As time progresses, the world changes and new obstacles are met. Throughout history, citizens have overcome them to become a globally stronger society. The greatest challenge facing my generation is the issue of the environment. In the ever-changing world, new issues as well as old problems will haunt my generation, but are possible to overcome. My life may change as a result, but it is worth it to help preserve the Earth.

Although the environment has been a concern for many years, it is quickly becoming more relevant. The population is growing, so as a result, more trees are being cut down, more fossil fuels are being released into the environment and more rubbish is being disposed. Additionally, advances in fields such as technology are playing a large role in the issue as well. Today, many families own at least one computer, and many people have accessories such as cell phones and music players. These electronic tools are extremely useful and contribute to our quality of life, yet they soon become outdated. It is a regular occurrence to see a commercial or advertisement for a new phone or computer. The updated items prompt many consumers to replace their old ones. While this may sound like a harmless practice, it is not. These devices include parts that cannot be thrown away in the household trash can. They must be sent to special centers to be disposed of properly.

In relation to this problem is the issue that my generation has grown up in a society filled with electronics. We grew up entertaining ourselves with video games and computer games, and many of us have even taught our parents to use a computer. This relates to our environment because we do not think twice about purchasing a new item, even when the old one is still in perfect condition. Our lives have been made easy by these inventions, but are now beginning to cause problems.

Another challenge is pollution from cars, something that many generations have faced. It is still a problem, however, because no prior generation has found a perfect solution. Although buildings contribute to the pollution as well as many other factors, cars are one of the biggest causes. The abundance of cars may be largely in part to the low cost of some, but also due to the fact that we live in a materialistic time. People love to compete with others for who has the fastest or largest car. Unfortunately, these cars also use more gas.

Past generations have tried to solve this same problem. One of the best answers so far comes in the form of hybrid cars. This solution is still far from perfect. The vehicles are very expensive, which limits many people, no matter how great the desire is to improve the environment.

Personally, I have been concerned with the future of the environment ever since I attended kindergarden at a very environmentally concerned school. I have known from a very young age that I personally can make a difference. Many others, however, do not share this view, and as a result have a carefree attitude. I am thankful for this one world that we have, and I do not want my generation to cause its downfall. So if that means holding on to my soda can for an extra few minutes so I can find a place to recycle, that is what I do.

Although I can make a difference, it is going to take more than just me. My whole generation needs to put forth the effort to change our lifestyles. It will be necessary to walk or ride our bikes to a destination within reasonable distance. We need to recycle everything from cans to phones. A conscious effort must be put in to create new solutions for these problems, and most importantly, we need to educate others to prevent this challenge from affecting future generations.

The well-being of the environment could easily spiral out of control with the next few years. It could get to a point beyond repair. We live in a world of conveniences, but it is time we change this world. We need to use the technology to our advantage, as a means of informing others of ways they can help. This change can occur, with the cooperation of many around us.

I once told my parents that I wanted to leave the world a better place than I found it. At the time, it was a fantasy, but I now know it can become a reality. It will not be easy, as this challenge has been building up for many years. But I believe we have the resources to make it happen. To me, it is not a matter of trying to fix this. We have to. If this change is not made immediately, there will not be much of a future of which to look forward. I have faith in my generation that we will be able to solve this. We will rise to the challenge and solve this problem.

The current world is in dire need of change and people who are willing to take the necessary steps to make this change. My generation has been given the great responsibility to step up and make a difference in the world. We have been put under a certain pressure to live up to the expectation of being the most influential generation. A desire to improve the world we live in is already evident in high school and collage students today, but how successful these efforts become will be the ultimate test of our ability to achieve what is expected of us. The challenge to brighten our futures and the futures of generations to come is a daunting one, but I have faith in my generation that we can succeed and pave the way to a better world.

Now, more then ever, my generation is looked to for ideas on how to make a difference. Especially in the United States, during a time when powers are shifting, the youth are considered to have an enormous influence on the future. The current election has provided my generation with the opportunity to speak for themselves and assert their ability to make changes. While previous elections have not had a large turnout at the polls for voters aged 18-21, this election has presented a sort of revolution. Whether youth respond to John McCain's more conservative path, Hillary Clinton's trail of experience, of Barack Obama's course towards change, they all realize that they have been given a chance to express their opinions in and open and receptive forums. I will definitely be voting in this election because I feel a responsibility to utilize my right as an avenue for making a difference in the world.

