Currently, I am a student and also an employee for one of the largest companies in the world- Nike. By balancing both school and my job, I find myself to be more organized, more focused, and more driven than the majority of my peers. Both school and my job have influenced the way i approach problems such as climate change, more specifically, how climate change affects agriculture. If i were to start my business today, I see myself being totally consumed by it. I would constantly be tweaking the execution of my product and also making it more efficient.
I aspire to offer customers, mainly farmers, a man-made soil that adapts to the increase in temperature therefore, aiding in crop production. My soil will offer better circumstances for plant growth, provide key nutrients, and also refuse to let climate conditions prevent its crops from flourishing.
Customers will choose my soil over other competitors because they care about the planet. This soil is for everyone who is on board with acknowledging and aiming to prevent any additional global warming. Furthermore, farmers who literally cannot afford to let climate change affect their crops or their bank accounts would wisely choose my soil in attempt to better their own profit.
My business is different from current soil companies, because not only is there additional nutrients for the plants, but it is also climate retardant and good for the Earth. Now obviously soil is good for the Earth, thats not what i'm saying, I'm saying my soil will get us back to the natural state the world was in before we started digging our own graves.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Friday, February 7, 2020
Solving the Problem
My selected problem I've hypothesized is that climate change as effected the agriculture production of crops. More specifically the crops of soybeans and corn. Ultimately this as lead to an increase in cost for farmers, grocery stores, and customers as well.
I believe there could be some sort of soil made that adapts to climate change. Perhaps a soil that remains cooler when the excessive heat is present. It could hold water moisture underground better while maintaining the essential nutrients plants need to grow. This would evade the global warming crisis as a result of our greenhouse gas and ultimately save money for all customers, farmers, and grocery stores.
I believe there could be some sort of soil made that adapts to climate change. Perhaps a soil that remains cooler when the excessive heat is present. It could hold water moisture underground better while maintaining the essential nutrients plants need to grow. This would evade the global warming crisis as a result of our greenhouse gas and ultimately save money for all customers, farmers, and grocery stores.
Testing the Hypothesis Part 1
Opportunity: Climate Change
Who: Farmers
What: Farmers are unable to successfully produce sufficient numbers of corn and soybeans when
temperatures rise above 84 degrees Fahrenheit
Why: Warmer temperatures throw off growing patterns of farmers, and change the environment that corn and soybeans are used to growing at which increases food prices.
-There are other "who's" to my opportunity. Farmers, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Customers, will all pay more for corn and soybeans (along with corn and soybean based products) as a result of climate change. Yes they all share the same want for a change or hault to climate change because it is costing them more money.
-What regions are the crops growing? What are the temperatures on average? Is it just corn and soybeans or is there other crops? What crops, if any, benefit from climate change? What farming practices are currently being used?
-The people who all share the need (previously stated) all wish to make money more efficiently. Climate change throws obstacles in the growing of the two crops that previously weren't as escalated. Overtime, as our carbon footprint increased, they've seen that they're unable to make the same dollar as easily due to increased measures demanded of them now that temperatures have risen. Customers are the one exception who are on the other side of the spectrum who wish to save that extra dollar charged of them because of climate change. All wish to save money, but customers are the only ones who are unable to make money. They have the same needs however.
Interviews
1) I interviewed my Uncle who used to be an agricultural science teacher. I asked him his thoughts and he explained to me that every crop is different. Some plants are suited for warmer weather and others are not. This is why various plants grow only in specific regions of the world. He also elaborated how temperature can increase the amount of labor needed to harvest the needed number by demanders. I then asked him how he feels about the matter as a customer, to which he went into further detail. He reminded me we often times do not see what it takes to harvest these crops until there's a problem in regards to detail or quality of what is being harvested. It takes us doing research on what we consume to find out the truth. He mentioned the customer doesn't have a clue how much shipping is for x amount of pounds of corn. Or how long it takes for corn to be harvested. Or field rotation. He says stuff like that is why farmers are still essential to society today despite their absence in the economy.
Prior to the interview I had no idea that farmers rotate crops on different fields. I also did not think about how little customers know about their food unless we research it. It made me rethink my consumption and also made me think about how big of a factor money is in our lives. Yes, I want to save money on corn and soybeans despite not knowing how they are harvested or grown.
