National Geographic photographer, international wildlife advocate and Lincoln, Neb., native Joel Sartore recently spoke to students in Dr. Ann Mari May’s macroeconomics class. Students in the class were impressed with Sartore’s adventures as a wildlife photographer, and were excited to learn more about the connections between how the economy operates and life in the natural world.
Dustin Baker, a former engineering student who returned to college to study business administration earlier this year, said Sartore’s talk hit home with him.
“Joel made connections about how the federal government operates when it comes to spending choices, which is something Dr. May has talked about with monetary policy,” Baker said. “Expansionary and contractionary spending decisions are often tied to politicians getting reelected and that influences the economy in ways that aren’t always looking out for the best interest of the people. The same thing tends to happen when decisions are made that affect the environment.”
Amanda Ferguson, who is a fishery and wildlife major from Milford, Neb., took the macroeconomics course because she felt it would be a great complement to her studies. She also saw a connection between Sartore’s experiences and what they learn in class.
Joel Sartore talks to macroeconomics students
“He talked about how everything in the world is interconnected, so when something happens to the economy in one part of the world it affects everyone,” Ferguson explained. “Global warming is similar because when the arctic environment is disrupted it causes problems throughout the world, whether that is rising sea levels or endangering animal species.”
Sartore let students express their views about global warming by having them close their eyes and then raise their hands if they believed in global warming and whether it was caused by humans. Then he let them discuss their views on the matter.
“He had my attention the entire time,” said Baker, who is from Kearney, Neb. “I wish I had the opportunity to engage interactively like that in every class.”
Sartore also talked about issues ranging from the overuse of smart phones, product choices such as consuming bottled water and ways that young people can make a positive impact on the environment.
Dr. Ann Mari May, professor of economics and long-time friend of Sartore's, invited him to the class because of his ability to challenge students to think about the world in which they live on a deeper level.
"The College of Business embraces the notion that we need to connect what we learn in our classrooms with the larger world. Joel brings lived experience to our discussions about climate change and how we organize our economic lives, and the students benefit greatly as a result," May said.
Published: October 28, 2013