Inspiring Quotes from Social Entrepreneurs [PDF]

So, you want to change the world. And guess what? It’s possible!

Through acts, some big and some small, we can all contribute to a better world.

Here is a comprehensive list of things that anybody can do to spread positivity and create a more sustainable and just world for all.

Wherever your love and passion leans, we have good ideas for you to kick-off your impact.

If you want a “fast-track,” jump to the section that most strikes you and your enthusiasm…

Start Local: Create the Community That You Want to Live In

If the last few years have taught us anything, it is that elections matter. Make your voice heard in a way that counts.

Visit USA.gov to determine if your state allows you to register online. There, you’ll also find further resources to determine upcoming registration deadlines for important elections happening locally or otherwise.

2. Donate Money When You Can

If you are privileged enough to have some extra funds, consider a monthly donation to an organization that shares your values.

Make sure that you do research and find a place that truly aligns with what you believe. We here at Grow Ensemble are members of the 1% for the Planet community, which connects us with vetted environmental nonprofits working to protect our planet. Seek out similar groups and associations.

3. Donate Time/Skills when Money is Tight

Sometimes, donating money and meeting your own basic needs is not possible.

If this is the case, then consider donating your time for service. Or, if you have a specific sect of knowledge that could be beneficial to underserved communities – donate that! Why volunteer ? Obviously, volunteering helps the organization that you are providing services for. But, there are also a ton of personal benefits of volunteering to take advantage of!

It looks great on a resume, makes you feel good, and gives you much-needed perspective that is good for your soul.

Websites like GivePulse are a great place to find your next volunteering opportunity.

4. Call Your Congressperson

We are all on our phones so much (more on that later), why not do something useful with that time?

Global Citizen wrote up a piece with some tips on how to effectively make your voice heard with those currently in power.

5. Take Part in a Protest and Be an Advocate for Change

Power to the people!

The voice of the mobilized masses has been a catalyst for change throughout history. From the Boston Tea Party to the civil rights movements of the 20th century, taking to the streets and airing your grievances through protest has been a major mover in discourse and policy.

Follow the lead of Time’s 2019 Person of the Year, Greta Thunberg.

6. Listen to Young People

It feels redundant to say, but young people are the future.

By involving youth and listening to them early in life, a society is actively creating an engaged citizenry through early participation.

7. Run for Office

This may seem like a far-fetched pipe dream, but it does not have to be. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez was a bartender before she decided to run for Congress.

If moving to D.C seems like a stretch, then consider running for local office!

8. Support Local Journalism

As media conglomerates continually buy up more and more media real estate, local journalism is more important than ever.

The centralization of what we see and what we hear is happening allows for local governments, organizations, and businesses to be held unaccountable.

9. Attend a Community Council Meeting

Community council’s often dictate what happens in a neighborhood. They often have digital arms to their organizations as well.

By getting involved on this hyper-local level, then you will have a direct impact on what is happening around you – and thus – can be the change that you want to see in your neighborhood.

10. Go Camping and Get a Park Pass

Our National Parks have been under attack recently.

By purchasing a National Parks Pass, you are actively helping restore the natural beauty that the United States has to offer. And as an additional bonus, you are getting out of the bustling cities, which can have plenty of benefits on its own!

Ordering a park pass online is easy and you can do it here .

11. Clean Up Some Trash

How many times have you been walking down the street and seen litter on the ground? How simple would it be to bend down, pick it up, and put that in the trash can?

Yet, and I am guilty of this too, often we don’t even do that. But if everybody did this, what could be the implications?

Cleaner city streets, green spaces, and waterways are enjoyed by everyone. Mother Earth included.

13. Start a Community Garden

The Danny Wu community garden in Seattle, WA is an excellent example of why they are so vital. Established in 1975 in the international district, the garden is an essential place for the surrounding community to engage with nature, access safe and healthy food, and build cohesion with neighbors.

Don’t know where to start? Check out this guide to getting a community garden started where you live.

14. Start Your Own Nonprofit Organization

In the Grow Ensemble community, we welcome ambitious change-makers. Sure, at first glance this may seem like a rather large undertaking, but that’s why we created this how to start a nonprofit checklist .

15. Change Jobs & Work for a Company with PURPOSE

Big ask? Sure! But your life energy is valuable and your work should be meaningful! Take a look at the list of Certified B Corporation job listings that might work for you.

A curated list of favorite quotes from our interviews with some of the most innovative and inspiring entrepreneurs in the better-world-business space!

Starting with You: Before You Change the World, You Have to Change Yourself

16. Meditate

Meditation reduces stress, declutters the mind, and enhances self-awareness (among numerous other things), allowing you to presently and fully tackle the challenges at hand. Great apps like Headspace can get you started with and teach you about meditation along the way.

17. Read up on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

You know what they say, knowledge is power! Knowing why and how the United Nations hopes to achieve these important goals is a great way to get started on your own personal journey. Plus, they offer some helpful advice on how you can be a part of the solution.

Check out their website and learn more here

18. Get Inspired at a Gathering!

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who want to change the world is a powerful way to keep your motivation for change alive. With events for all kinds of people with many different focuses, you are sure to find what you are looking for. We created a list of some amazing social entrepreneur conferences you can check out to give you a place to start.

19. Learn a New Language

Aside from the brain stimulation that comes from learning something new, learning a new language allows you to connect with millions (or billions) of other people! Think of the possibilities!

20. Get out into Nature

It is proven that being in nature reduces fear, stress, and increases pleasant feelings. Not being in nature leads to, unsurprisingly, depression. So get off the couch and go for a hike!

21. Fix Your Posture

Clinical studies have shown that posture is not just a symptom of a depressed mood, but can actually be a cause! With phones causing what is called the “ihunch,” many of us are developing terrible posture, which has negative psychological and physical effects. So straighten up!

22. Go for a Run!

AtlasGo is a company that tracks your miles while you run, and donates money to a nonprofit of your choice for every mile that you run! The certified B Corp is hoping to spread.

Listen to our conversation with the co-founder and CEO of AtlasGo

and learn more about how you can take your first step towards raising money for a good cause.

23. Make Better Goals

How often have you set a goal down without any clear path of getting there? I am going to write every day! Or I am going to lose 15 pounds! Every goal that you make should have clear benchmarks of how you will get there as well as check-ins to make sure that you are on track. Change, I am Going to Change The World into I Am Going to Change The World by doing X, Y, and Z.

24. Get in Touch With Who You Are

This may seem a little ambiguous, but it is important to know what you care about and what you are good at so that you can best serve the greater world. The magic pyramid is where skills, passions, and what the world needs all intersect. Without careful examination of your capabilities and desires, you might never find out how you can best contribute to society.

25. Kick that Bad Habit – Make The Last Time You Indulged The Last Time .

Look – everybody has their vices, but how often do you have feelings of guilt or shame attached to a certain behavior? When negative emotions follow an action, it is time to change that action.

26. Turn that Hobby into a Passion.

Hobbies are something that you do when you have time for it. Passions, you make time for. We live in a busy world full of distractions and clutter. Carve out time to do the thing(s) that makes you happy !

27. Limit Your Screen Time.

Maybe will power and determination won’t help you with this. In that case, check out this list of 11 apps that will help you on your journey.

28. Find a Mentor

Having a mentor can create a massive positive impact in your life. Reducing the negative feelings of imposter syndrome, challenging you to get out of your comfort zone, providing a road map to get where you want, and being somebody to confide in are all valuable aspects of the mentor/mentee relationship.

29. Worry About Your Own Life

While speaking up and advocating for what you believe in is an important member of being a good citizen, ultimately, you can only control your own life. So before you go trying to fix the world, make sure that your actions are aligning with creating the change you want to see.

30. Practice Unconditional Love

This tip can easily be misconstrued and morphed into something unhealthy and unhelpful. However, if you take it at face value and love somebody without the expectation of anything in return from that love, then you are placing yourself in a position of power and self-determination.

31. Forgive others

Harboring resentments and negative emotions towards others can have harmful effects on your physical and mental states. While reconciliation and reunions are not necessary and can be dangerous in certain situations, the act of mentally letting go of these thoughts can provide much-needed clarity within your own life.

32. Use Social Media Responsibly

Platforms like Facebook and Twitter are incredibly powerful tools. They have swung elections and toppled dictatorial regimes. Make sure that when you are using these tools you do so responsibly. Read further than the headlines, audit your time on these sites, and most importantly, message your grandmother back!

33. Double-Check Your Sources

Furthering the last point today’s media environment makes it easier than ever to get caught in echo chambers. We are bombarded with opinions that we agree with and never stop to think whether or not these things are true. It is always healthy to dig deeper and find original sourcing so that you know these outlets are ones that you can trust.

34. Engage in Conscious Media Consumption

It is easy after a long day to plop onto the couch and start binging from your favorite streaming service. But before you do, be conscious of how you are consuming. Are you sitting and staring for long periods of time? Does what you watch contribute to harmful stereotypes or othering of people? Does engaging in this behavior make you happy? Being conscious of these factors and making choices appropriately will help you be more mindful about your choices and, hopefully, more happy with your consumption.

35. Make Education a Continuous Cycle

Never stop learning! If you cannot afford to enroll in a class at your local community college, then go to museums when they are free, join local meetups, or find a group of individuals with similar interests and continue your education.

36. Sleep Consistently

Understanding why we sleep might provide some helpful insight into its power and why it is so important. Creating a healthy and consistent schedule is key for reaping the benefits that sleep has to offer. Grabbing a new people and planet-friendly Leesa mattress might help with this one!

37. Don’t Take Anything Personally

By not taking anything personally, you are making a choice to self contain your happiness and emotional well being. By doing this, you are impervious to the opinions of others and make yourself a less fragile person.

38. Reexamine Your Life Story

What narratives have you created for yourself? Have you convinced yourself that you are somebody who doesn’t do something or can’t? Reexamine and challenge these beliefs. Often times, we set limiting thoughts on ourselves that are unhelpful and don’t allow us to reach our full potential.

Look Outside Yourself: Connecting with Other Human Beings

39. Small Acts for Co-Workers

If you work a 9-5, then it is possible that you spend more time with your co-workers than your loved ones at home. I don’t mention that to get you down, but rather to highlight how important these relationships are in our lives. By doing little things for these people, even the ones you may not like, you can help play a part in creating a positive, cheerful atmosphere in the workplace. And who knows, they may also go the extra mile in helping you out down the line!

40. Say Hello to a Stranger (When it is Safe)

Obviously, do not interrupt somebody who is doing something and God forbid you make somebody feel uncomfortable or unsafe, but when appropriate, say hello and strike a conversation with somebody you don’t know. The world is full of wonderful people and the more that we connect and share our humanity – the better the world will be!

41. Host a Potluck with Friends! Or Meet New People !

Humans have been breaking bread with each other for thousands of years. Food is a common language across cultures and generations. In our go, go, go society – it is easy to let this aspect of your humanity and sense of community slip through the cracks. But don’t let it! Companies like Civic Dinners have created a platform where you can reaffirm that sense of community and build relationships with people you may not have before, all over a serving of your favorite homemade meal.

Find, or start, your next dinner here .

42. Text Less, Call More

Texting allows us to stay connected in ways previously unimaginable, but too often we skip the voices of others for the convenience of a simple text. So instead of simply shooting off that text, press the call button next time!

