Thursday, November 25, 2010
We Don't Believe in Global Warming?
Okay, so you don't believe in global warming. Maybe you think the data is insufficient, inconclusive or fabricated. Maybe the panic is propaganda. Either way, the way we live, the way we run our businesses and households is unsustainable. And whether the temperature of the planet is increasing or not, we're destroying our planet. Correction- the planet, it's not ours to destroy. The argument for conserving biodiversity still holds strong. We know tragically little about how our behavior affects ecosystems and life at large.
Breakthrough
I'm a fan of Shellenberger and Nordhaus.
It's time to stop complaining, and propagating an atmosphere of doom and gloom. We can do act, and we need to do it now.
www.thebreakthrough.com
It's time to stop complaining, and propagating an atmosphere of doom and gloom. We can do act, and we need to do it now.
www.thebreakthrough.com
Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services are defined as processes that underpin the benefits people obtain from ecosystems (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment 2005).
There's great interest in being shown in the valuation of these services as a means of protecting our remaining natural resources.
This however, in my opinion is a dangerous concept. Ecosystems do not exist solely for human welfare. We are a small part of the ecosystem, and have no right to put a price on biodiversity.
Of course, it's an important concept to bring to light the nature and extent of the destruction we've caused, and the urgency with which we need to act.
But do we have any right to decide which parts of nature to conserve, and which to destroy?
There's great interest in being shown in the valuation of these services as a means of protecting our remaining natural resources.
This however, in my opinion is a dangerous concept. Ecosystems do not exist solely for human welfare. We are a small part of the ecosystem, and have no right to put a price on biodiversity.
Of course, it's an important concept to bring to light the nature and extent of the destruction we've caused, and the urgency with which we need to act.
But do we have any right to decide which parts of nature to conserve, and which to destroy?
Monday, November 15, 2010
Newnham
The brilliant thing about being at an all-girls college is that you're pushed to succeed, and have a successful career far more than you would be at any other.
We've had two events in the last week that have been surprisingly helpful, and a privilege to attend.
1) Newnham Associates:
Newnham has a network of alumni that remain in touch with the college, and are very successful in diverse fields, and encourage you to contact them if you want help with your career.
They are more than willing to be mentors, and come to the college on a regular basis to share their experiences. This Saturday, we have the chance to discuss our CVs with prominent members of the field we were interested in, one-on-one.
Where else would we be able to do that?
2) Morgan Stanley Presentation & Dinner:
I just attended a great networking session with Morgan Stanley women, that was meant only for women.
Everyone was absolutely down-to-earth, but also razor sharp, and highly accomplished, and most of the women were balancing 12 hour work days, with taking of their children.
It's inspiring to say the least.
We've had two events in the last week that have been surprisingly helpful, and a privilege to attend.
1) Newnham Associates:
Newnham has a network of alumni that remain in touch with the college, and are very successful in diverse fields, and encourage you to contact them if you want help with your career.
They are more than willing to be mentors, and come to the college on a regular basis to share their experiences. This Saturday, we have the chance to discuss our CVs with prominent members of the field we were interested in, one-on-one.
Where else would we be able to do that?
2) Morgan Stanley Presentation & Dinner:
I just attended a great networking session with Morgan Stanley women, that was meant only for women.
Everyone was absolutely down-to-earth, but also razor sharp, and highly accomplished, and most of the women were balancing 12 hour work days, with taking of their children.
It's inspiring to say the least.
Friday, November 12, 2010
People
-Talk to as many people as you can. Everyone has a fascinating story to tell, if you're willing to listen.
You can learn things from absolutely anyone.
-Network, and be interesting. You aren't chosen for a job or position over others because you're better, or because you know more. It's because they like you more, you have more in common, or they owe you a favor.
-It's not enough to do great work, it needs to be noticed by the right people. You have to do the great work first though.
-You don't have to listen to everything you're told. Who decides what's right? Take risks. Stand out. It can be more useful to be remembered because you messed up, than forgotten because you didn't.
You can learn things from absolutely anyone.
-Network, and be interesting. You aren't chosen for a job or position over others because you're better, or because you know more. It's because they like you more, you have more in common, or they owe you a favor.