The pressure to be an influential generation has not shown to be a deterrent to today's youth, but rather a driving force which inspires us to improve the future. I have witnessed the desire that my generation has to make a difference in my own community. Groups such as Peer Leaders, PRISM, and Student Council have stepped up and taken steps on the right path. Coffeehouses have raised money for Invisible Children and food drives have provided Thanksgiving meals to families in need. I feel that it is extremely important for my generation to continue these efforts and eventually expand upon them if they are to succeed as influential members of society. There should be no fear of the pressure that has been placed upon us to make a difference in the world, but rather a pride in the opportunity that has been granted us.

Already, before the age of eighteen, I have been faced with this challenge to improve upon our society, but I do not necessarily see it as a challenge. Through school, church, and Girl Scouts, I have embraced the chance to help others. I have baked items to sell at school coffeehouses, donated money to Globe Santa, volunteered at soup kitchens and food pantries, and spent time with the elderly at nursing homes. The mission work I am most proud of, however, has been my involvement with the Zimbabwe mission at my church. I have donated time and money to the effort: running bake sales, putting together school supply packages, and writing letters to children in Zimbabwe. Although I am proud of my other community service achievements, I feel that the Zimbabwe mission is the most important because it is an opportunity to change the world in a bigger way. I believe that my generation needs to participate in volunteer work both small and large in order to truly make a difference. The desire to strive for bigger and greater change will provide us with the momentum that will lead to continued success.

In my opinion, the challenge that my generation faces to brighten our futures and the futures of generations to come is not necessarily as daunting as it appears. If today's youth start with volunteer work in their communities and embrace the opportunities they have to make a difference in the world rather than shy away from them, then they are on the right track. We cannot stop our efforts as we get older, but rather improve upon them. I feel that life after high school will become the most challenging for my generation on their path towards change. Some will abuse their new freedom, spending more time straying from responsibility rather than continuing to uphold it. Those that truly care about their future, however, will carry on with the desire to make a difference in the world. In addition to pursuing their own dreams, they must also help inspire those who stray to live up to the expectations set for them to be influential members of society. Although this task seems impossible, I believe in my generation and know that we can make a change in the world.

The greatest challenge facing my generation is to take responsibility for the future of the world. While the challenge is indeed great, it is also possible. Today's youth have been given many opportunities to make a difference and their only real test is to see those chances and to embrace them wholeheartedly. The current election has given my generation an influential voice in society. In my own community, I have seen efforts in my high school that will lead the way to greater change. In order to succeed, my generation needs to view this challenge more as an opportunity. With this optimistic perspective, I truly believe that my generation has the ability to change the world.

Every generation has its defining moments: Woodstock, a man on the moon, John F. Kennedy's assassination, the civil rights movement, woman's suffrage, the fall of the Berlin wall, the temperance movement, many wars, and countless other world changing events or movements. My generation has learned of all these events in history classes. We have also witnessed first hand the destruction of 9/11 and the power of American's when they come together and rise above adversity. I hope, however, that my generation is not to be defined by 9/11 or the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. I wish to see my generation go down in history as the Americans who lead the world into a new age of environmental awareness.

There have been major developments into the research of Global Warming's effects on the plant over the last decade. These staggering developments have proven that people must act to save the environment from human pollution. When I was in elementary school, I remember my teacher explaining Global Warming as a "highly disputable hypothesis, which many scientists believe to be false." Today, my teachers and the rest of the American public have been exposed to just how real a threat Global Warming is. Celebrities and politicians such as Al Gore are leading the awareness campaign to ensure that America and the world are well informed on this pressing issue.

Being aware of Global Warming is the first step toward a better future, but action is the only way to solve the issue. Generations of the past are the cause of Global Warming. My parent's generation has identified the problem. Now, it lies with my generation to effectively find a solution to Global Warming, so that the future generations will have a planet to live on.