43. Tweet Less

There may be world leaders who could do less of both of these things, but that’s a separate issue. Twitter (and other social media outlets) have been proven to be harmful to our brains and mental health . Our brains just weren’t designed for that sort of information overload.

44. Stop Assuming

You know what happens when you assume… But seriously, watch what happens to your self-esteem and relationships when you stop assuming the intent of others. You will find that A) you feel better and B) your relationships and communication skills greatly improve.

45. Be Conscious of Who You Surround Yourself With

The people that you surround yourself with directly impact your mood, actions, and thoughts. Watch what happens when you befriend people that you respect and that motivate you and inspire you to achieve great things. Like-minded individuals who push you to be better and do better will ultimately make for lifelong partners. The old saying goes, “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.”

Spend Your Money Wisely: Making Change with Change

46. Switch Your Bank

Between overdraft fees and socially irresponsible investments, the banking industry has developed quite the reputation. But everybody needs a bank account, right? What options do we have other than these big multinational banks? Well, there are options. Banks like Aspiration are working to build a better community. Specifically, they donate 10% of every dollar deposited to a charitable organization, making them the leader in the financial industry.

Find out how you can become a part of a better solution, here .

47. Use Ridwell Instead of Landfills

Ridwell is a service that helps you recycle those hard to get rid of items (like batteries) that often end up in landfills.

48. Order Groceries with Imperfect Foods

Imperfect Foods is reducing food waste by delivering the items that grocery stores don’t want (because of aesthetics) directly to your door!

49. Shop at Farmer’s Markets

Farmer’s Markets are an incredible way to not only support local farmers but also get fresh, delicious produce. The agriculture industry and the transportation of produce all over the country are major factors for climate change and supporting local farms is a great way to mitigate these harms as well as stop the monopolization of your food sources!

50. Support Local Businesses

That book you love? Probably available at a local bookstore. The convenience of online shopping and the reach of corporations is slowly ruining our local economies. Do your part and support a local business!

51. Repurpose Waste (And Drink More Beer?)

Okay, maybe the second one is a stretch, but Grain4Grain , a company based in San Antonio, TX that takes spent grain (the primary waste product in the beer brewing process) and turns it into a flour, is making it more enticing to indulge. Not only do they divert this food waste, but they have also made it their mission to support local families in need by donating a pound of flour for every pound sold.

52. Say NO to Fast Fashion

Aside from the low quality, fast fashion is also a major contributor to unfair labor and unsustainable manufacturing. Although higher quality pieces of clothing do cost more, they will last longer and you can sleep well at night knowing that you are not supporting sweatshops or the perpetuation of climate change.

53. Purchase at Places That Share Your Values

There was a lot of hoopla over donations from the leaders of companies like Hobby Lobby and Chick-Fil-A to organizations that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. Knowing that sort of fact may lead your decision on whether to purchase products from these companies. Do the research and see which socially responsible companies are worth supporting with your money!

Check out the B Corp directory for your next purchase. There, you can find all the companies held to higher standards of operations, ranging from Leesa Mattress , a socially conscious mattress company, to Allbirds , an eco friendly shoe company.

54. Give the Gift of Social Impact

The next time you have to purchase a gift for somebody, make sure that you are spreading the message of sustainability and conscious consumerism ! Here is a list to get you started.

55. Start a Socially Responsible Stock Portfolio

If you are trying to spend your money with the betterment of society in mind, then investing in ETFs and Mutual Funds can be scary. Who knows where your broker is putting your money? Well, nowadays there are lots of apps and brokers who are working towards developing sustainable capitalism by only investing your money in socially responsible businesses. Check out some of those here .

56. Do Real Research

Nowadays, major corporations know that younger generations find corporate responsibility to be a mandatory aspect of doing business. They will devote whole sectors of their companies to doing “public good”, while still maintaining the systematic pillars of their model that is detrimental to societies around the globe (think Shell with their drilling or Amazon with their labor conditions). Make sure that you do not get duped by P.R stunts when finding companies to support.

Spreading Positivity: Simple Ways to Spread ‘Good’

57. Purge your Closet (And Donate!)

Do you have any clothes that you don’t wear anymore? Take them out of your closet and bring them to a local Goodwill or Thrift Store. Or, recycle those clothes! (More on that later).

58. Use Reusable Grocery Bags

According to the Wall Street Journal, over 100 billion plastic shopping bags are used each year. That is… way too many. We all should be doing our part to cut this number down and reusable canvas or hemp bags are a great way to make that happen.

59. Ditch the Car – Take a Walk.

Henry David Thoreau had quite a few ideas about walking and he knew nothing of the CO2 emissions of cars. Walking is a great way to connect with your surroundings (and save the planet!)

60. Speak Up

Human Rights Campaigner, Ginette Sagan, said, “Silence in the face of injustice is complicity with the oppressor” If you see a person or people being mistreated or facing injustice, thinking it isn’t right. Open your mouth and say something.

61. Marvel at the Small Things

We live in an incredibly complex, beautiful world. Stopping and appreciating just how remarkable it truly is proven to make you happier .

62. Be a Good Neighbor

Do you see your neighbor’s waste bins at the curb? Take them in! Maybe you haven’t seen them in a few days? Make some baked goods and bring them over and check in on them. Doing these random acts of kindness helps create a sense of community with the people who live closest to you!

63. Donate Your Unused Airline Miles to Reunite Refugees with their Families

Miles 4 Migrants is a nonprofit that takes your unused airline miles and uses those to book flights for refugees to reunite with their families. Listen to Andy Freedman, the organization’s co-founder and managing director, here .

64. Don’t get caught up in the outrage machine

Some things are deserving of outrage: the climate crisis, kids in cages, and imminent war. Some things are not: celebrities’ opinions, gaffes, and bad calls by sports officials. Know what is important to our world and…

Start Affecting Systematic Change

Our planet: global warming and climate change.

65. Start Composting at Home!

According to the EPA , 28% of what gets thrown away is food and yard waste. Both of these items are compostable. By keeping these items out of landfills, you are helping reduce the amount of CO2 emissions that come from these harmful landfills.

Here is an awesome list of products to get you started on your composting journey!

66. Plant a Tree

Don’t just plant a tree anywhere (there are regulations and zoning laws that prevent this), but being a modern-day Johnny Appleseed isn’t as hard as you may think. Here is a great resource.

67. Recycle Your Used Clothing with Helpsy.

B-Corp, Helpsy , helped keep 20 million pounds of clothing waste out of landfills last year. Alex Husted, founder and CEO, as well as the rest of the team, want to radically reshape how people think about clothing recycling.

68. Ditch the Plastic Water Bottle

More than 60 million plastic water bottles end up in landfills each day. Each day. Let’s fix that. Companies like Klean Kanteen are making awesome alternatives to the common plastic water bottle.

69. Reduce your Dishes

By getting rid of a few plates, mugs, and bowls, you will have to do less dishes! Which is a major plus. But more importantly, you will reduce the amount of water that you use doing dishes and with water being our most valuable resource – this is an easy way to start saving gallons.

70. Use Reusable Utensils Instead of Plastic

Reusable utensils are a great way to mitigate plastic waste from eating out! They can be made from stainless steel, bamboo, or wood. Regardless, they don’t end up in landfills!

71. Try to Follow the Zero-waste Hierarchy

Christopher Moken has made mattress disposal and recycling mattresses his passion. He applies the zero waste hierarchy to his business practices and implores you to do so in your personal life! Lindsey Mccoy has also been a changemaker in this area with her company, Plaine Products .

72. Recycle Responsibly

Of the garbage that Americans throw out, half could be recycled. And if you are one of the fine folks who recycle regularly, then maybe you are a culprit of the greasy pizza box or half-full coffee cup in the recycling? Either way, as a country we are not good at recycling.

Here is an awesome video explaining why.

For example, have you thought about the proper way to dispose of your mattress?

73. Quit Wasting Food

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations , “roughly ⅓ of food produced for human consumption every year gets lost or wasted. Some helpful tips for doing your part: shop locally and for specific meals, don’t let your eyes get bigger than your stomach, and eat your leftovers!

74. Become a Regenerative Farmer!

By becoming a regenerative farmer, you are actively reversing climate change. Actually! Lots of our previous tips are great ways to do your part in helping slow the crisis, but regenerative farming practices increase soil integrity and biodiversity, resulting in an improved water cycle and stimulating carbon drawdown.

Get inspired by watching this documentary The Biggest Little Farm .

Our Planet: Clean Water

75. Reduce your Time in the Shower (But, like, wash yourself)

Certified B Corp, Tom’s of Maine , has already come up with some awesome ways to reduce your shower time, but the one way they did not mention in their article is cold showers! Benefitting both your health and monthly bills, cold showers are a great way to get clean!

76. Treat your Plumbing Responsibly.

Don’t know what is allowed to go down you sink? Curious about your toilet? Check out the Texas Government’s recs for keeping clean pipes and sewers for your city, here .

77. Support Organizations Like the Clean Water Network

The CWN’s main mission is to protect our waterways from polluters. Clean water is vital for ecosystems and the effects of not keeping our streams and rivers pollutant-free could be dire for much of the natural world as well as human health.

78. Use Clean Cleaning Products

We don’t think about the damage that our soaps and detergents are doing once they go down the drain. By switching to “clean” cleaning products you are helping keep the waterways harmful chemical free! Meliora is a Grow Ensemble trusted brand.

Take a Stand Against Gun Violence

79. Join an Organization

If you are tired of the endless cycle of gun violence, then Cease Fire may be a good place to start. With helpful resources and a long list of affiliates for people to join, this is one of many outlets seeking for more responsible gun ownership and safety.

80. Become a Journalist

Well, not really, but if you write a letter to the editor at your local newspaper – you can make your voice heard.

81. Host a Meeting

The Violence Policy Center has created a step by step guide so that anybody can host an informational meeting and educate others about gun violence!

Help Our Friends Living on the Streets: Homelessness

82. Sharpen Your Carpentry Skills

While there is not a housing shortage for those who do not have homes, existing homes are always in need of a fix-up. You can call your local Habitat chapter by calling (800) 422-4828 or visiting http://www.habitat.org .

83. Train Populations Affected by Homelessness

The National Coalition for Homelessness says, “Direct service providers may be able to use many services and skills, including secretarial, catering, plumbing, accounting, management, carpentry, public relations, fundraising, legal, medical, dentistry, writing, child care, counseling, tutoring, or mentoring.” If you have a skill that could be parlayed into a job for another – teach them that skill!

84. Make a Friend

You can help create community with people experiencing homelessness in a number of ways. Invite people to public events or organize events like board game night or an open mic poetry reading at a shelter! Convince other people of means to come along as well!

85. Connect with Existing Coalitions

People have already done the heavy lifting and now all you have to do is support them in your missions. Here is an excellent list of existing coalitions!

How Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Can Change The World

86. Consider your Social Impact

How does your company affect your local company? What about the global community? The planet? By considering these factors and changing harmful practices business owners can be a key part in making the world a better place for everybody.

87. Hire Disenfranchised Groups

Amplio Recruiting , founded by Chris Chancey, is a recruiting agency that places refugees into jobs across the U.S. They have already placed 5,000 refugees into jobs across the country. That’s a lot of people! By hiring disenfranchised groups business owners can be a key role in changing the narrative and histories of people from marginalized communities.