2) I interviewed a friends' parents who own their own restaurant. They were more than happy to talk about how they shop for products and how they feel the impact as well. They mentioned often times, products like limes (essential for a Mexican restaurant) are often times expensive so they grocery shop at different stores for products. They also elaborated about how an increase in things such as limes, put them in a predicament. When prices of groceries go up, they ultimately make less profit because they put more out, but their prices are set. They mentioned how it looks unprofessional to constantly change your price on people despite not making the same profit they could be making.
Prior to this, I hadn't thought about shopping at different stores for different groceries. I often just buy it anyways because for whatever reason I assume every grocery store pays the same shipping and handling cost when that is not the case.
3)I interviewed a friend of mine also as a customer to get her perspective on climate change also. She stated that she believes there is a drastic need for change in order to prolong our time on the Earth. She mentioned things such as hurricanes in the past and currently things such as the Australian forest fires. She said she doesn't mind paying more for things that help the climate as long as help is being delivered. She also feels the rise in price of crops and things and understands the logistics behind it all. However, as a customer she wishes a change would occur so that nobody as to go through the constant fluctuating of prices.
4) I asked my teacher if he could share his thoughts on the matter as well. He said he doesn’t necessarily believe if climate change is 100% truthful. He feel Florida had a great winter this season in the past and argues that it was colder than previous years. He also mentioned how natural disasters are simply that-natural. I asked him if he thought things such as hurricanes and fires could be avoided to which he explained how he thought they can be avoided by humans but not the Earth.
To a certain extent I almost let myself believe some of what he said. They are natural disasters for a reason, but I still believe the scale at which they are occurring at is like nothing before.
5) Lastly, I asked google a series of questions to gather more research. I wanted to know the statistics behind the argument for climate change to which i learned, that forest fires as increased by nearly 400%. Since the Industrial Revolution, our oceans have become 30% more acidic. Perhaps the most astonishing fact, was that the wealthiest 1 billion people emit 60% of our greenhouse gas, while the poorest 3 billion produce only 5%.
Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends
Economic Trend Opportunities
1) "Climate Change Causing Natural Disasters"
2) Source:https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
3) I believe an opportunity exist being that there is scientific evidence that suggests the globes' climate is changing. From the increase in wildfires, to the decrease in the presence of our ice caps, the climate is responsible for drastic changes to various environments. Furthermore, there's been an increase in catastrophic hurricanes, earthquakes. floods, etc. They also elaborate on how a lot of human activity is solely responsible for the rise in our greenhouse gases and how it effects markets such as our food (example: corn and soybean production suffers in weather above 84 degrees Fahrenheit)
4) I feel anybody who acknowledges climate change is a potential customer. They will all benefit from advancements that reduces our carbon footprints. As mentioned, farmers will benefit from a cooler Earth. Environmentalist will benefit from advancements as well as the next generation.
5) Overall, I'd say this is a relative easy opportunity to exploit, just because there are so many angles or things people can do to help. Even awareness of your everyday action and minimal changes on everyone's parts will lead to changes we all will feel.
6) Living in Florida, we definitely experience issues with climate change every season. For instance, our summers may be the hottest they've ever been. Shortly after we have hurricane season. Followed by a warm winter. I feel my location as made me experience firsthand the effects of climate change, but also the effects of the disasters it may cause such as hurricanes. Someone who live elsewhere in the United States, may not experience this and ultimately may not hear of it. Also, there are some people who refuse to believe in climate change because it benefits their business such as oil companies. I believe my home has shown me many elements to climate change that others have not had the chance or opportunity to feel.
1) "Baby Boomers Aren’t Retiring"
2) Source:https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
3) I believe an opportunity exists because there are two sides of the coin that face a problem here. For example, the Baby boomer generation, is forced to work due to the recession which keeps them in the way of Millennials. Neither, Baby Boomers or Millennials wish for this because it impacts both their livelihoods. For instance, Baby Boomers must work longer and Millennials cope to the new reality that the standard careers are going to be harder to crack into, and therefore must create new jobs or adapt their lifestyle.
4) I feel the main customer is Millennials. Whatever entrepreneur creates the solution, the Millennial generation would most likely feel it the most, and feel it instantly just based off their age. They're at the point in their lives where is something were to hit the market, they have the ability to change and start over without drastically changing their lives for the worst. Furthermore, the younger generations would feel it as well, because it would open up jobs for them in the future, contrasting the cycle baby boomers are currently in.