-It's not enough to do great work, it needs to be noticed by the right people. You have to do the great work first though.
-You don't have to listen to everything you're told. Who decides what's right? Take risks. Stand out. It can be more useful to be remembered because you messed up, than forgotten because you didn't.
Procrastination
It's easy when you start. Just begin, don't plan. Break it down, start anywhere you like.
Things will fall into place, you learn as you go along.
There is no right way to do things, there is no answer.
Things will fall into place, you learn as you go along.
There is no right way to do things, there is no answer.
Success
A list of a few things I've learned over the past couple of years from outliers:
1) Create a niche. The most interesting ideas lie when different ideas/subjects overlap
2) Work harder than anyone else at being fantastic at your work. There is no such thing as 9 to 5.
3) People count. And they remember you. Be nice to absolutely everyone, all the time. It is impossible to foresee how they can help you, or connect you to those that can.
4) Most of what you hear and see is an act. The backstage is the most interesting place to be. Go early, hang around after events.
5) The most interesting things happen by chance. You can't control or predict it. Make the most of them when they occur, but don't sit around waiting for them.
6) When opportunity knocks, don't just open the door. Invite it, Offer it food, wine, anything it likes. Go ahead and invite it over if it doesn't.
6) Everyone has the same amount of time. It's entirely up to you to decide how to spend it
7) Balance it out. Do many things at once.
8) Have fun. Laugh. You can't be creative if you're not having a good time
9) You can learn anything, anywhere at anytime. You can be good at absolutely anything you want to be.
10) It's all a game. Make sure you play.
1) Create a niche. The most interesting ideas lie when different ideas/subjects overlap
2) Work harder than anyone else at being fantastic at your work. There is no such thing as 9 to 5.
3) People count. And they remember you. Be nice to absolutely everyone, all the time. It is impossible to foresee how they can help you, or connect you to those that can.
4) Most of what you hear and see is an act. The backstage is the most interesting place to be. Go early, hang around after events.
5) The most interesting things happen by chance. You can't control or predict it. Make the most of them when they occur, but don't sit around waiting for them.
6) When opportunity knocks, don't just open the door. Invite it, Offer it food, wine, anything it likes. Go ahead and invite it over if it doesn't.
6) Everyone has the same amount of time. It's entirely up to you to decide how to spend it
7) Balance it out. Do many things at once.
8) Have fun. Laugh. You can't be creative if you're not having a good time
9) You can learn anything, anywhere at anytime. You can be good at absolutely anything you want to be.
10) It's all a game. Make sure you play.
Rules
There are no rules. We've made them up. Why is it so easy to forget this? What stops us from doing what we actually want to?
All of our life, we're taught to conform. To be like everyone else.
But in the end, it's the people that stand out that are rewarded.
All of our life, we're taught to conform. To be like everyone else.
But in the end, it's the people that stand out that are rewarded.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Changing History
The course of history is changed by one person. I believe in the power of collective action, of institutions, of fear. But it's one person that begins it, that triggers the change, the revolution- with an idea, a speech, a threat. .
There's this sense that someone's going to come along and save us all- which is why I think Obama is growing unpopular- it turned out he's human after all.
And miraculously- if that does happen- if someone does 'save' us- what price will we have to pay in exchange?
There's this sense that someone's going to come along and save us all- which is why I think Obama is growing unpopular- it turned out he's human after all.
And miraculously- if that does happen- if someone does 'save' us- what price will we have to pay in exchange?
What are we waiting for?
There's this sense amongst the economists that the 'free hand' is going to sort things out, the god-like 'market' will make sure everything ends well.
Politicians and activists stress on technology, innovation, breakthroughs-an idea that's going to save us all, reverse global warming, make our planet a better place.
But who is it that we're waiting for?
Politicians and activists stress on technology, innovation, breakthroughs-an idea that's going to save us all, reverse global warming, make our planet a better place.
But who is it that we're waiting for?
Where are we now?
Scientists have been warming us about global warming for over a decade. The world (mostly) finally believes the threat, and everyone's talking about it.
But what are we doing about it? What can we do?