America has some of the greatest minds in the world working on solutions to lower carbon admissions and effectively halt major causes of environmental damage. Starting small, energy efficient light bulbs can be installed in every home. Instead of carrying out groceries in environmentally polluting plastic bags, one can opt for the reusable or biodegradable bags. American's can surrender their beloved gas guzzling SUVs and instead choose gas efficient Hybrid cars. On a much larger scale, using clean energy should be a priority such as procured from wind turbines or nuclear plants. Finally Bio-fuel (ethanol) taken from corn crops grown in the interior of the United States would lessen America's dependency on foreign oil as well as help the environment. These are all innovations which are leading the United States in the right direction.

As I prepare to enter the work force and effectively the "real world" I have my mind set on a global goal of one day no longer having to worry about mankind's negative impact on the world. The innovations toward a cleaner environment are all recent developments. Given more time the inventors and thinkers of America and nations all over the world will be able to solve the future crisis of Global Warming. Keeping Global Warming a central issue is key to finding more ways to care for the environment and possibly rectify the damage man has caused.

In the modern day, much seems amiss in the world. Global warming, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, all are issues of great depth and scope. One issue however, is much more far reaching, and in my opinion, more pressing than any other. This issue is globalization. This is not to say that globalization is a negative, in fact, I believe globalization to be a great positive. As the world grows to be more interconnected, one is exposed to cultures, ideas, and customs that they would not come into contact with in the more "closed" world of the past. Global coverage however entails a unique set of obstacles and challenges that my generation is going to have to face. Only once the planet's people can come to work together, can other issues such as the ones previously mentioned be addressed and solved.

The globe today is growing rapidly more interconnected. Look in any city on the planet and the evidence of cultural assimilation and blending is everywhere. Most cities today play host to a cacophony of different ethnicities and nationalities. Thai, Turkish, and Korean restaurants are now a common place in American communities, which would have been unheard of in the world of fifty years ago. In many large cities the signs of globalization are even more stunning. The city of Los Angeles has radio stations that broadcast exclusively in Spanish, and most print advertisements feature both English and Spanish. In fact, outside of Mexico and Spain, America has the largest Spanish speaking population on the planet. Thus, the world of today is already quite interconnected and will only grow to be more so in the future.

This interconnectedness however poses its own problems. As different societies come into contact, they often clash or are met negatively. An accepted idea or custom in one society, even something as small as shaking hands, can be completely alien, or even offensive to another. For example, in Russia, it is customary to begin business meetings on affairs, as well as personal gatherings, with a toast (usually of vodka); such a practice is frowned upon in the United States. However, cultural clashes can also take a violent turn. One of the primary drives of Jihadist-inspired terrorism is loathing of "decadent" and "corrupt" Western culture.

It is going to be the job of my generation to bridge the cultural gaps between societies, to help nations and peoples to coexist together peacefully. How is this going to be achieved however? What can I personally do to help? The first step is to start learning other languages and cultures. Countries are no longer islands. To be a contributing, functioning part of the new world, countries, the United States included are going to have to learn about new cultures and languages. In America, instead of teaching children Spanish (or in many cases, no foreign languages), languages of world economics or national importance such as Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Farsi, and Arabic should be taught. Those interested in going into global business of international diplomacy and politics should become fully versed in the language and customs of the nations they are going to be working in. I personally study both German and Russian and hope to go into a career in international business or diplomacy in which I can utilize my language skills, and appreciation of German and Russian culture.

In conclusion, globalization is the biggest issue that faces my generation. The world today is one where different global systems are interacting at an enormous rate. It is the duty of my generation to embrace this change, to help the world come together peacefully. The road is going to be a difficult and arduous one. While different cultures must be brought together, it is necessary that they maintain their own unique identities as well. Only then can the World's nations and people coexist peacefully. Other World issues such as the international oil crisis, global warming, the AIDS epidemic, religious extremism, and many others be addressed and solved. It is my generation that must accept these changes and work toward global unity. I feel as though my love of foreign cultures and languages is what needs to be instilled in others, and I believe I am ready to do my part to make global unity happen. Clearly, the convergence of global cultures and societies is the biggest challenge that faces, and will continue to face my generation.