5) Unfortunately, I do feel this is a hard opportunity to exploit. I can't even think of ways to get a generation of people to change the way they live or the see their current living experience as bad. It would also take time and require a lot of people to change which is without a doubt, an extremely difficult task to accomplish.
6) Again, I think i see the opportunity because I am part of a totally new, third-party generation who (as of right now) isn't really feeling to many effects because of this. I can see how millennials can neglect this fact because of their everyday lives and the adaptations they've acquired. I can also see how, baby boomers know they want to retire, but feel obligated to work due to the recession.
Regulatory Opportunities
1) Gun control
2)Source: https://gun-control.procon.org/
3) I believe a major opportunity exists in the case of gun control. Everybody is effected by the presence of guns, which is why its a constitutional right. Furthermore there are those that believe little change, if any, is needed to the current gun situation despite recent school and other mass shootings. On the other hand, there are many people (large amounts of victims) who are calling for change in order to change the nature of the past several years. There's again, two parties who want one thing, however a compromise or solution may resolve the matter for everyone.
4) I think those who want a change to the 2nd amendment will benefit the most because no matter the solution, it will come across as a solution to prevent mass shootings and change a current situation some feel is already fine. It will always feel like those who support the 2nd amendment are giving up their rights or compromising.
5) Again, I feel this is a rather difficult one to exploit. You're dealing with attempting to modify or adjust the constitution as a result of tragic events that unfortunately not everyone can see. It's more than just inventing the perfect tool, it requires a change in our nation's founding principles that a majority of people are already against.
6) I feel my age is the biggest reason for me seeing things the way i see them in regards to this matter. For instance, I just recently graduated from public schools where a large majority of these shootings transpired. Its a different mind set when its kids your age pulling the trigger on other people your age, Furthermore, it appears that my generation is leading the way for change which is another reason we all share (mostly) common standpoints in regards to gun control.
1) Immigration
2) Source:https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/02/06/trump-dhs-blocks-new-york-drivers-global-entry-trusted-traveler/4676815002/
3) Immigration is a large opportunity for immigrants to become citizens. It allows people to start a new, improved life here in America. However, it seems that every other president has a different look than the last when it comes to the matter. Currently, we've seen things such as a wall attempt to prevent illegal immigration. However, that act alone leaves the door for opportunity open. What if there was a better system in place to allow illegal immigrants to become legal? There's a million ways to attack this and is why there's a major opportunity for the matter.
4) Immigrants benefit the most from this because it's allowing them to come to America and start over or escape their previous homes' conditions. Also, American citizens benefit in a way. For one we don't have to fund excessive things like a wall. We also receive an increase in the labor force which increases our global production.
5) The opportunity itself is a fairly easy one to exploit I feel. It simply requires a change in mind state that at-least attempts to work with immigrants as opposed to forcing them out.
6) Furthermore, coming from a family of immigrants, I do see the matter a with a little bias. I feel many people forget about the American Dream and also neglect the definition or background of an "American"
1) "Climate Change Causing Natural Disasters"
2) Source:https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
3) I believe an opportunity exist being that there is scientific evidence that suggests the globes' climate is changing. From the increase in wildfires, to the decrease in the presence of our ice caps, the climate is responsible for drastic changes to various environments. Furthermore, there's been an increase in catastrophic hurricanes, earthquakes. floods, etc. They also elaborate on how a lot of human activity is solely responsible for the rise in our greenhouse gases and how it effects markets such as our food (example: corn and soybean production suffers in weather above 84 degrees Fahrenheit)
4) I feel anybody who acknowledges climate change is a potential customer. They will all benefit from advancements that reduces our carbon footprints. As mentioned, farmers will benefit from a cooler Earth. Environmentalist will benefit from advancements as well as the next generation.
5) Overall, I'd say this is a relative easy opportunity to exploit, just because there are so many angles or things people can do to help. Even awareness of your everyday action and minimal changes on everyone's parts will lead to changes we all will feel.