88. Make Diversity a Priority.

The McKinsey Institute , as well as many others , have proven why diversity is important. Not only do diverse teams perform better, at every level of business, but allowing new viewpoints into previously homogenous rooms provides new insights and allows for better problem-solving.

89. Create a Thriving Company Culture

Claire Booth , founder and CEO, of Lux Insights, states it best, “ Our values were decided upon based on who we are as people. When we hire people who align with our values, they align with us, which is what allows us to deepen those relationships. We also find clients who align with those values tend to be the deepest relationships and the long-standing accounts we have been able to hold on to over the years.”

Make sure that the people you hire share your values and are aligned in mission. This increases employee retention and productivity! A true win-win. If you don’t know where to start, then people like Becci Gould , founder of Kin & Co, are a great resource!

90. Become a Member of 1% for the Planet

Join a growing list of businesses that are helping keep our planet livable for future generations.

91. Consider Shifting Your Model to Become a Certified B Corp

This will take time, but here is an awesome resource for you to start your journey.

92. Give Back to the Community

Donate your product or service to a local fundraiser, sponsor a charitable event, or maybe give the office a day off to volunteer somewhere! Whatever you choose to do, make sure that your business is doing it’s part in giving back to the community that keeps it running.

93. Support the Next Generation

Become a mentee! Volunteer to speak at High Schools and Universities! Volunteer to judge at Youth Leadership Competitions! Help young entrepreneurs network! You can help give the next generation the same advantages that you may have had, or be the resource that you wish you had!

94. Switch from Gas to Renewable Energy

There is a myriad of ways for you to be an environmental change-maker as a business owner. Learn about them here .

95. Give Someone a Second Chance

In our society, somebody is supposed to have “served their time” and be full members of society upon their release from prison. But far too often, this is not the case. The stigma of being a former felon is real and roughly 27% of those who have served time are unemployed , far exceeding the national rate. This greatly increases the risk of recidivism.

Companies like Defy Ventures are doing an amazing service by helping place former prisoners in meaningful jobs or even helping them start their own businesses. You can follow suit by giving somebody a second chance at life in your business.

Follow the Lead of These 5 People

96. Liz Powers from ArtLifting

ArtLifting “Connects Socially Conscious Companies With Talented Artists Impacted By Homelessness Or Disabilities“

97. Cemal Ezal from Change Please

Change Please “is empowering the homeless community by training them to be baristas. We provide full barista training, jobs paying London Living Wage and support with housing, bank accounts, and mental wellbeing.”

98. Adrianne Chandra-Huff from Bodhi Surf & Yoga

Bodhi Surf & Yoga encourages responsible tourism and empowers tourists to interact and engage with the local community combined with the awesome experience of learning how to surf in Costa Rica! Her promotion of voluntourism has created a sense of responsibility for the places that people visit and encourages folks to not just visit, but truly experience and actually benefit the local communities that people are traveling to.

99. Neil Bluementhal from Warby Parker

Since the day Warby Parker started until now, they have donated over 5 million pairs through their Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. Learn more about it in the link above!

100. Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia

Through advocacy and education campaigns, Patagonia has always been at the forefront of environmental justice. Pair that with their devotion to fair trade and treating employees the right way and you have a company that is at the forefront of doing socially responsible business.

101. Treat Your Mistakes Like Lessons and Learn From Them

Nobody is perfect and everybody will make decisions or take actions that are harmful to the greater good.

But if you know how to change the world, then you must create positive change, first within yourself, then throughout the greater community and recognize when an action isn’t in line with these values.

By holding yourself accountable, while giving yourself the grace to make mistakes, then you are priming your influence to be contagious throughout the entire world.

Henry Burgess-Marshall

Entrepreneur & Student

Henry is an entrepreneur based out of Seattle, WA. He Co-Founded Maribel, a creative agency, that provides small businesses with marketing, brand strategy, and business development support.

He is an avid reader, writer, and lover of nature, and he is currently pursuing a Masters of Education in School Counseling and Guidance Services from Seattle University.

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Our Latest Articles & Interviews :

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Reader Interactions

December 22, 2020 at 9:24 am

Very informative blog . I like the content. It is interesting to read . Thanks for sharing !! And Keep Posting !!

July 22, 2021 at 11:55 am

Thanks for the kind words.

You bet we will!

October 3, 2021 at 11:53 am

Very Nice Information and Article keep on sharing such content.

October 4, 2021 at 1:24 pm

Thanks, Kunal!

You bet we will. 🙂

October 18, 2021 at 4:08 pm

Awesome post

October 19, 2021 at 8:34 am

Hey, thanks!

October 27, 2021 at 11:53 am

This is really helpful thank you so much!

November 2, 2021 at 4:06 am

Glad you found it helpful, Jordan!

November 1, 2021 at 8:52 am

November 6, 2021 at 11:40 pm

Superb post

November 29, 2021 at 8:38 am

Thanks, Sunny!

Really appreciate it.

November 27, 2021 at 9:03 am

very thoughtful idea for a responsible citizen any where

November 29, 2021 at 8:35 am

Glad you think so, Mohammad.

Thanks for reading!

May 2, 2022 at 11:52 am

i hope we can change the world forever

May 5, 2022 at 8:32 am

there’s certainly a lot we need to change!

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Learning Hub

10 Ways You Can Change The World

The world is a frightening place. You take a look at the news and it seems like everything is always getting worse. What can one person do? There are ten relatively simple ways to make the world around you a better place. They may not seem like much, but by taking a look inward, changing your perspective, and putting out positive energy, you can change the world.

#1. Commit to learning

The very first step to any sort of personal change is a willingness to learn. Whether it’s keeping up with issues like poverty, war, and human rights , or making a goal to read 20 books in a year, learning is what allows us to grow. Keep an open mind to opinions and voices different than yours, but also learn to filter out stuff that isn’t accurate or well-meaning. The internet lets everyone have their say, but not everyone is putting out the truth.

#2. Treat others how you want to be treated

How you see the people around has a huge impact on the world. It’s easy to get stuck in a bubble and harbor unfair thoughts about strangers. Whenever you interact with people, remember the Golden Rule: treat them how you want be treated. That doesn’t mean giving people who are unkind a free pass, and standing by quietly if you see someone being mistreated, but do think about how you should respond first.

#3. Spend less time online and more time with people

The internet can be a great place for connecting with people, but studies have also shown it can increase feelings of isolation and depression. The internet is not a substitute for real contact with other humans. Commit to spending time with friends and family for conversation, meals, and activities. When you see an opportunity to talk to someone you don’t know, take it. Being available and accessible in a real way strengthens community and makes a better world for everyone.

#4. Practice gratitude

The secret to true happiness is gratitude. Even in hard times, there are things to be grateful for, and by redirecting your thoughts towards the good, you can reduce stress. That doesn’t mean ignoring your negative emotions entirely, or trying to “fake” it, but remembering what you do have going for you keeps you from sinking into depression or fear. When your perspective is centered on positive things, it’s contagious, and encourages people around you.

#5. Volunteer to causes you care about

If you care about an issue and want to do something, donate your time and money to supporting it. Consistency is the best way to keep giving back and make a change in the world, so work in a volunteer time to your schedule, and commit to giving a certain amount of money each year to your favorite organizations and charities. You will feel less powerless, and you can feel good about making an impact on causes that need support.

#6. Put your money where your values are

Giving to charity isn’t the only way for your money to make a positive difference. Think about the brands you buy and if the companies are actively contributing to good in the world, or to the bad. Find out if the companies you buy from have strong human rights records and/or are committed to donating profits to good causes. You can be a part of a community that’s making a difference.

#7. Donate instead of throwing out

When you’re going through your belongings and clearing stuff out, set aside anything in good condition and donate them. There are countless orgs committed to getting clothes, toys, electronics, and more to people who can’t afford full-priced, new items. By donating, you are also helping to reduce waste, so it’s a good way to help people and the environment.

#8. Treat the environment well

Speaking of the environment, climate change is a huge driver of bad things in the world, from floods to famine and more. It can be overwhelming and disheartening to think that one person can’t really do much. However, if all those individuals did their part, it adds up. Be conscious of your energy and water usage, and reduce your plastic waste by buying stuff that’s biodegradable or can be recycled.

#9. Get involved in politics

In many countries, you can exercise your power through voting, supporting certain legislation, and so on. If you can, do get involved. Voting is the least you can do, and if you want to do more, contact politicians about issues you care about, volunteer your time on campaigns, and stay updated on the latest developments. Politics can get messy, but the only way it can get sorted out is if good people step up.

#10. Work with children

We won’t be around forever, so what kind of legacy are we leaving the next generation? If you care deeply about the future, consider working with children in some way. This might mean volunteering your time, tutoring, mentoring, and/or donating money to children-specific causes. Children are like sponges in a lot of ways, and soak up the energy that’s around them. Make an impact by being a positive role model.

Essay on We Can Change the World

Students are often asked to write an essay on We Can Change the 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 We Can Change the World

Belief in change.

Change begins with belief. We can change the world if we truly believe it’s possible. Our thoughts and actions can make a big difference.

Small Steps Matter

Every small step counts. Planting a tree, helping a friend, or recycling waste are simple actions that contribute to a better world.

Working together amplifies our impact. By uniting our efforts, we can achieve significant changes.

Think Future

We must think about our future generations. Our actions today will shape their world. Let’s make it a better place for them.

250 Words Essay on We Can Change the World

The power of individual action.

Change is a natural aspect of life, and it can be harnessed to transform the world. Each individual, regardless of their status, has the potential to contribute to this change. The belief that change is possible starts with the individual. A single action, like reducing personal waste or advocating for social justice, can create ripples that influence others to act.

Collective Effort and Its Impact

While individual actions are vital, collective effort is the driving force behind significant change. Movements like the Civil Rights Movement and the fight against climate change have shown how people coming together can create substantial impacts. This collective action, powered by shared beliefs and mutual support, can alter societal norms and create a more equitable world.

Technology as a Catalyst

In the digital age, technology serves as a catalyst for change. Social media platforms enable individuals to share ideas, mobilize support, and challenge oppressive systems. Technology has the potential to democratize information, providing everyone with the tools to understand and act on global issues.

The Journey Ahead

Changing the world is a continuous journey. It requires persistence, resilience, and a commitment to learning. It is about understanding that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger cause. By harnessing the power of individual actions, collective effort, and technology, we can shape the world into a place that reflects our shared values and aspirations.

In conclusion, the power to change the world lies within us. It starts with a belief in the possibility of change, followed by consistent action. Together, we can change the world.

500 Words Essay on We Can Change the World

Change is a fundamental part of human existence. It is the driving force behind evolution, progress, and the transformation of societies. While the idea of changing the world may seem daunting, it is not an impossible task. The notion of changing the world implies a collective effort, but it starts with the actions of individuals.

Small Actions, Big Impact

The first step towards changing the world is recognizing that small actions can have a significant impact. The butterfly effect, a concept from chaos theory, illustrates this point perfectly. It suggests that a butterfly flapping its wings can ultimately cause a tornado thousands of miles away. In the same vein, a single act of kindness, a novel idea, or a passionate endeavor can set off a chain reaction of events leading to substantial global change.