The greatest challenge facing our generation is the pollution of our environment as caused by the combustion of fossil fuels for energy, as well as the impending loss of fossil fuels as an energy source. The world's supply of oil and natural gas is projected to run out in 20 years or so if we continue to use it at the rate we do. This means that if America does not begin to shift from non-renewable energy sources to renewable ones now, in 20 years we will either regress to a Stone Age level of technology or will be forced to spend trillions of dollars on building structures to turn renewable energy into electricity which we should have been building all along.

The impetus to switch from non-renewable energy sources to renewable ones is environmental as well. It is not as dubious as "we are hurting the environment"; it is as concrete as El Nino and the impending shift in the Gulf Stream, resulting in the collapse in fisheries off the Peruvian coast of South America and the imminent cooling of Europe. It is the cause of all the current unseasonable droughts and floods that are all over the news. More and more animals, especially large fish like tuna and swordfish, are discovered to be dangerous to eat in large quantities because of their large mercury content. The sever respiratory illnesses cropping up in many children and elderly from simply living in extremely polluted areas such as Los Angeles and much of China are a result of the air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Houston has been the site of many cancer outbreaks in children due to radioactivity pollution in the air and water near the nuclear power plants. Pollution does not only hurt the environment, it hurts everyone.

This challenge will affect me personally because I plan to go into a field relating to renewable energy, whether it be biological, chemical, physical, or relating to public policy in some way. It will also affect me as a taxpayer, because if America does not commit to the change to renewable energy soon, I will be one of the over 300 million Americans forced to pay for all the new solar cells, windmills and nuclear plants when the fossil fuels are exhausted. Americans have begun testing the waters of conservation and renewable energy; we should now commit fully to such a project. We should raise awareness about how to raise the efficiency of your home by doing simple things, like replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescents or LEDs, insulating, and using water-saving appliances. We should work on making solar calls and biodiesel cars more financially accessible to the average consumer. A beneficial side effect would be a boost to our failing economy. Since we are coming down off the technology boom, we as a country need to find something to replace it as our main economic stimulus, and I believe the initiative to switch to renewable energy could aid America greatly in that respect. The greatest challenge facing our generation is the dual problem of pollution and the impending exhaustion of the fossil fuel supply, and the switch to renewable energy would solve both those problems as well as create a healthier, cleaner, more financially stable future for us all.

I think that sexism is the biggest problem facing my generation today. Sexism is a pervasive problem in the American culture, but its presence is alarmingly easy to deny. Sexism often takes such subtle, sneaky forms that it is extremely difficult to identify and eradicate.

Hillary Clinton is the first woman to ever win a Democratic primary. However, her success does not make her immune to biased comments and derogatory insinuations. Hecklers shout, "Iron my shirt!" I walk through the halls of my high school and see my classmates donning shirts reading, "Make me a sandwich, Hillary!" Her cleavage and ankles are publicly dissected and derided on major television stations. She is called an "ice queen," a "bitch," and worse. It is unfortunate for all of us that such discrimination is tolerated in our culture.

When strong women like Hillary are vilified, where does that leave young women like my female classmates and me, who are still searching for our identities and wondering what we are supposed to be? We are growing up in an era when women are supposedly "liberated" and "equal," but the double standards in our society are still depressingly prevalent.

We look for role models, but the media fawns over "party girls" like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. We're told that women are respected, but we can't walk through Boston without being propositioned by men bearing video cameras, who plead with us to take off our shirts for them in the style of "Girls Gone Wild." Heidi Montag, who stars in a reality television show that is marketed towards middle- and high-schoolers, recently gave an interview about her plastic surgeries in which she stated that she would rather die than have small breasts. My little sister hums along to songs on the radio, unaware that she is bobbing her head to lyrics about "bitches and hos" performing graphic sexual acts. I walk into Wet Seal at the mall with the young girls I baby-sit and am immediately confronted with thong underwear in pre-teen sizes, bearing suggestive slogans such as "Feeling lucky?" and "Show me yours, I'll show you mine."

How are girls supposed to grow up into strong, mature, self-confident women if we have so little help in learning how to do so? We are told that it's our personalities, our innerselves, that matter, but actions speak louder than words, and we are consistently being taught that our looks - primarily, our sexual appeal - are our defining attributes.