6) Living in Florida, we definitely experience issues with climate change every season. For instance, our summers may be the hottest they've ever been. Shortly after we have hurricane season. Followed by a warm winter. I feel my location as made me experience firsthand the effects of climate change, but also the effects of the disasters it may cause such as hurricanes. Someone who live elsewhere in the United States, may not experience this and ultimately may not hear of it. Also, there are some people who refuse to believe in climate change because it benefits their business such as oil companies. I believe my home has shown me many elements to climate change that others have not had the chance or opportunity to feel.
1) "Baby Boomers Aren’t Retiring"
2) Source:https://www.thebalance.com/top-usa-future-economic-trends-3305666
3) I believe an opportunity exists because there are two sides of the coin that face a problem here. For example, the Baby boomer generation, is forced to work due to the recession which keeps them in the way of Millennials. Neither, Baby Boomers or Millennials wish for this because it impacts both their livelihoods. For instance, Baby Boomers must work longer and Millennials cope to the new reality that the standard careers are going to be harder to crack into, and therefore must create new jobs or adapt their lifestyle.
4) I feel the main customer is Millennials. Whatever entrepreneur creates the solution, the Millennial generation would most likely feel it the most, and feel it instantly just based off their age. They're at the point in their lives where is something were to hit the market, they have the ability to change and start over without drastically changing their lives for the worst. Furthermore, the younger generations would feel it as well, because it would open up jobs for them in the future, contrasting the cycle baby boomers are currently in.
5) Unfortunately, I do feel this is a hard opportunity to exploit. I can't even think of ways to get a generation of people to change the way they live or the see their current living experience as bad. It would also take time and require a lot of people to change which is without a doubt, an extremely difficult task to accomplish.
6) Again, I think i see the opportunity because I am part of a totally new, third-party generation who (as of right now) isn't really feeling to many effects because of this. I can see how millennials can neglect this fact because of their everyday lives and the adaptations they've acquired. I can also see how, baby boomers know they want to retire, but feel obligated to work due to the recession.
Regulatory Opportunities
1) Gun control
2)Source: https://gun-control.procon.org/
3) I believe a major opportunity exists in the case of gun control. Everybody is effected by the presence of guns, which is why its a constitutional right. Furthermore there are those that believe little change, if any, is needed to the current gun situation despite recent school and other mass shootings. On the other hand, there are many people (large amounts of victims) who are calling for change in order to change the nature of the past several years. There's again, two parties who want one thing, however a compromise or solution may resolve the matter for everyone.
4) I think those who want a change to the 2nd amendment will benefit the most because no matter the solution, it will come across as a solution to prevent mass shootings and change a current situation some feel is already fine. It will always feel like those who support the 2nd amendment are giving up their rights or compromising.
5) Again, I feel this is a rather difficult one to exploit. You're dealing with attempting to modify or adjust the constitution as a result of tragic events that unfortunately not everyone can see. It's more than just inventing the perfect tool, it requires a change in our nation's founding principles that a majority of people are already against.
6) I feel my age is the biggest reason for me seeing things the way i see them in regards to this matter. For instance, I just recently graduated from public schools where a large majority of these shootings transpired. Its a different mind set when its kids your age pulling the trigger on other people your age, Furthermore, it appears that my generation is leading the way for change which is another reason we all share (mostly) common standpoints in regards to gun control.
1) Immigration
2) Source:https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/02/06/trump-dhs-blocks-new-york-drivers-global-entry-trusted-traveler/4676815002/
3) Immigration is a large opportunity for immigrants to become citizens. It allows people to start a new, improved life here in America. However, it seems that every other president has a different look than the last when it comes to the matter. Currently, we've seen things such as a wall attempt to prevent illegal immigration. However, that act alone leaves the door for opportunity open. What if there was a better system in place to allow illegal immigrants to become legal? There's a million ways to attack this and is why there's a major opportunity for the matter.
4) Immigrants benefit the most from this because it's allowing them to come to America and start over or escape their previous homes' conditions. Also, American citizens benefit in a way. For one we don't have to fund excessive things like a wall. We also receive an increase in the labor force which increases our global production.
5) The opportunity itself is a fairly easy one to exploit I feel. It simply requires a change in mind state that at-least attempts to work with immigrants as opposed to forcing them out.
6) Furthermore, coming from a family of immigrants, I do see the matter a with a little bias. I feel many people forget about the American Dream and also neglect the definition or background of an "American"
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