I attended a talk by Manuel Castells , who showed us a film about a community in Spain, that's basically abandoned 'main-stream living', and has formed a commune, with no political structure. They're people who've come together based on a certain set of values and beliefs, and believe that the current economic system is unsustainable, and must be rebuilt from scratch. They have their own form of currency, grow their own food, build their own houses and have their own education system.
It's an interesting idea, but not a new one- and certainly can only be applied to very limited sections of society in limited parts of the world.
But what are we doing about it? What can we do?
I attended a talk by Manuel Castells , who showed us a film about a community in Spain, that's basically abandoned 'main-stream living', and has formed a commune, with no political structure. They're people who've come together based on a certain set of values and beliefs, and believe that the current economic system is unsustainable, and must be rebuilt from scratch. They have their own form of currency, grow their own food, build their own houses and have their own education system.
It's an interesting idea, but not a new one- and certainly can only be applied to very limited sections of society in limited parts of the world.
New Marxism?
The reason for the crisis the world's in today, according to David Harvey:
Crises of Capitalism
And of course, because we can't study here without critiquing everything you read
The Critique
Crises of Capitalism
And of course, because we can't study here without critiquing everything you read
The Critique
Balance
I can see how important maintaining a balance is now. You need to prioritize, pick three things you want to focus on, and have them be as diverse as possible.
And most importantly- you need to have fun, to have a hobby, to waste time- because there really is no such thing as 'wasting' time, you're ALLOWED to decide how you want to spend it.
And most importantly- you need to have fun, to have a hobby, to waste time- because there really is no such thing as 'wasting' time, you're ALLOWED to decide how you want to spend it.
Pressure
Everyone is always talking about how much work they have- essays, deadlines, reading.
It's easy to feel panicked in this environment, even if you don't actually have that much work.
And to be fair, Cambridge is hard, but not that much harder than other Universities- why does everyone stress so much? I suppose everyone feels that they have to give their absolute best all the time, because everyone else is, and that can be exhausting.
It's easy to feel panicked in this environment, even if you don't actually have that much work.
And to be fair, Cambridge is hard, but not that much harder than other Universities- why does everyone stress so much? I suppose everyone feels that they have to give their absolute best all the time, because everyone else is, and that can be exhausting.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Cambridge
What you pay for, what you learn from, what changes you here ultimately is not the hours spent in classes, or in the library, the experience isn't just about the fancy formal halls with four course meals and 800 year old magnificent buildings- it's the people you meet.
Diversity has new meaning here- I've met people from at least 30 different countries with diverse backgrounds- medics, army officers, activists, lawyers, teachers- and had some of the best conversations of my life- in the last four weeks.
It's inspiring, to say the least, to see how much people care about their work. That's the advantage,the privilege we're offered.
Diversity has new meaning here- I've met people from at least 30 different countries with diverse backgrounds- medics, army officers, activists, lawyers, teachers- and had some of the best conversations of my life- in the last four weeks.
It's inspiring, to say the least, to see how much people care about their work. That's the advantage,the privilege we're offered.
Development
The first question we have to ask ourselves is: what IS development? Is it a better standard of living? Material wealth? Access to education and healthcare? Or simply well-being?
Who says our way is right? Is what's perceived to be 'modern' necessarily better? Can we tell other cultures how to evolve?
Do we have the resources left to sustain further development? And if not,how do we justify this to those that are denied access simply because their predecessors consumed more than their fair share? Are we in any position to direct development, or even define it?
Who says our way is right? Is what's perceived to be 'modern' necessarily better? Can we tell other cultures how to evolve?
Do we have the resources left to sustain further development? And if not,how do we justify this to those that are denied access simply because their predecessors consumed more than their fair share? Are we in any position to direct development, or even define it?
Choice
I'm not sure whether learning this makes me want to make a difference and change the world, or give up.
How much easier would it be to just remain ignorant, and think about make-up and shoes instead of restructuring the economy? I'm going to compare the rates of depression of academics v/s those in the fashion industry.
How much easier would it be to just remain ignorant, and think about make-up and shoes instead of restructuring the economy? I'm going to compare the rates of depression of academics v/s those in the fashion industry.
The Transition
I've only studied science since I was 16 (a peculiarity of the UK/Indian education system), and switching to studying development at a graduate level is quite challenging-
I'm realizing there's a whole world out there, that I never knew existed. It's fascinating- one of the reasons I switched was because I wanted to study history, politics, philosophy and everything else that had been neglected in my education so far.
