I am blind
in many ways. Somewhere in the world, glaciers melt, destroying
animal habits, but I don’t see it. Somewhere a child
cries with hunger, but I don’t hear it. Somewhere
a father slowly dies of AIDS, but I don’t feel it.
I am blind to the danger, deaf to the screams, and numb
to the pain. My world ends where the borders of the United
States begin, and in my world, medical care is readily
available, and environmental problems are ignored. The
other world is foreign, distant, and sometimes, unbelievable.
Fortunately, someone is aware of these problems and is
trying to solve them. Since the European Union’s
establishment in 1993, they have been using innovative
techniques to change not only Europe, but the rest of
the world. The European Union means protection for the
earth. For years, people have turned a blind eye while
the earth—our most valuable resource—is put
in danger. Research shows that the earth is warming, partially
due to an increase in green house gases emitted from factories.
If this continues, drought, severe storms, and a loss
of biodiversity will result, forever changing the world
as we know it. Fortunately, the European Union has been
fighting climate change, thus protecting my world and
the world of future generations. On January 1, 2005, they
created the world’s first emissions trading system
to reduce the emissions of green house gases. This EU
Emissions Trading Scheme limits the amount of carbon dioxide
a power plant can produce. Companies who are under the
limit can sell unused credits to other companies, thus
perpetuating a cycle of environmentally friendly development.
The European Union means helping those who cannot help
themselves. For years, the people of Africa have been
trapped in a cycle of poverty. Everyday, young people’s
lack of education precludes them from bettering themselves.
Many of these uninformed, uneducated people will become
infected with AIDS, tearing families apart. Rampant with
corruption and lacking funds, these countries’ governments
cannot help their people. Fortunately, the European Union
is doing something about it. In 2005, they adopted the
EU Strategy for Africa. By cooperating with African governments,
they plan to inform citizens of the danger of AIDS, encourage
participatory democracy, and ensure every child’s
access to a free primary education. In this way, they
will give Africans the chance for a better future and
save countless lives. These are just two examples, but
they tell a story of innovation, cooperation, and compassion.
This, above all, is what the European Union means to me.
It’s knowing that in 2005, they demanded justice
for crimes in Darfur so that no more would die. It’s
knowing that everyday, they try to improve the healthcare
of their citizens. It’s knowing that a group of
people of various cultures can put aside their differences
and look toward the future as one. So, no, I don’t
see the danger, hear the screams, or feel the pain, but
I find peace knowing that the European Union can.