We deserve to define ourselves. When women conform to the pressures of sexism, they are denying themselves countless opportunities; furthermore, the young men of my generation are denied the privilege of learning from smart, well-informed women.

I have researched modern-day sexism extensively, and I try to educate people on the issues. On a more personal level, I make a conscious effort to be a good role model. I work as a "mentor" and a coach for a town soccer program; it gives me an opportunity to encourage the girls who play. I am also involved in implementing MVP (Mentors in Violence Prevention) at my high school. MVP encourages students to promote knowledge about sexual and gender violence in America. I plan to further educate myself in college by taking Women Studies classes, and by working with programs similar to MVP. Ultimately, I hope to be well informed enough to persuasively write a book about the sexism facing our generation. When sexism wins, we all lose, and our generation has so much to offer; it should not be squandered because of sexism.

In my opinion the greatest challenge facing my generation today is global warming and the destruction of our planet. At this very moment, polar ice caps are melting, thousands of acres of rainforest are being destroyed, and entire species of plants and animals are slowly being eradicated. Recently in The Boston Globe, a group of researchers published findings in which magnify the harm humans are currently infliction upon the environment. According to the article, eggs from 23 species of birds that inhabit Maine all had been contaminated by an array of chemicals, ranging from household cleaners to toxic waste. While no issues have yet arisen amongst the species as a result of this contamination, it appears the future problems are very likely. Moreover, this is just one of the countless examples exhibiting how our environment is slowly falling apart, of how each day our world is moving closer to extinction. It is my greatest hope that my generation is able to recognize these problems and find their solutions before it is too late.

I realize that, as a human, I am a part of this problem; I have aided in the destruction of the environment, and now am affected by the backlash. Each day there is more and more in the news about climate changes and the destruction and contamination of environments around the globe. This ever-growing issue has come to overwhelm my thoughts, like a constant reminder at the back of my brain that something must be done about our world. At times, it is hard not to think that the issue is already out of control, that we are all just sliding further and further down, unable to stop and with no chance of climbing back up. It is difficult not to imagine that years from now entire states and countries could be inundated with seawater and species that once lived on Earth with us could be forever gone. But at the same time, I know that it is possible for us to make changes, that this does not have to be the future of our planet. With all of the technological advancements that have been made, I believe that now is the time for us to become part of the solution instead of the problem, and have various ideas for doing so.

First, in order to initiate change, people must first be informed of both the issues and how they can help diminish them. I recommend that we first organize various advertisement campaigns to gain the world's attention. Such campaigns would include the use of multiple forms of media, from television commercials to websites to national rallies. As stated above, the advertisements would not simply inform the audience of the problems, but also of the steps they can take to help make a difference. The steps I would advise people to take would include unplugging unused electronics, recycling, and using public transportation or carpooling. I would also urge audiences to spread the word to people around them, thus forming a coalition of people working for the environment. Additionally, I also have ideas for dealing with the issue on a larger scale. I strongly believe that federal money should be allocated to research dedicated to finding alternative energy and fuel sources. Through every little act [we] will help to save the environment, huge changes are necessary to solve this issue, the main of which is finding other energy sources. Equally important, funding should also be provided by nation around the world to help preserve their respective environments. The commitment of every country to save local forests, lakes, etc. would in total keep thousands of species from becoming endangered and, eventually, extinct. If wildlife preservation worldwide does not take hold soon, the great variety of organisms we have today will soon be diminished. Finally, the last large-scale solution I believe should be initiated is finding better methods for removing chemical waste. As stated above, even birds in rural Maine have been contaminated, leading many to believe that the chemicals are reaching every point of our environment, including ourselves. If we can find a way to remove the chemicals from our environment, countless lives could be saved. Hence, I have multiple ideas for how my generation could work towards ending global warming, and it is now our obligation to begin.

In conclusion, I believe the most important issue that my generation will have to face is global warming and the destruction of the environment. It is vital that we recognize the countless problems facing our world and begin to work for a change, before further harm is done.

