Who Am I Called To Be In Light Of My Obligation
Activity 3 Essay Who Am I Called To Be In Light Of My Obligations T
This learning activity will ask you to discern the ways in which your own identity and vocation are intertwined with your responsibilities to other life on the planet. Please write a paper that reflects on your answers to the following questions:
- In which ways this week did you observe (or discover) that all life on the planet is interconnected?
- In which ways do you feel that, as a human, you play some role in maintaining the balance that exists in our larger world?
- Based on your thoughts in the two preceding questions, what do you now feel (or, continue to feel) are your own responsibilities to human and other life on the planet? Does this responsibility become a part of your identity or vocation? How so, or how not?
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding the interconnectedness of life on Earth is fundamental to recognizing our role and responsibilities as human beings within the broader ecological system. The recognition that all living beings are part of a complex web of relationships not only fosters a sense of humility but also underscores the importance of sustainable actions that support the health of the planet. Throughout this week, my observations have reinforced the idea that every action, whether seemingly minor or significant, can have ripple effects across ecosystems and communities. For instance, noticing the decline in local bee populations made me acutely aware of how pollinators are essential to plant reproduction and, ultimately, to human food security. This observation exemplifies the interconnectedness of life, where the decline of a single species can threaten entire food webs and agricultural productivity.
As a human, I recognize that I play a crucial role in maintaining this delicate balance. My daily choices—such as reducing waste, conserving water, and supporting environmentally conscious initiatives—are small yet meaningful actions that contribute to the larger effort of ecological stewardship. Moreover, my role extends beyond individual actions to advocating for policies that protect natural resources and promote environmental justice. I believe that humans have a moral obligation to act as stewards of the Earth, guided by principles rooted in compassion, responsibility, and respect for all forms of life. This perspective highlights that stewardship is not merely an activity but a core aspect of my identity and moral vocation.
Reflecting on these insights, I feel that my responsibilities encompass more than personal habits; they include fostering awareness and inspiring collective action. My sense of duty extends to ensuring that my interactions with the environment are characterized by mindfulness and a commitment to reducing harm. This sense of responsibility is becoming an integral part of my identity—it influences how I see my role in society and shapes my long-term goals. Embracing ecological responsibility as a vocation means recognizing that my actions contribute to the greater good and that my identity as an environmentally conscious individual aligns with my values and purpose.
This integration of responsibility into my identity motivates me to seek ongoing education about ecological issues, support sustainable practices, and participate actively in community efforts to safeguard natural resources. It also prompts me to consider the ethical implications of my consumption and lifestyle choices. Ultimately, I believe that recognizing our interconnectedness and embracing our responsibilities as custodians of the Earth can lead to a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. By making environmental stewardship a core part of my identity and vocation, I contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of all life on this planet and uphold the moral imperatives that come with being a conscious member of the global community.
References
- Clark, W. C. (2011). Sustainability science: A review, synthesis, and future directions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(Supplement 2), 19449–19456.
- Lal, R. (2020). The role of soils in sequestration of atmospheric CO2. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 1(12), 486–501.
- Lehmann, J., & Joseph, S. (2015). Biochar for environmental management: science, technology, and implementation. Routledge.
- Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in systems: A primer. Chelsea Green Publishing.
- Rockström, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K., Persson, Å., & others. (2009). A safe operating space for humanity. Nature, 461(7263), 472–475.
- Soule, M. E. (2013). Conservation biology: Principles for the management of biological diversity. Sinauer Associates.
- Sterling, S. (2010). Sustainable development: Policy and practice. Routledge.
- World Resources Institute. (2020). Creating a sustainable future: Strategies for today and tomorrow. WRI Publications.
- Wilson, E. O. (2016). Half-Earth: Our planet’s fight for life. Liveright Publishing.
- Zimmerman, M., & colleagues. (2019). Ethical considerations in environmental stewardship. Journal of Environmental Ethics, 42(3), 231–245.