Education as a Catalyst for Change

One of the most powerful tools for change is education. Knowledge empowers individuals and societies to challenge the status quo and seek improvements. It fosters critical thinking, enabling individuals to question prevailing norms and ideologies. Furthermore, education equips us with the skills and competencies to bring about desired changes. By promoting education, we can create a more informed populace capable of making decisions that positively impact the world.

Technological Innovation and Change

Technological innovation is another significant agent of change. From the printing press to the internet, technology has always been a catalyst for societal transformation. Today, advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy are not just changing the way we live but also the way we interact with our world. Embracing and promoting technological innovation can thus be a potent strategy for world change.

The Role of Policy and Governance

Policy and governance also play a crucial role in world change. Sound policies can promote social justice, economic development, and environmental sustainability. They can help address systemic issues and create an enabling environment for positive change. Therefore, active participation in governance and policy-making processes can significantly contribute to changing the world.

Conclusion: The Power of Collective Action

While individual actions are crucial, collective action is the key to changing the world. It is through the combined efforts of individuals, communities, and nations that we can address global challenges like climate change, poverty, and inequality. The power to change the world is not exclusive to a select few. It resides in each of us. As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

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

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on Ways to Save Water
Essay on Ways to Save The Environment
Essay on Ways to Save Money

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

Happy studying!

HOW WOULD YOU

Change the world, tell us how you would change the world in 500 words or less for a chance to win cash prizes, 1st place $1,500, 2nd place $750, 3rd place $500.

8 pictures showing people involved in different humanitarian projects around the world

HOW TO ENTER

Write a short personal essay answering the question: “How would you change the world?” For more guidance on what to write, see below. Final submissions MUST be no more than 500 words.

Submit your essay right here by 11:59 PM on Wednesday 27 September . Be sure to fill out each section. (You must be a currently enrolled 18+ BYU student to enter).

Submissions will go through an initial review process and 6 finalists will be chosen. Judges will review the six finalists using the rubric below to determine the final scores. Tuesday 3 October the top three cash prize winners will be announced.

DATES TO KNOW

Submissions Open - Monday 28 August 2023

Writing Submissions Due - 11:59 pm on Wednesday 27 September 2023

Winners Announced - Tuesday 3 October 2023

WHAT TO WRITE

Here are some questions to help guide your personal essay: How do you want to help?

Who do you want to help?

Where do you want to help?

What is your personal connection to the issue?

Examples: You want to become a lawyer to advocate for mental healthcare for low-income families in the United States, because you experienced debilitating anorexia and had an expensive life-saving intervention that would not have been possible without your family’s extensive resources. (Read Sophie’s story here )

An early battle with clinical depression instilled within you a powerful sense of empathy that has propelled you to find solutions for others struggling. You want to find innovative solutions that use education to help youth struggling with mental illness in the United States. (Read Sarah’s story here )

You first studied nursing because your life was changed because of your parents’ access to quality health insurance. Now, you want to find ways to improve the healthcare system to help deserving individuals across the global community receive access to those same health services. (Read Harper’s story here )

JUDGE’S CRITERIA

Once the six finalists are chosen, the top three winners are selected based on: 1) a final score from a review board of judges.

The review board’s grade will be worth 100% of your final score, based on the following criteria:

Through Line - Include a central theme that permeates the entire story from beginning to end.

Succinct Messaging - Keep it short but cover what you need to. Final drafts MUST be less than 500 words.

Show Don’t Tell - Bring the reader into the experience by sharing stories, illustrative words, and examples.

Emotions, Enthusiasm, & Vulnerability - Use writing strategies that enhance a reader's connection to the story.

Impact - Help us understand the positive impact your idea will have on the world.

Who can participate? This contest is open to all currently enrolled BYU students who are 18 years or older. Where do I submit my idea? Submit via this link: https://byu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4bQWTxYrOBBgKW When is the deadline to submit? The deadline to submit your short story is Wednesday 27 September at 11:59 PM. How is my story used? Finalists' stories will be published on this Changemaker website. Stories may also be used in the future for Ballard Center articles, social media posts, newsletters, student highlights, and more. Why should I submit a Changemaker story? By submitting just 500 words, each student has the opportunity to earn between $500 and $1500. Additionally, the Ballard Center is full of resources to help students make a big impact. By sharing your idea with us, we can help you make your dreams of becoming a Changemaker a reality. I’m not sure if my idea is big/innovative enough. Should I still submit it? Absolutely! Here at the Ballard Center, we know that ideas don’t have to be big and flashy to make a real impact. Your story is unique to you, and we want to hear whatever passion to make a difference has come from that. I have a vague idea but need help solidifying it. Can I receive any help or coaching? The Ballard Center offers free advisement to all students. Schedule an appointment at https://marriott.byu.edu/ballard/students/schedule-advisement/ or feel free to stop by TNRB 360 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. any weekday to talk with someone about your ideas to make a difference! Does my story have to be exactly 500 words long? No. Less than 500 words is acceptable, but stories with more than 500 words will not be accepted. Can I submit my essay late? No, the submission date is firm.

Terms and Conditions

• Participation is open only to currently enrolled BYU students (undergraduate and graduate)

• Each participant will be added to the Ballard Center Newsletter

• Submission cannot extend 500 words

• One entry allowed per student

• Participants must be 18 years and older

• Essay must be submitted by Wednesday 11 October 2023, at 11:59 pm

• Submission must be original work

By submitting your idea, if it is chosen to be published, you give the BYU Ballard Social Impact Center the rights to display your essay on the Ballard Center website and social media platforms. In addition, the Ballard Center may use the project title and the author’s name and personal image as part of the Ballard Center’s future promotional efforts.

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WRITING CHALLENGE

Congratulations to our 2022 winners.

Thank you to everyone that submitted to this year's Changemaker Writing Challenge! We had a total of 199 submissions . We have loved reading through all of your incredible ideas and wish that each one of you could be a winner, but unfortunately, we are not made of endless money so 3 winners will need to be chosen. Even if you were not selected as one of our finalists, we hope that you will continue to develop your ideas and work towards changing the world for the better, and that you come to the Ballard Social Impact Center to access all of the wonderful resources we have available to help make your idea a reality.

First Place: Monica Bertha, “Art Changes Hearts”

1st place winner from changemakers 2022, Monica Bertha, holding a check for $1,500

Second Place: Elisha Freitas, “Writing Myself Into the Narrative”

2nd place winner from changemakers 2022, Elisha Freitas, holding a check for $750

Third Place: Kate Lindsay, “A Voice for Refugees”

3rd place winner from changemakers 2022, Kate Lindsay, holding a check for $500

2022 Writing Challenge Finalist Stories

climate change

How ‘Urgent Optimism’ Can Save the World

I used to think optimists were naive and pessimists were smart. Pessimism seemed like an essential feature of being a scientist: the basis of science is to challenge every result, to pick theories apart to see which ones stand up. I thought cynicism was one of its founding principles. Maybe there is some truth to that. But science is inherently optimistic too. How else would we describe the willingness to try experiments over and over, often with slim odds of success?

Scientific progress can be frustratingly slow: the best minds can dedicate their entire lives to a single question and come away with nothing. They do so with the hope that a breakthrough might be round the corner. It’s unlikely they will be the person to discover it, but there’s a chance. Those odds drop to zero if they give up.

Nevertheless, pessimism still sounds intelligent and optimism dumb. I often feel embarrassed to admit that I’m an optimist. I imagine it knocks me down a peg or two in people’s estimations. But the world desperately needs more optimism. The problem is that people mistake optimism for “blind optimism,” the unfounded faith that things will just get better. Blind optimism really is dumb. And dangerous. If we sit back and do nothing, things will not turn out fine. That’s not the kind of optimism that I’m talking about.

Optimism is seeing challenges as opportunities to make progress; it’s having the confidence that there are things we can do to make a diﬀerence. We can shape the future, and we can build a great one if we want to. The economist Paul Romer makes this distinction nicely. He separates “complacent optimism” from “conditional optimism.” “Complacent optimism is the feeling of a child waiting for presents,” Romer wrote. “Conditional optimism is the feeling of a child who is thinking about building a treehouse. ‘If I get some wood and nails and persuade some other kids to help do the work, we can end up with something really cool.’”

I’ve heard various other terms for this “conditional” or eﬀective optimism: “urgent optimism,” “pragmatic optimism,” “realistic optimism,” “impatient optimism.” All these terms are grounded in inspiration and action.

Read More: 13 Ways the World Got Better in 2023

The reason pessimists often sound smart is that they can avoid being “wrong” by moving the goalposts. When a doomer predicts that the world will end in five years, and it doesn’t, they just move the date. The American biologist Paul R. Ehrlich—author of the 1968 book The Population Bomb —has been doing this for decades. In 1970 he said that “sometime in the next 15 years, the end will come. And by ‘the end” I mean an utter breakdown of the capacity of the planet to support humanity.” Of course, that was woefully wrong. He had another go: he said that “England will not exist in the year 2000.” Wrong again. Ehrlich will keep pushing this deadline back. A pessimistic stance is a safe one.

Don’t mistake criticism for pessimism. Criticism is essential for an eﬀective optimist. We need to work through ideas to find the most promising ones. Most innovators that have changed the world have been optimists, even if they didn’t identify as one. But they were also fiercely critical: no one picks apart the ideas of Thomas Edison, Alexander Fleming, Marie Curie, or Norman Borlaug more than they did themselves.

In particular, if we want to get serious about tackling the world’s environmental problems, we need to be more optimistic. We need to believe that it is possible to tackle them. And if we do, we can be the first generation to achieve a sustainable world.

More From TIME

The Last Generation is an activist group in Germany, the name implying that our unsustainability will push us to extinction. To force their government into action, some of the group went on a month-long hunger strike in August 2021. It wasn’t a half-hearted eﬀort: several ended up in hospital. They’re not the only ones who feel this way. The global environmental group Extinction Rebellion is also founded on this principle. And the studies show that the notion of us being the ‘last generation’ isn’t far from the minds of many young people.

But I’d like to take the opposite framing. I don’t think we’re going to be the last generation. The evidence points to the opposite. I think we could be the first generation. We have the opportunity to be the first generation that leaves the environment in a better state than we found it. The first generation in human history to achieve sustainability.

Read more: We Need Climate Action Everywhere, All at Once

Yes, that seems hard to believe. I’ll explain why. Here I’m using the term “generation” loosely. I am from a generation that will be defined by our environmental problems. I was a child when climate change really came on the radar. Most of my adulthood will be spent in the midst of the major energy transition. I will see countries move from being almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels to being free of them. I will be 57 when governments hit the “2050 deadline” of reaching net-zero carbon emissions that so many have promised.

But, of course, there will be several generations involved in this project. There are a couple above me—my parents and grandparents—and a couple below me, my future children (and perhaps grandchildren). Generations are often pitted against each other: older generations are blamed for ruining the planet; younger generations are framed as hysterical and indignant. When it comes down to it, though, most of us want to build a better world, where our children and grandchildren can thrive. And we all need to work together to achieve that. All of us will be involved in this transformation.

Urgent optimism isn’t about looking away from the climate crisis that faces us. It’s about facing up to it, not from a place of ‘damage limitation’ but with a clear vision of the future we can build. One that not only stops warming in its tracks but builds a better world for us – all of us – and the species that we share the planet with.