And I have to say, scientists live in a sheltered, sterile world. Debating which control to use versus debating how to allocate resources equitably? Wow.
I'm realizing there's a whole world out there, that I never knew existed. It's fascinating- one of the reasons I switched was because I wanted to study history, politics, philosophy and everything else that had been neglected in my education so far.
And I have to say, scientists live in a sheltered, sterile world. Debating which control to use versus debating how to allocate resources equitably? Wow.
Newnham
I was apprehensive about being assigned to an-all girls college, but so far, I've absolutely loved it.
The kitchen and shared spaces are clean, everything works, and there's so much support.
I thought things were going to get competitive quickly, but everyone's surprisingly nice when there are no boys to compete over.
The college is beautiful, as are the gardens, and our library is one of the best on campus (it had to be, since women weren't allowed to use the University libraries until a few decades ago).
And an unforeseen plus: the boys LOVE Newnham, for obvious reasons.
The kitchen and shared spaces are clean, everything works, and there's so much support.
I thought things were going to get competitive quickly, but everyone's surprisingly nice when there are no boys to compete over.
The college is beautiful, as are the gardens, and our library is one of the best on campus (it had to be, since women weren't allowed to use the University libraries until a few decades ago).
And an unforeseen plus: the boys LOVE Newnham, for obvious reasons.
Classmates
My classmates are absolutely brilliant, but also very different from my coursemates at Oxford. I suppose what you read shapes a large part of your personality. And how can you study development, or the social sciences without being a socialist? They're green, liberal and left- but not at all in the 'dippy' way this is perceived. They're sharp, in tune with what the world's really like, but they see no reason to not try and change it, to shape it into a better world. It's inspiring.
Violence
I'm considering writing a paper on the geographies of violence. When do people turn to violence? It's hardly anyone's first choice. It's a sign of desperation, a cry for help.
I think, inherently, we want to build, to create. We begin to destroy when that ability, those resources to do good with are taken away from us. If you displace villagers in order to mine iron ore, if your government is the cause of your suffering, who do you turn to?
I think, inherently, we want to build, to create. We begin to destroy when that ability, those resources to do good with are taken away from us. If you displace villagers in order to mine iron ore, if your government is the cause of your suffering, who do you turn to?
Current Economics
I don't think you can study development at Cambridge and not have sympathy for Marxism. David Harvey is quick to blame capitalism for the crisis we're in. Economies are collapsing, climate change is upon us, and yet we're pushing to grow, to expand, to conduct business as usual.
Can we continue the way we have been? There is no where to go.
A brilliant one minute video to watch about current economic growth is the Impossible Hamster.
Can we continue the way we have been? There is no where to go.
A brilliant one minute video to watch about current economic growth is the Impossible Hamster.
Nightmares: India
I'm kept awake at night thinking about the situation in my own city, Mumbai. An upper middle-class family leads a far more privileged life than their Western counterparts. They wear the same labels, drive the same cars, but also employ cooks and chauffeurs. An average family is made up of four people, and they employing five helpers, whose monthly wage is what they spend on a single meal at a 5 star restaurant. What's stopping the help from murdering them in their sleep and taking control of their house, cars, their wealth?
Inequality
Neoliberalization (the privatization of resources, the rolling back of the state) is another concept that's haunting me. The sheer inequality in the distribution of world resources is staggering. We're repeatedly told that 1% of the world's population owns 80% of the wealth. What about those neglected? How long are they going to remain in silence? Is a revolution on it's way?
Globalization
I've particularly been reading about the 'tragedy of the commons' and the environmental drawbacks of globalization. We have a finite number of natural resources. In this new world order, who do they belong to? Who benefits from them? What happens when we run out? It's unnerving to say in the least, whether you look at it from a historical context or a current one. When you add uncertainty about the existence of our remaining scarce resources to the mix due to climate change, where does that leave us?
An Education
I've learned a surprising amount about the history, politics and economics of development in the past four weeks. It's been fascinating, and I've enjoyed myself. It may be an overload though. I've studied science for the past four years, and suddenly learning about how the world actually works can be disorienting.
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