Watching The Week video was incredibly insightful. It clearly showed the risks of climate change, its causes, and the serious consequences we are already seeing around the world. As a student of circular economy and sustainability, this experience reminded me why my field matters. It strengthened my motivation to practice what I learn and to advocate for actions that can genuinely help put the world on a better, more sustainable path. Imaging myself in the years to come, a moment that made me feel both hopeful and curious. Hopeful, because I believe in human innovation and our ability to correct our mistakes; curious, because the future will be shaped by the choices we make today.
We must be mindful of natural resources, avoiding the waste and overuse that harm our land and water. To preserve the environment, we need to care for our soil, animals, and farms. Food choices are also key: local selection, seasonal, or plant-based options supports farmers and lessens environmental impact. Personally, I try to live simply and sustainably by rarely wasting food, reusing materials, and sorting for recycling connects directly to my career path in sustainability and the circular economy.
Reflecting on day 3’s discussions, several practical climate actions were mentioned: shifting from fossil fuels to renewables, supporting sustainable food systems, reusing items and buying second-hand, sharing resources within communities, and promoting climate awareness at work. Activism also matters, educating others, raising awareness, and encouraging governments to listen to local communities. When people feel included, climate action becomes stronger and more effective.
We also confronted the common limiting beliefs, “I’m too small to make a difference,” “I’m too busy,” “I don’t want to stand out,” or “I’m not ready to give things up.” The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) helped me reflect on these and it helped me understand better who I am, knowing now that I am good at as Self-awareness, Visioning, Integrity, resource consciousness, I as well equip moderate growth in critical thinking and creativity and I am also developing openness, empathy, communication skills, resilience, and courage. These inner qualities are essential for me in creating outer change.
Conclusively, my reflection and way of life align strongly with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, it mirrors many of my daily choices and values, and the targets of the SDG’s that resonate with me include: Reducing waste (12.3, 12.5), Using natural resources sustainably (12.2), and Promoting awareness of sustainable lifestyles (12.8).
These practices guide my personal life, my studies, and the kind of professional I aspire to become. Looking ahead, I hope to be proud of staying true to my passion for sustainability and using my skills to create greener solutions. I imagine myself having established my purpose in academia, living a peaceful, meaningful life, and seeing real impact from the things I worked for, practiced, and advocated. I hope the projects I contribute to will help communities live better and inspire others to adopt sustainable habits. Because of this, my life would feel richer in purpose, connection, and contribution, knowing that my work is part of something bigger than myself, something that helps protect the planet for future generations.
Overall, The Week reminded me that climate action is not just global, it is personal. Changing the world begins with changing ourselves, and every mindful decision moves us closer to the future we hope to see.
About MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI
Hello everyone! My name is Mavis O. Olorunyomi, and I am passionate about sustainability, circular economy, materials innovation, and green technologies. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) through the Erasmus Mundus program, where I study at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Over time, I have developed a strong interest in creating sustainable materials and exploring how scientific research can drive environmental resilience and circular design. Beyond academics, I enjoy taking on new challenges, learning continuously, and contributing to projects that make a positive environmental impact. I am deeply motivated by the idea of building a greener and more sustainable future through innovation and practical action.