That’s not going to happen on its own. It’s something we need to fight for.

Excerpted from NOT THE END OF THE WORLD by Hannah Ritchie. Copyright © 2024 by Hannah Ritchie. Used with permission by Little, Brown Spark, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. All Rights Reserved.

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How I Can Change The World and Make It a Better Place

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How can a person change the world

Introduction.

We all want the world to become better, but how can a person change the world? I believe that the answer to this big question might be quite simple. If you want to change the world, you need to change yourself.

How is it going to work? You are a part of the world, so when you become better, the world becomes better as well. You contribute to changing the world by improving yourself and working hard to achieve your dreams. When you succeed, you provide other people with an example they can live by.

It is very important to identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you have a better understanding of what is going to help you in your journey and what you will need to fix. I think of myself as a hard worker, and I believe it will help in my education. I can acquire more knowledge and skills that I can apply to solve various problems and share with others to help them. Most real-world tasks require the cooperation of many people, so I will use my good leadership skills to organize a team to work on my projects.

I believe that the quality that will help me most is dedication. It is crucial to be devoted to your work to achieve success because if you want to make a difference in the world, you need to be ready to invest a lot of your time and energy. I need to improve every day to change myself and the world for the better, and my dedication and aim for high achievement are the tools I will use for it.

When we improve ourselves, we improve the world. We need to use our strengths to serve us in our strive to become better people. Setting high goals and putting in work to achieve them is the way to live a happy and meaningful life and it leads to a better world for everybody.

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Essay on Environmental Issues

Good How Would I Change The World Essay Example

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Environmental Issues , Media , Development , Environment , Life , Belief , Emotions , World

Published: 03/08/2020

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Every day we hear the stories like how this world is ruining due to poverty, violence, hunger, pollution, global warming, etc. We see people’s sufferings, and it seems like there is no strategy to fix these problems. This world is ours, and the problems here are also our problems so I think everyone should contribute to making this world a better place. But the question here is what will be mine contribution to this change or how would I change the world. So, I have some simple ways and by following them, I can make a positive change. The first step that I would take is to change my perception about the world. We all are surrounded by negative thoughts and feelings. Moreover, media have portrayed an ugly image of the world where there is evil and no good. Therefore, I will change this perception and stop indulging myself in the ugliness that media tries to throw at me. Rather, I will try to inspire myself from the beauty, compassion and goodness of the world. I will also adopt a positive approach and inspire others by my positivity. It is rightly said that to change the world you have to change yourself. When I change my way of thinking then it will change my feelings and my actions too. I start seeing the world with different thoughts and feelings then ultimately I will be able to take those actions that could not be taken before. As a result, the world around me will change. Another way by which I would change the world is helping the people in need. I would do some volunteer works like cleaning parks, feeding hungry, helping orphans and organizing local charity events. There are plenty of charity works that anyone can do by donating less time. I know little efforts can change people’s life dramatically so I will help people as much as I can. Moreover, I would inspire others and encourage them to help the needy. The world can also be changed by speaking up against injustices, inequalities and illegal practices. If I find any issue that concern me, I will sign petitions or write letters to the members of the parliament to show my concern. On the other hand, if there is anyone who treats someone badly then I will not stay quiet. Because staying quiet means, you are encouraging people who are bad. No matter injustice is done by a person, a company or a government. I will speak against injustice to bring change. In addition, the world is facing serious problems like pollution and global warming. These problems are detrimental for the world and mankind. I will stop polluting the environment and try to be as ecofriendly as possible. I will keep my environment clean and plant a garden in my house. I will save the environment by saving energy, saving water and recycle. These small steps can contribute a lot to save the environment and change the world. Persistency and belief are crucial in bringing any change. I would change the world with my persistence and the belief that I can make a difference. Gandhi said that be persistent in your life. Because when you are going to change something, people will first ignore you, and then laugh at you, will fight with you and finally you will win (Edberg, 2014). So, constant efforts and belief is necessary to change the world.

Works cited

Edberg, Henrik, 2014. Gandhi’s Top Ten Fundamentals to Change the World. The Positivity Blog. 2010. Web. 4 October. 2014. http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2008/05/09/gandhis-top-10-fundamentals-for-changing-the-world/

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If I could change the world, I would start by making sure that everyone had access to basic life necessities. This includes food, shelter, and clean water. I would also work to end abuse in all forms. No one deserves to be treated poorly, and no one should have to live in fear.

Lastly, I would want to give everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential. Everyone deserves a chance to succeed in life. These are just a few of the things I would change if I had the power to do so. We can all make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small our actions may be. Let’s strive to make it a better place for everyone.

There would be super heroes if this were a film. But this is reality, and it’s up to me to make a change. There are a lot of things going on throughout the world. But do you pay attention to what’s happening TO OUR WORLD? Our world is quickly falling apart as we destroy each other with violence and spread hatred toward others. THE EARTH IS HERE TO STAY, AND IT IS UNMOVING. The only thing that influences the world is us, the individuals. We are responsible for violence by murdering one another and generating hatred among ourselves.

If we could only figure out a way to love one another, life would be so much easier. We have to change the way we think in order to change the world. If I could change the world, I would start with me. I would try to be more understanding and less judgmental.

I would also spread love and peace everywhere I go. So it starts with me and then maybe, just maybe, it will spread like wildfire and change the world for good. Abuse is something that needs to stop as well. Too many people are getting hurt because of it. We need to stand up and say enough is enough! Let’s make a change and show everyone that we can do this!

Every day, our loved ones perish without reason. I can provide you with a list of circumstances. Children are presently dying of hunger all around the world. People throughout the globe are waking up to a day of misery. Innocent youngsters are being raped and murdered on a daily basis. Wives are unable to focus on their responsibilities since to the agony they feel from their husbands’ abuse. Last night at least one household was subjected to violence by an inebriated individual.

All of these atrocities can be stopped. If I could change the world, I would start with life. I would make it so that everyone had enough to eat. I would see to it that children were never again used as sex slaves or soldiers. I would put an end to abusive relationships by teaching people about respect and communication. And finally, I would get rid of all the guns and drugs that lead to death and destruction.

But alas, I cannot change the world. Only you can do that. So please, take my words to heart and make the changes that are so desperately needed in our world today. Together, we can make a difference.

Intoxicated individuals may cause car accidents, hurt people, and rip their bodies apart. Not only humans are affected by these circumstances, but also animals. Dogs are being murdered in gambled fights for money and pleasure all across the world. Animals are consuming one another all over the world. Male dogs are being murdered and robbed for their earnings because they work hard. Hardworking men and women are being killed and plundered for the money they generate.

It would be life-changing if we could put a stop to these activities. We could create more jobs and opportunities for people, so they wouldn’t have to resort to criminal activity to make a living. We could also invest in rehabilitation programs for those who are struggling with addiction, so they can get the help they need and turn their lives around. Finally, we could educate people on the importance of animal welfare, so that more people would be aware of the suffering that animals endure every day.

Teenagers are attempting suicide in record numbers due to the hatred and bullying they suffer. Lovers are splitting up, inflicting physical harm on themselves so that they may forget about their heartbreak. Children are sneaking out and fleeing as their parents laugh about the abuse they inflict on their children. People in other countries are involved in conflict, seeing loved ones perish from all the missiles and explosions.

If only I could change the world, life would be so perfect. No one would have to worry about being hurt or abused. Everyone would get along and life would be one big adventure. Just think, if I could change the world there would be no more suicide, split lovers, bullies, children running away & wars. So much hate in the world could be turned into so much love. life would be one big party that no one would ever want to leave.

So many people are hurting and they don’t deserve it. It’s not right that they have to go through all that pain. If I could change the world, I would make sure that everyone was happy and they never had to worry about being hurt again. Life is too short to spend it being unhappy. Everyone deserves to be loved and life should be a fun adventure. So let’s all make a change and start making the world a better place!

Everywhere there is someone who is experiencing some sort of suffering at the hands of another person. What are these people and creatures doing to deserve this? Is there anything, right? Nobody pays attention to all of the terrible things that are going on in our world. That no one should have to live life like this is unacceptable. People are supposed to learn to get along with each other and assist one another.

No one should have to go through life and feel like they’re not worth anything.If I could change the world, I would start by making sure that everyone is treated equally, no matter what their race, religion, or sexuality is. I would also work on stopping all the abuse that goes on in the world. Animals are being abused every day, and it’s something that needs to stop.

People are also being abused, whether it’s emotionally, mentally, or physically. Nobody deserves to be a victim of abuse. Lastly, I would work on getting rid of all the negativity in the world. There’s too much anger and hatred, and it needs to be replaced with love and positivity. If we all work together, I believe that we can make the world a better place for everyone.

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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.

Self-improvement and Changing The World

Categories: Making The World a Better Place

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3 Ways Startup Founders Can Get Reinspired to Change the World

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Mental stimulation is the propellant that helps founders gain traction in the early days, but it’s easy to lose over time. The amount of work combined with the erratic lifestyle can often leave you feeling uninspired.

At some point in your entrepreneurial journey, you will undoubtedly face a crossroads where you will have to decide whether you want to keep going. Entrepreneurship is difficult, but it is made easier if you have the inspiration to keep moving forward.

TechRepublic Premium presents three sets of tips on how to reinspire yourself as a founder. The article includes advice from Snejina Zacharia, Founder and CEO at Insurify, Balaji Sreenivasan, Founder and CEO of Aurigo Software Technologies, and Gabrielle Haddad, Co-Founder and Board Member of Sigma360.

Featured text from the guide:

2: Don’t forget your roots

One of the sad but inevitable facts of the startup community is that people will begin to see you for what you do instead of who you are. Being the founder of a company is only one role you play. Don’t get me wrong — it’s an important role. But it exists alongside other roles to compose your identity. You are not your product.

Haddad comments, “The founder experience is a rewarding yet intense one, where it is very easy for your identity to become tied to the business and its success. It is important to stay connected to who you are outside of work so you can mentally and physically navigate the high highs and low lows of startup life. I advise founders to keep their hobbies, attend the out-of-town wedding, have dinner with your family — these are the things that keep you going when work gets tough.”

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This is going to hurt: weather anomalies, supply chain pressures and inflation.

Author/Editor:

Serhan Cevik ; Gyowon Gwon

Publication Date:

April 5, 2024

Electronic Access:

Free Download . Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

As climate change accelerates, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events are expected to worsen and have greater adverse consequences for ecosystems, physical infrastructure, and economic activity across the world. This paper investigates how weather anomalies affect global supply chains and inflation dynamics. Using monthly data for six large and well-diversified economies (China, the Euro area, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States) over the period 1997-2021, we implement a structural vector autoregressive model and document that weather anomalies could disrupt supply chains and subsequently lead to inflationary pressures. Our results—based on high-frequency data and robust to alternative estimation methodologies—show that these effects vary across countries, depending on the severity of weather shocks and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. The impact of weather shocks on supply chains and inflation dynamics is likely to become more pronounced with accelerating climate change that can have non-linear effects. These findings have important policy implications. Central bankers should consider the impact of weather anomalies on supply chains and inflation dynamics to prevent entrenching second-round effects and de-anchoring of inflation expectations. More directly, however, governments can invest more for climate change adaptation to strengthen critical infrastructure and thereby minimize supply chain disruptions.

