World Wildlife Fund

John Monaghan

Blog 11 July 2008
Environmental Science Major at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Posted 11 July 2008, 12.39 PM

Hi - John Monaghan here. You just heard from Ben 'Sailfish' Wessel - well, I am the other US Ambassador participating in Voyage for the Future. 

A little bit about myself - Born in Detroit, I attended high school in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. I have always had an interest in the environment, but decided to dedicate my life to working towards a sustainable future upon entering university. I spent the summer of 2007 in the Turks and Caicos Islands learning about marine park management and contributing to environmental research projects.

I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental science at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I have assumed many leadership roles on campus including work as a morale captain for the University of Michigan Dance Marathon, and I am currently the student government vice president for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. In the latter role, I lobby the university administration on academic issues, and I have worked on planning a themed semester on energy that will include on-campus events, competitions, and other initiatives designed to engage the entire student body on energy issues. Additionally, I have spent extensive time researching the policy implications of the African bushmeat trade in the US.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, snorkelling, reading, and of course, University of Michigan football. Send me any questions you have about the Voyage, as I would be really interested to hear from you.

Cheers - John

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Posted 11 July 2008, 2.21 PM

Tom K. wrote:
Why are you interested in climate change?

John's response:
Climate change is one of the most complex issues to ever effect the world and needs dedicated people working on it from all sides to prevent the worst outcomes. It is a global issue in both cause and effect and will require united action. The reason I keep fighting against something which at times seems so daunting is that I know that we can limit climate change to a reasonable level. There is so much creativity, innovation and pure excitement that continues to pour out of this movement from those looking
forward. By tackling climate change, we can live in a cleaner, safer world with stable economies, livable cities, and nature left to pass on to our children. I think that is something definitely worth fighting for.

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Posted 11 July 2008, 2.57 PM

Lisa J. wrote:
What was your favorite part of the voyage?

John's response:
That is a great question, but one that really is tough to answer. We saw so much natural beauty, heard inspiring and informational lectures, and met a group of people from all over the world who have had lives much cooler than mine. Overall, one experience that I will never forget is swimming in the Arctic Ocean. I really wouldn't call it swimming but the daring dip in those freezing waters and the chaos that followed is definitely one of my favorite memories from the program.

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Posted 11 July 2008, 3.56 PM

Carl M. wrote:
Now you have been on the voyage, what's next?

John's response:
The Voyage group is still communicating and working on creating a united action of some sort that can be brought to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Posnan, Poland in December. Stay tuned for more details on this.

Outside of Voyage stuff, I am keeping busy this summer taking ecology classes at the University of Michigan Biological Station in Northern Michigan and prepping for a university theme semester on energy issues that starts in the fall. I am also an intern with a green social networking site, Greenwala.com, where I write on issues related to environmentally-friendly transportation and building.

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Posted 11 July 2008, 4.23 PM

Sylvia D. wrote:
How hard do you think it will be to mobilize your peers into action, and how realistic are your goals?

John's response:
I believe that a large amount of people already care about the planet and view tackling climate change as an important issue but oftentimes they don't know where to start. I think a huge part of this movement will be encouraging business and government to create policies and programs that give people more perfect information on products. A lot of times money can be saved by putting a little bit more down up front when buying appliances or building a new home, and it is education in this regard that can make a huge difference. I think that it is very realistic to assume that people want to do what is best for their family, their future, and their pocketbook, and these structural changes would enable them to do just that.

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Posted 11 July 2008, 5.19 PM

Tony P. wrote:
What was it like to see a polar bear in the wild?

John's response:
It was incredible. He initially took an interest in us as a possible food source, but when he realized nothing would come of it, he decided to give us a show instead. He stoically posed, rolled around on the ground and shook his coat, and even went for a swim.

It is really hard to understand an animal until you see its natural habitat and the sea ice itself was breathtaking. The sea ice is an extremely fragile system, and not an easy place to live, but the polar bear has found a way to survive here. Climate change can decimate this place if we don't act quickly. Sea ice recession has already happened at a rate faster than any scientific model has suggested, which shows the urgency of working to limit greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.

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Posted 11 July 2008, 5.56 PM

Marcia K. wrote:
What's the Arctic like?

John's response:
The Arctic is unbelievably majestic. You can see the power of the glaciers that long ago carved the jagged peaks and fjords. The resilience of tiny purple flowers to find life in such a hostile environment. The complexity of a network of sea ice that readjusts with the current like giant puzzle pieces. These factors and so much more make me want to protect the Arctic more than ever