Currently, we are in the midst of one of the most historic presidential elections in United States history. The candidates themselves are perhaps the most ambitious and diverse presidential contenders this country has seen. However, it is not only the people involved in the race which contributes to its historic importance, but also the issues they face. We live in a world fraught with turmoil and tough decisions, decisions which could very well affect the course of the future not simply for the United States, but the entire world. As the debates and campaigns reach their climax, each of our presidential hopefuls will have to convince voters that their stance on these issues is the best way to lead into the future. In the midst of these complex and extremely difficult issues, the challenge I feel holds the most importance to my generation is ensuring that our environment, and ultimately our planet, will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

When I look out the window of my car, whether it is running errands around town or traveling far distances, one of the most striking, yet no so surprising, observations I make is the amount of litter scattered everywhere. Perhaps it is there by accident, though in the more likely scenario, it was deliberately and carelessly tossed aside by a pedestrian or driver too lazy to find the proper receptacle. Pristine views of lush countryside or the simple enjoyment of a public park can be ruined by the unsightly presence of litter. This is one of the most obvious signs of our current environmental issues, though by far not the only, or even the worst. A massive influx of the world's population can only guarantee that even more littering will take place, accompanied by an increase in the number of automobiles spitting harmful emissions into our atmosphere and degrading the quality or our air. Again, these are only two examples of many, but they demonstrate that is not a problem of the future - it is happening right now. The future will not only bring with it a sudden revelation of our environmental carelessness, but only the devastating consequences. With horrifying predictions of global warming, coupled with an increase in intensity and duration of natural disasters and accelerated extinction rates of many species of animal each year, it has never been more important to act than it is now. Waiting will only ensure that the damage done will be permanent.

How this issue will affect me personally is not the story of a single individual, but of a global community. This issue will not only affect only certain people or areas. If we see its consequences, they will be felt by every single human being on this planet, and resound from then until the end of time. There will be no going back. Take the melting of the glaciers for example. Melting which will occur, and is occurring right now, is predicted to cause an increase in global sea levels by several feet. While not seemingly important, this would render most major coastal cities such as Boston, New York, and Los Angeles, as well as numerous others around the globe, severely flooded and ultimately uninhabitable, if not completely submerged. This is why the issue is so paramount, and requires decisive, swift action on the part of every individual who values the world we live in today. The dangers may seem harmless and far off, but they are closer and deadlier than ever before.

In the face of this frightening future, it is up to my generation to take a stand and come up with inventive, feasible, preventative ideas to ensure this future never comes to pass. One method we must consider is education. Currently at Woburn High School, an environmental studies program is offered to students who wish to study the world we live in and how intricately everything is connected. Indeed, many people today do not take the time to weigh the consequences of their actions. Take those careless drivers for an example. Perhaps they tossed their trash out the window with full understanding of its consequences. But, as absurd as it may seem, perhaps they did not fully comprehend how one piece of trash, while harmless to us, could be toxic and deadly to the animals and plants within that local ecosystem. Similar to an automobile, it only takes one damaged part for an ecosystem to completely break down. If we implemented more opportunities, both elective and mandatory, for students to educate themselves on the environment, perhaps this would cause more and more people to realize the adverse effects that littering has on their surroundings. Another way my generation can take steps towards the preservation of our environment is through further petitioning for the endorsement of actions such as recycling and investment in hybrid cars. At Woburn High School, we have an entire section devoted to recycling. If more schools were to invest the time to create great programs such as this, it is one more way we can help reduce our global environmental impact. Also, if the government were to endorse more eco-friendly means of transportation, global carbon emission would be greatly reduced, leading to cleaner air and the reduction in the greenhouse effect.

My generation faces many difficult, important decisions as we enter the realm of adulthood. We stand at the edge of a precipice; the actions we choose to act on and those we choose to ignore could drastically influence the future. As the 2008 presidential election draws near, it is important that we choose a candidate who recognizes this reality, and will help plant seeds that will be up to my generation to cultivate. Among these issues lays the challenge of ensuring that we preserve our planet for future generations to enjoy. When compared to topics such as the War in Iraq or global economy, the environment may seem to take second place. However, it is my opinion that the issue of environmental preservation is just as critical as any other, if not more so. Wars and economies may rise up and die down, recede and boom, but the planet we live in knows only [one] path, and it is our responsibility as the future leaders of our communities and of the world to ensure that the path it takes is the right one. We only have one chance, and it is up to my generation to ensure that we take it.