Working Paper No. 2024/079

9798400269523/1018-5941

WPIEA2024079

Please address any questions about this title to [email protected]

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A row of housing in Iloilo City, Phillippines.

How Improved Housing in Under-served Communities Can Strengthen Climate Resilience

climate change
Climate Equity

In the crowded slums of Zambia, Africa, members of the Zambia Youth Federation, a social movement of the urban poor, conducted climate change research and presented it in an emotional spoken word poem . Their message let policymakers know how climate change is impacting their lives:

“I woke up this morning and you wouldn’t believe what happened last night. I could hear cats and dogs barking and meowing and I almost woke up praying … and thinking maybe witches have entered our house ... When I opened my eyes … half of my roof was already blown off by the harsh winds of the night. My bed was baptized in unforgiving rains and my sheets were soaked and wet. You should have seen my kitchen; it was floating spoons and plates.”

Their informal settlements are home to low-income and marginalized communities prone to landslides, sea-level rise and flooding as a result of climate change. Their experience is not unique.

One in three people living in cities globally — more than 1 billion people — do not have reliable, safe or affordable access to basic everyday necessities like decent housing, running water and sanitation, electricity, health care, or transportation to get to work or school. As the urban population is projected to increase by another 2.5 billion people by 2050, this “urban services divide” is not only a development challenge but a roadblock to climate action. Inadequate housing and lack of services exacerbate the impacts of extreme weather events, leading to increased damage, more lives lost and longer recovery times.

Why Climate Action Must Start with Housing

Housing has the most direct impact on people’s health and livelihoods. Equitable housing integrated with low-carbon and affordable key services like water, sanitation, energy and accessible transportation is critical to ensuring the least amount of harm from climate change and opportunities for a prosperous future for all. Yet housing is rarely discussed in international climate forums; and informal settlements (slums) located in developing and vulnerable countries are completely ignored.

In low-income countries, 64% of urban dwellers live in slums. By 2050, over 200 million climate migrants are expected to move to urban areas , who often settle in informal settlements, while seeking jobs.

Adequate housing and urban services may be a fiscal challenge, but it also provides opportunities for a just, climate-friendly transition that can help achieve sustainable development goals when done right.

A woman stands on a balcony in Iloilo City, Philippines.

The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) made strides in the right direction by setting the Loss and Damage Fund in motion, holding the first of its kind Local Climate Action Summit and hosting the first ever Health Day. Additionally, the first Buildings and Climate Global Form, held in March 2024, released a declaration , which acknowledges that climate change is impacting access to basic urban services and housing for those living in informal settlements. But this isn’t enough.

Disasters and extreme weather events that are increased by climate change can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities due to overcrowding, unsafe housing, inadequate infrastructure and poor healthcare facilities. At 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) warming, without adaptation, an additional 350 million people living in cities and urban areas will experience the effects of severe drought, including water scarcity. At 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees F) warming, that number grows to around 410 million. With climate impacts escalating every day, research shows we need transformative adaption policies in cities to reduce impacts on the most vulnerable communities.

Solutions are possible. WRI and its partners are working with communities through the REHOUSE (Resilient, Equitable Housing Opportunities and Urban Services) partnership to find scalable ways in which equitable housing and urban services make cities more climate resilient.

Here are four innovative approaches we learned by working with vulnerable communities throughout Asia and Africa:

1) Address Challenges Posed by Rapid Urbanization

Ninety percent of urban growth by 2050 is projected to occur in Asia and Africa, where vulnerability to climate risks is also the highest . Improving access to adequate housing and urban services can simultaneously address the compounded challenges of rapid urbanization, the urban services divide and vulnerability to climate risks. A participatory housing project in Iloilo City, Philippines and a water access expansion project in Tanzania illustrate how to foster inclusive and climate-resilient development:

Participatory Housing and Urban Development in Iloilo City, Philippines

Iloilo City, Philippines, faces a multifaceted housing challenge due to rapid urbanization, informal settlements and susceptibility to floods and typhoons. The Homeless People’s Federation of the Philippines in collaboration with other civil society organizations and the government effectively provided housing development, relocation and disaster rehabilitation for nearly two-thirds of the city’s 27,000 urban poor families, without resorting to forced evictions or distant relocations.

The city government provided land within city limits, and community groups organized informal households — those who were often evicted and squatting — using innovative approaches. These included savings groups (voluntarily organized groups that combine their savings and then lend out money to pay for household expenses or for business investments) and participatory planning, which involves the entire community in the planning process. As a result, 1,250 households received new housing within the city, which provided greater access to employment opportunities, education and health care facilities. Iloilo City exemplifies an inclusive and collaborative approach by local and national governments and organizations.

Expanding Water Access in Tanzania

The residents of Sangara village in Tanzania faced a daily struggle to access clean water, with only eight hand water pumps available for a population of 2,000 people, out of which only six were operational. Since community members frequently needed to contribute to fixing them, there was not enough money to expand the water network. Habitat for Humanity, in collaboration with WaterAid Tanzania, UTT-MFI (a microfinance institution), eWATERpay and Babati District Council, initiated a project to bring reliable water access to Sangara .

Two women carry water cannisters on their way to a well in Tanzania.

Innovative solutions, including a solar pumping system, prepaid meters and a loan model were introduced. The loan model allows income generated from water purchases to be reinvested in the community. Community members contribute 30 Tanzanian shillings ($0.01) per 20-liter bucket, and the generated revenue can be used for housing improvements or other infrastructure enhancements.

This approach addresses both the maintenance and creation of modern water sources, powered by solar technology through collaboration across sectors, involving the community, private businesses, government institutions and non-profit organizations. It saves time for residents who were walking hours to fetch water, allowing them to start small vegetable farms, speed up brick laying to build new houses and improve sanitation.

2) Reduce Vulnerability and Engage Communities in Disaster Preparedness

Building and retrofitting housing and infrastructure to be climate-resilient — as projects in Bangladesh have done — and engaging communities in disaster preparedness efforts — as a program in Indonesia did— can save money and lives as climate change intensifies natural disasters.

Innovative Resilient Practices in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's distinctive geography of low-lying coastal plains and rivers, and its significant population density render it susceptible to major flooding from a shifting climate.

Connected infrastructure is vital for people to evacuate in the event of a flood, an urban development initiative by BRAC , an organization focused on people and poverty, collaborated across cities to construct 3.1 miles of roads and 118.9 miles of elevated sidewalks using sturdy materials at the highest flood level in low-income communities.

The program also provides drainage facilities and durable retaining walls. With 121 drains covering 11.7 miles, benefiting 35,290 households in 20 cities, the initiative safeguards against erosion, floods and liquid waste while maintaining proper water drainage gradients. BRAC also addressed the impact of cyclones by providing climate-resilient housing support, featuring elevated pedestals, sturdy roofs and robust construction materials to protect vulnerable families during extreme weather events.

Bangladesh is also investing in migrant-friendly climate-resilient towns and cities with the required housing, services and social infrastructure created through community participation, as part of its National Adaptation Plan.

People install stone to a new home in Bangladesh

Disaster-resilient Construction Practices in Indonesia

Earthquakes are responsible for a 50% mortality rate of all natural disasters annually in Indonesia, and impact more than 100,000 people each year. Much of this devastation is caused by substandard housing units that can’t stand up to the earthquakes as the homes were built with poor materials, are overcrowded or lack basic services. Approximately 20% of the country’s 64.1 million housing units are considered substandard, with around 70% of these units self-built and owned by low-income households.

After the 2016 earthquake in Aceh , Build Change conducted a 5-month project that was paired with government reconstruction subsidies to build timber-framed houses with masonry skirts that are designed to stand-up to earthquakes and other disasters. A builder training program for disaster-resistant construction practices and promotional campaign then engaged 155 affected villages, involving its leaders, government officials and religious leaders.

Religious leaders played a crucial role in spreading the message of building safer homes, supported by a sermon-writing competition on disaster risk mitigation. The government distributed design and construction guidelines to at least 2,300 homeowners, incorporating technical capacity for safer reconstruction.

People examine earthquake damage to homes in Indonesia.

3) Implement Local Solutions for Increased Resilience to Heat and Floods

Excessive heat and increased flooding from worsening climate change will hit the urban poor the hardest, causing health, financial and water-related challenges. Local solutions addressing cooling and flooding already exist but need to be expanded. For example, in Ahmedabad, India, women community leaders who live in informal settlements are being trained on climate resilience measures to combat extreme heat, while in Surat, an early-warning alarm system was put into place.

Empowering Women Leaders in Ahmedabad, India

Women living in informal settlements are particularly affected by extreme heat, flooding and other climate impacts since their livelihoods are more dependent on work done at home. The Women’s Action Towards Climate Resilience for the Urban Poor project by Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) involves climate training for women community leaders (Vikasinis) in informal settlements to empower them to advocate for the specific needs of the slum communities and help create viable solutions.

A person wearing a sari stands under an Airlite roof.

MHT’s sustainable cooling initiatives in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, also aim to address heat stress and high electricity costs in slums. Pilot solutions included replacing or refinishing roofs with solar-reflective white paint, green roofs, Airlite ventilation systems that enhance air circulation and reduces energy consumption, and ModRoofs, a modular roof made from cardboard and agricultural waste. Of all these solutions, the white solar-reflective paint proved most accessible for women in slums as this cost-effective solution shields against scorching temperatures, providing comfort to residents.

Many women painted their roofs and experienced an improvement in indoor temperature. MHT also aims to install 5,000 more cool ModRoofs roofs in India by 2026 and is collaborating with local authorities for broader initiatives. The success of MHT's work led to its involvement in revising the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, which will help other cities implement similar programs.

Addressing Flooding in the City of Surat

Surat, a populous and economically thriving city on the Tapi River in south Gujarat, India, faces flood risks, exacerbated by high tides during the rainy season and emergency releases from the Ukai Dam. A comprehensive report conducted in Surat, as part of the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN) initiative, revealed higher vulnerabilities among lower-income groups. Approximately 71,000 households are susceptible to flooding (around half of which live within 50 meters of streams) and around 450,000 households are vulnerable to flooding from emergency releases from the Ukai dam.

To help residents, ACCCRN supported an early warning system in Surat that not only provides a 4-day advance warning against floods, but also supports vulnerable populations — many who don’t have phones — by including geo-tagging of all residential buildings, providing pre-monsoon updates to people who require special medical care during emergencies, aiding evacuation efforts and minimizing flood damage.

More than 20% of the city’s low-income households who live alongside creeks and rivers benefit from reduced risks due to more controlled releases from the dam and sufficient time to evacuate to safer locations.

There are also plans for a database of people who are vulnerable to flood risk and a community-managed bank that can provide disaster-relief resources, adapting building by-laws for the low-income settlements so the city can help make them more resilient. Other flood mitigation actions include clearing drainage and sewer systems, conducting emergency evacuation preparedness and regular drills. The city also plans to establish a data-assisted two-way information system for residential buildings, incorporating pre-monsoon updates for vulnerable groups.

4) Improve Access to Clean and Sustainable Energy through Community Participation

Housing is the integrator of many urban services such as energy, water and sanitation. Improving access to these services improves health, raises productivity and saves time and money. For example, in Africa, an energy program was designed to improve access to clean renewable energy through community participation.

