Monthly TOEFL Essay #2

The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.

             Change is what has brought development to the human race. It is also what has brought dispute and doom to our race as well. Change takes such a huge part of our society that one could say the course of history itself is a train of continuous changes. Even the simplest behavior or mistake that one individual makes could lead to a trail of events that could end up changing how the entire human race thinks. This is especially so in the 21^st century with developed technology and fast exchange of information worldwide. We are now capable of so much more than a century before and hold even more possibilities and potential for further development. Therefore, people expect the twenty-first century to become a breaking point for mankind with all different kinds of accomplishments, such as exploring the space frontier. However, what people fail to notice is that there is also a negative side to change. Just as much how we’ve created potential for development, we’ve also made ourselves vulnerable by creating new threats that we’ve never seen before. Therefore, in the new century, we can expect new discoveries to be made, but also extreme changes that will critically damage our race.

             One that’s expected to have the biggest impact in the twenty-first century is climate change caused by global warming. The start of this problem roots all the way back to the industrial revolution. The industrial revolution has always been known as the number one tipping point in human history that has allowed us to strive. However, it’s because of the industrial revolution that we have become so heavily dependent on fossil fuels, emitting thousands of tons of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Consequently, the Earth’s temperature has been steadily rising and the rate has increased during the last twelve years in the twenty-first century. Scientists say that we have to keep within the threshold of two degrees above pre-industrialization temperature. The general consensus is that two degrees is when the Earth’s is knocked of its natural cycle and so we have to act before it’s too late. In addition, the threat seems to be imminent as scientists claim that we have to reduce our emissions by a significant amount until 2015 or we won’t be given another chance. The most dangerous aspect of global warming is that it’s a change that occurs on a long period of time. As the human species have evolved to deal with direct threats, such as a raid, dangers that occur on a wide time horizon are not easily perceived. In addition, in order for one to live an eco-friendly life, he or she has to give up the industrialized way of life and the profits it may bring. With a lack of a clear harm or an absolute profit, people tend to push the idea of global warming to the corners of our brain. When climate change hits our society in such conditions, the results would be catastrophic.

             Another disastrous change in the 21^st century is the lack of resources. There are several aspects that have contributed to the development of this problem. One is the increase in population due to the development of medical technology and increase in quality of life. Another is consumerism. Now, people no longer think carefully before buying a certain object or throwing it away. Instead of weighing the costs and benefits, they consume depending on their logos or popularity and throw away even if it’s still good for use. Not only that, but also the pollution brought along by industrialization has poisoned the air we breathe in and the water we drink, causing certain resources to be unfit for use. Such phenomenon wouldn’t have been a problem during the pre-industrialization times. Even during the very beginning of industrialization, these problems were hard to notice. However, as the rate at which these problems grow increases and the intensity becomes hard to fully grasp, it’s now time for Mother Nature to retaliate. During the first decade of the twenty-first century, we have seen scientists and the media showing a sudden concern in the decrease in resources. We have also seen Mother Nature suffer from incurable symptoms, incapable to support as anymore and oil prices skyrocket to the roof. This is just the beginning. Many predict that within the twenty-first century, the accumulated rate in which we consume and contaminate would end in a catastrophe.

             Of course, there is still much controversy over the effects of global warming and climate change. Some believe it’s merely another step in the cycle of nature. However, the crucial fact that nobody can ignore is that the human race is clearly taking up a big part in this process and that the Earth is not reacting so well until now. Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, the four seasons seem to forget at which time to arrive, and parts of the Earth are literally dying. In the end, it’s inevitable that these two critical changes will happen within the twenty-first century, looking at the rate at which the problems are developing. However, it’s also crucial to believe in the power of man. The power to pull out all there is inside of oneself and display god-like abilities when put in a rather abysmal situation has saved our race from many apocalypses. The same could apply in this case as well. In addition, we cannot ignore what we’ve achieved until now and the positive changes awaiting us in the twenty-first century. Another ninety years awaits us, and there is much we will accomplish.