Experiences From an Energy Justice Program in Africa

The Energy Justice Programme (EJP) and the Know Your City (KYC) data collection program, led by Slum Dwellers International (SDI) are helping to improve energy access within slum areas by engaging the community in energy planning. Lack of access to sustainable energy is a significant obstacle to slum development, and financial and practical barriers to extending the grid can often leave low-income communities without service for decades.

In the Mukuru Special Planning Area , Nairobi’s biggest slum upgradation project, Community Data Teams were formed by Mukuru residents — 70% of whom are women and youth — to gather information about demand and gaps in energy access. The information is then used to suggest better ways for people in Mukuru to obtain regular energy access in their homes including alternatives such as off-grid solar technologies.

In another project, SDI's group savings and loan approach facilitated off-grid solar home systems in Zimbabwe and showcased a practical financing solution. Through community savings groups, households can secure loans to better afford expensive solar systems, with payments returning to the fund for new loans. The implementation plans also involve training community members as technicians to install, repair and maintain the solar systems.

Solar energy is also the focus of a project in the Ugandan cities of Kampala and Jinja, where solar streetlights were installed to reduce accidents and alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, crime rates lowered, allowing marginalized groups, especially women, to reclaim public spaces at night. The nighttime economy improved with extended trading hours for businesses, potentially creating around 4,000 additional jobs in Kampala. In Jinja, the production of solar-powered streetlights, generated skilled and technical jobs, particularly benefiting vulnerable youth in slum areas.

Woman carrying solar panel to be installed on new housing in Africa

Scaling Solutions for More Climate-resilient Housing

REHOUSE'S 3-track Program

REHOUSE aims to scale global, national and local efforts by:

1) Developing data, finance and learning systems: Leverage engagements at global events like COP and the World Urban Forum and collectively build a global data platform to evaluate urban climate risks and vulnerabilities, foster peer learning and channel climate finance to the most vulnerable communities.

2) Scaling by influencing country policies and programs: Deliver impact at the national level by engaging with national climate and urbanization policies, data, funding programs and urban infrastructure programs.

3) Demonstrating community-city collaboration in priority settlements: Pilot city and settlement-level climate risks and vulnerability mapping initiatives with the community, along with innovative climate resilient housing and infrastructure delivery models and scale them by leveraging the experiences, capacity and grassroots presence of partner organizations.

Housing is a crucial entry point to advance climate goals and sustainable development. It has the most direct impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, the ability to pull along other core urban services and can serve as the foundation for climate mitigation and adaption policies, programs and peer learning across cities and countries.

National and urban decision makers and stakeholders need to prioritize access to climate-resilient basic services and urban housing within informal settlements, positioning them prominently on the political, developmental and climate agendas.

The projects discussed in this article demonstrate how vulnerable communities, with the help of REHOUSE partners and other organizations, are already addressing the multifaceted challenges to make cities and communities climate resilient. But these solutions need to be scaled.

For more examples of successful scalable innovations from REHOUSE partners’ work and information on how to get involved, visit REHOUSE.org .

Relevant Work

In ahmedabad, india, women are climate leaders, not victims, in iloilo city, philippines, an inclusive housing program protects vulnerable communities from flood risks, photo essay: how climate change affects the urban poor in india and indonesia, photo essay: poor communities in surat, india, take climate resilience into their own hands, how you can help.

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April 2, 2024

Eclipse Psychology: When the Sun and Moon Align, So Do We

How a total solar eclipse creates connection, unity and caring among the people watching

By Katie Weeman

Three women wearing eye protective glasses looking up at the sun.

Students observing a partial solar eclipse on June 21, 2020, in Lhokseumawe, Aceh Province, Indonesia.

NurPhoto/Getty Images

This article is part of a special report on the total solar eclipse that will be visible from parts of the U.S., Mexico and Canada on April 8, 2024.

It was 11:45 A.M. on August 21, 2017. I was in a grassy field in Glendo, Wyo., where I was surrounded by strangers turned friends, more than I could count—and far more people than had ever flocked to this town, population 210 or so. Golden sunlight blanketed thousands of cars parked in haphazard rows all over the rolling hills. The shadows were quickly growing longer, the air was still, and all of our faces pointed to the sky. As the moon progressively covered the sun, the light melted away, the sky blackened, and the temperature dropped. At the moment of totality, when the moon completely covered the sun , some people around me suddenly gasped. Some cheered; some cried; others laughed in disbelief.

Exactly 53 minutes later, in a downtown park in Greenville, S.C., the person who edited this story and the many individuals around him reacted in exactly the same ways.

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When a total solar eclipse descends—as one will across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada on April 8—everyone and everything in the path of totality are engulfed by deep shadow. Unlike the New Year’s Eve countdown that lurches across the globe one blocky time zone after another, the shadow of totality is a dark spot on Earth that measures about 100 miles wide and cruises steadily along a path, covering several thousand miles in four to five hours. The human experiences along that path are not isolated events any more than individual dominoes are isolated pillars in a formation. Once that first domino is tipped, we are all linked into something bigger—and unstoppable. We all experience the momentum and the awe together.

When this phenomenon progresses from Mexico through Texas, the Great Lakes and Canada on April 8, many observers will describe the event as life-changing, well beyond expectations. “You feel a sense of wrongness in those moments before totality , when your surroundings change so rapidly,” says Kate Russo, an author, psychologist and eclipse chaser. “Our initial response is to ask ourselves, ‘Is this an opportunity or a threat?’ When the light changes and the temperature drops, that triggers primal fear. When we have that threat response, our whole body is tuned in to taking in as much information as possible.”

Russo, who has witnessed 13 total eclipses and counting, has interviewed eclipse viewers from around the world. She continues to notice the same emotions felt by all. They begin with that sense of wrongness and primal fear as totality approaches. When totality starts, we feel powerful awe and connection to the world around us. A sense of euphoria develops as we continue watching, and when it’s over, we have a strong desire to seek out the next eclipse.

“The awe we feel during a total eclipse makes us think outside our sense of self. It makes you more attuned to things outside of you,” says Sean Goldy, a postdoctoral fellow at the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University.

Goldy and his team analyzed Twitter data from nearly 2.9 million people during the 2017 total solar eclipse. They found that people within the path of totality were more likely to use not only language that expressed awe but also language that conveyed being unified and affiliated with others. That meant using more “we” words (“us” instead of “me”) and more humble words (“maybe” instead of “always”).

“During an eclipse, people have a broader, more collective focus,” Goldy says. “We also found that the more people expressed awe, the more likely they were to use those ‘we’ words, indicating that people who experience this emotion feel more connected with others.”

This connectivity ties into a sociological concept known as “collective effervescence,” Russo and Goldy say. When groups of humans come together over a shared experience, the energy is greater than the sum of its parts. If you’ve ever been to a large concert or sporting event, you’ve felt the electricity generated by a hive of humans. It magnifies our emotions.

I felt exactly that unified feeling in the open field in Glendo, as if thousands of us were breathing as one. But that’s not the only way people can experience a total eclipse.

During the 2008 total eclipse in Mongolia “I was up on a peak,” Russo recounts. “I was with only my husband and a close friend. We had left the rest of our 25-person tour group at the bottom of the hill. From that vantage point, when the shadow came sweeping in, there was not one man-made thing I could see: no power lines, no buildings or structures. Nothing tethered me to time: It could have been thousands of years ago or long into the future. In that moment, it was as if time didn’t exist.”

Giving us the ability to unhitch ourselves from time—to stop dwelling on time is a unique superpower of a total eclipse. In Russo’s work as a clinical psychologist, she notices patterns in our modern-day mentality. “People with anxiety tend to spend a lot of time in the future. And people with depression spend a lot of time in the past,” she says. An eclipse, time and time again, has the ability to snap us back into the present, at least for a few minutes. “And when you’re less anxious and worried, it opens you up to be more attuned to other people, feel more connected, care for others and be more compassionate,” Goldy says.

Russo, who founded Being in the Shadow , an organization that provides information about total solar eclipses and organizes eclipse events around the world, has experienced this firsthand. Venue managers regularly tell her that eclipse crowds are among the most polite and humble: they follow the rules; they pick up their garbage—they care.

Eclipses remind us that we are part of something bigger, that we are connected with something vast. In the hours before and after totality you have to wear protective glasses to look at the sun, to prevent damage to your eyes. But during the brief time when the moon blocks the last of the sun’s rays, you can finally lower your glasses and look directly at the eclipse. It’s like making eye contact with the universe.

“In my practice, usually if someone says, ‘I feel insignificant,’ that’s a negative thing. But the meaning shifts during an eclipse,” Russo says. To feel insignificant in the moon’s shadow instead means that your sense of self shrinks, that your ego shrinks, she says.

The scale of our “big picture” often changes after witnessing the awe of totality, too. “When you zoom out—really zoom out—it blows away our differences,” Goldy says. When you sit in the shadow of a celestial rock blocking the light of a star 400 times its size that burns at 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit on its surface, suddenly that argument with your partner, that bill sitting on your counter or even the differences among people’s beliefs, origins or politics feel insignificant. When we shift our perspective, connection becomes boundless.

You don’t need to wait for the next eclipse to feel this way. As we travel through life, we lose our relationship with everyday awe. Remember what that feels like? It’s the way a dog looks at a treat or the way my toddler points to the “blue sky!” outside his car window in the middle of rush hour traffic. To find awe, we have to surrender our full attention to the beauty around us. During an eclipse, that comes easily. In everyday life, we may need to be more intentional.

“Totality kick-starts our ability to experience wonder,” Russo says. And with that kick start, maybe we can all use our wonderment faculties more—whether that means pausing for a moment during a morning walk, a hug or a random sunset on a Tuesday. In the continental U.S., we won’t experience another total eclipse until 2044. Let’s not wait until then to seek awe and connection.

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Guest Essay

When I Became a Birder, Almost Everything Else Fell Into Place

An illustration showing a birder standing quietly looking through binoculars in four scenes. In the third scene, he says, “Amazing.”

Mr. Yong is a science writer whose most recent book, “An Immense World,” investigates animal perception.

Last September, I drove to a protected wetland near my home in Oakland, Calif., walked to the end of a pier and started looking at birds. Throughout the summer, I was breaking in my first pair of binoculars, a Sibley field guide and the Merlin song-identification app, but always while hiking or walking the dog. On that pier, for the first time, I had gone somewhere solely to watch birds.

In some birding circles, people say that anyone who looks at birds is a birder — a kind, inclusive sentiment that overlooks the forces that create and shape subcultures. Anyone can dance, but not everyone would identify as a dancer, because the term suggests, if not skill, then at least effort and intent. Similarly, I’ve cared about birds and other animals for my entire life, and I’ve written about them throughout my two decades as a science writer, but I mark the moment when I specifically chose to devote time and energy to them as the moment I became a birder.

Since then, my birder derangement syndrome has progressed at an alarming pace. Seven months ago, I was still seeing very common birds for the first time. Since then, I’ve seen 452 species, including 337 in the United States, and 307 this year alone. I can reliably identify a few dozen species by ear. I can tell apart greater and lesser yellowlegs, house and purple finches, Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks. (Don’t talk to me about gulls; I’m working on the gulls.) I keep abreast of eBird’s rare bird alerts and have spent many days — some glorious, others frustrating — looking for said rare birds. I know what it means to dip, to twitch, to pish . I’ve gone owling.

I didn’t start from scratch. A career spent writing about nature gave me enough avian biology and taxonomy to roughly know the habitats and silhouettes of the major groups. Journalism taught me how to familiarize myself with unfamiliar territory very quickly. I crowdsourced tips on the social media platform Bluesky . I went out with experienced birders to learn how they move through a landscape and what cues they attend to.

I studied up on birds that are famously difficult to identify so that when I first saw them in the field, I had an inkling of what they were without having to check a field guide. I used the many tools now available to novices: EBird shows where other birders go and reveals how different species navigate space and time; Merlin is best known as an identification app but is secretly an incredible encyclopedia; Birding Quiz lets you practice identifying species based on fleeting glances at bad angles.

This all sounds rather extra, and birding is often defined by its excesses. At its worst, it becomes an empty process of collection that turns living things into abstract numbers on meaningless lists. But even that style of birding is harder without knowledge. To find the birds, you have to know them. And in the process of knowing them, much else falls into place.

Birding has tripled the time I spend outdoors. It has pushed me to explore Oakland in ways I never would have: Amazing hot spots lurk within industrial areas, sewage treatment plants and random residential parks. It has proved more meditative than meditation. While birding, I seem impervious to heat, cold, hunger and thirst. My senses focus resolutely on the present, and the usual hubbub in my head becomes quiet. When I spot a species for the first time — a lifer — I course with adrenaline while being utterly serene.

I also feel a much deeper connection to the natural world, which I have long written about but always remained slightly distant from. I knew that the loggerhead shrike — a small but ferocious songbird — impales the bodies of its prey on spikes. I’ve now seen one doing that with my own eyes. I know where to find the shrikes and what they sound like. Countless fragments of unrooted trivia that rattled around my brain are now grounded in place, time and experience.

When I step out my door in the morning, I take an aural census of the neighborhood, tuning in to the chatter of creatures that were always there and that I might have previously overlooked. The passing of the seasons feels more granular, marked by the arrival and disappearance of particular species instead of much slower changes in day length, temperature and greenery. I find myself noticing small shifts in the weather and small differences in habitat. I think about the tides.

So much more of the natural world feels close and accessible now. When I started birding, I remember thinking that I’d never see most of the species in my field guide. Sure, backyard birds like robins and western bluebirds would be easy, but not black skimmers or peregrine falcons or loggerhead shrikes. I had internalized the idea of nature as distant and remote — the province of nature documentaries and far-flung vacations. But in the past six months, I’ve seen soaring golden eagles, heard duetting great horned owls, watched dancing sandhill cranes and marveled at diving Pacific loons, all within an hour of my house. “I’ll never see that” has turned into “Where can I find that?”

Of course, having the time to bird is an immense privilege. As a freelancer, I have total control over my hours and my ability to get out in the field. “Are you a retiree?” a fellow birder recently asked me. “You’re birding like a retiree.” I laughed, but the comment spoke to the idea that things like birding are what you do when you’re not working, not being productive.

I reject that. These recent years have taught me that I’m less when I’m not actively looking after myself, that I have value to my world and my community beyond ceaseless production and that pursuits like birding that foster joy, wonder and connection to place are not sidebars to a fulfilled life but their essence.

It’s easy to think of birding as an escape from reality. Instead, I see it as immersion in the true reality. I don’t need to know who the main characters are on social media and what everyone is saying about them, when I can instead spend an hour trying to find a rare sparrow. It’s very clear to me which of those two activities is the more ridiculous. It’s not the one with the sparrow.

More of those sparrows are imminent. I’m about to witness my first spring migration as warblers and other delights pass through the Bay Area. Birds I’ve seen only in drab grays are about to don their spectacular breeding plumages. Familiar species are about to burst out in new tunes that I’ll have to learn. I have my first lazuli bunting to see, my first blue grosbeak to find, my first least terns to photograph. I can’t wait.

Ed Yong is a science writer whose most recent book, “An Immense World,” investigates animal perception.

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The physical sensations of watching a total solar eclipse

Regina Barber, photographed for NPR, 6 June 2022, in Washington DC. Photo by Farrah Skeiky for NPR.

Regina G. Barber

Science writer David Baron witnesses his first total solar eclipse in Aruba, 1998. He says seeing one is "like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world." Paul Myers hide caption

Science writer David Baron witnesses his first total solar eclipse in Aruba, 1998. He says seeing one is "like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

David Baron can pinpoint the first time he got addicted to chasing total solar eclipses, when the moon completely covers up the sun. It was 1998 and he was on the Caribbean island of Aruba. "It changed my life. It was the most spectacular thing I'd ever seen," he says.

Baron, author of the 2017 book American Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World , wants others to witness its majesty too. On April 8, millions of people across North America will get that chance — a total solar eclipse will appear in the sky. Baron promises it will be a surreal, otherworldly experience. "It's like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

Baron, who is a former NPR science reporter, talks to Life Kit about what to expect when viewing a total solar eclipse, including the sensations you may feel and the strange lighting effects in the sky. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Baron views the beginning of a solar eclipse with friends in Western Australia in 2023. Baron says getting to see the solar corona during a total eclipse is "the most dazzling sight in the heavens." Photographs by David Baron; Bronson Arcuri, Kara Frame, CJ Riculan/NPR; Collage by Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

Baron views the beginning of a solar eclipse with friends in Western Australia in 2023. Baron says getting to see the solar corona during a total eclipse is "the most dazzling sight in the heavens."

What does it feel like to experience a total solar eclipse — those few precious minutes when the moon completely covers up the sun?

It is beautiful and absolutely magnificent. It comes on all of a sudden. As soon as the moon blocks the last rays of the sun, you're plunged into this weird twilight in the middle of the day. You look up and the blue sky has been torn away. On any given day, the blue sky overhead acts as a screen that keeps us from seeing what's in space. And suddenly that's gone. So you can look into the middle of the solar system and see the sun and the planets together.

Can you tell me about the sounds and the emotions you're feeling?

A total solar eclipse is so much more than something you just see with your eyes. It's something you experience with your whole body. [With the drop in sunlight], birds will be going crazy. Crickets may be chirping. If you're around other people, they're going to be screaming and crying [with all their emotions from seeing the eclipse]. The air temperature drops because the sunlight suddenly turns off. And you're immersed in the moon's shadow. It doesn't feel real.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

In your 2017 Ted Talk , you said you felt like your eyesight was failing in the moments before totality. Can you go into that a little more?

The lighting effects are very weird. Before you get to the total eclipse, you have a progressive partial eclipse as the moon slowly covers the sun. So over the course of an hour [or so], the sunlight will be very slowly dimming. It's as if you're in a room in a house and someone is very slowly turning down the dimmer switch. For most of that time your eyes are adjusting and you don't notice it. But then there's a point at which the light's getting so dim that your eyes can't adjust, and weird things happen. Your eyes are less able to see color. It's as if the landscape is losing its color. Also there's an effect where the shadows get very strange.

Crescent-shaped shadows cast by the solar eclipse before it reaches totality appear on a board at an eclipse-viewing event in Antelope, Ore., 2017. Kara Frame and CJ Riculan/NPR hide caption

You see these crescents on the ground.

There are two things that happen. One is if you look under a tree, the spaces between leaves or branches will act as pinhole projectors. So you'll see tiny little crescents everywhere. But there's another effect. As the sun goes from this big orb in the sky to something much smaller, shadows grow sharper. As you're nearing the total eclipse, if you have the sun behind you and you look at your shadow on the ground, you might see individual hairs on your head. It's just very odd.

Some people might say that seeing the partial eclipse is just as good. They don't need to go to the path of totality.

A partial solar eclipse is a very interesting experience. If you're in an area where you see a deep partial eclipse, the sun will become a crescent like the moon. You can only look at it with eye protection. Don't look at it with the naked eye . The light can get eerie. It's fun, but it is not a thousandth as good as a total eclipse.

A total eclipse is a fundamentally different experience, because it's only when the moon completely blocks the sun that you can actually take off the eclipse glasses and look with the naked eye at the sun.

And you will see a sun you've never seen before. That bright surface is gone. What you're actually looking at is the sun's outer atmosphere, the solar corona. It's the most dazzling sight in the heavens. It's this beautiful textured thing. It looks sort of like a wreath or a crown made out of tinsel or strands of silk. It shimmers in space. The shape is constantly changing. And you will only see that if you're in the path of the total eclipse.

Shots - Health News

Watching a solar eclipse without the right filters can cause eye damage. here's why.

So looking at a partial eclipse is not the same?

It is not at all the same. Drive those few miles. Get into the path of totality.

This is really your chance to see a total eclipse. The next one isn't happening across the U.S. for another 20 years.

The next significant total solar eclipse in the United States won't be until 2045. That one will go from California to Florida and will cross my home state of Colorado. I've got it on my calendar.

The digital story was written by Malaka Gharib and edited by Sylvie Douglis and Meghan Keane. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

Listen to Life Kit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify , and sign up for our newsletter .

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.

Correction April 3, 2024

In a previous audio version of this story, we made reference to an upcoming 2025 total solar eclipse. The solar eclipse in question will take place in 2045.

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Self-improvement and Changing The World
As individuals, we are an integral part of the world we inhabit. Therefore, when we embark on a journey of self-improvement, the world around us begins to transform as well. By striving to better ourselves and actively working towards our dreams, we contribute to the positive evolution of the world. Our success serves as an inspiration and ...
3 Ways Startup Founders Can Get Reinspired to Change the World
2: Don't forget your roots. One of the sad but inevitable facts of the startup community is that people will begin to see you for what you do instead of who you are. Being the founder of a ...
IMF Working Papers
As climate change accelerates, the frequency and severity of extreme weather events are expected to worsen and have greater adverse consequences for ecosystems, physical infrastructure, and economic activity across the world. This paper investigates how weather anomalies affect global supply chains and inflation dynamics. Using monthly data for six large and well-diversified economies (China ...
How Improved Housing in Under-served Communities Can Strengthen Climate
Disasters and extreme weather events that are increased by climate change can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities due to overcrowding, unsafe housing, inadequate infrastructure and poor healthcare facilities. ... Leverage engagements at global events like COP and the World Urban Forum and collectively build a global data platform to evaluate ...
Eclipse Psychology: How the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Will Unite People
This article is part of a special report on the total solar eclipse that will be visible from parts of the U.S., Mexico and Canada on April 8, 2024. It was 11:45 A.M. on August 21, 2017. I was in ...
When I Became a Birder, Almost Everything Else Fell Into Place
It has proved more meditative than meditation. While birding, I seem impervious to heat, cold, hunger and thirst. My senses focus resolutely on the present, and the usual hubbub in my head becomes ...
'On the Move' examines how climate change will alter where people live
Across the United States, people facing extreme fires, storms, floods and heat are looking for the escape hatch. In On the Move, Abrahm Lustgarten examines who these people are, where they live ...
Here's what it's like to view a total solar eclipse : Life Kit : NPR
On April 8, millions of people across North America will get that chance — a total solar eclipse will appear in the sky. Baron promises it will be a surreal, otherworldly experience. "It's like ...