Global perspectives shared at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School's Sustainability Showcase

Issues such as rising sea levels, air pollution, inflation, political conflict, and low fertility rates affect many countries across the globe, but how they address those issues can vary widely depending on a nation’s government, its people, and its geography, according to Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students who participated in the Country Sustainability Project.

The project is part of the 10th Grade Honors Human Geography course and is a chance for students to take an in-depth look at a country of their choice in relation to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. They have 12 weeks to research and determine how physical geography, demographic conditions, cultural attributes, economic development, and political features impact the lives of the people living in the country they chose.

The research then comes together in a final presentation and research paper, where students reflect upon some of the issues that are not sustainable and think about what strategies countries can use to address the challenges they face. During the Sustainability Showcase held June 2, the students presented what they learned to visitors who came to their tables. 

Jack Smyth, who studied Belgium, said one of the issues the European nation faces is political conflict. He noted that he

thinks if the country moved toward a confederalist style of government, it would allow for different factions to coexist more peacefully. The 10th-grader pointed out that other issues such as the nation’s rising sea level, national debt, and low fertility rates are contributing to its ability to develop. 

Population decline is an issue for the country of New Zealand as well, said Leah Caucci, who studied the Pacific island nation. But population decline there is related to the poor economy, which contributes to some New Zealanders leaving to find better work in neighboring countries like Australia, she said. 

While her focus was on New Zealand, Leah said she has learned about other countries based on what her classmates were studying. But it also helped her to learn some important study skills, such as how to plan out her research and prepare for a public presentation.

“[With an] event like this, everyone’s learning how to portray their country with confidence and talk to people,” she said. “I think it’s just a very good growth experience.”

Jack said he knew a bit about Belgium before he decided to focus on it, since his parents have visited a few times and told him about the great food. But he came away from the Sustainability Project with more than knowledge about the country’s cuisine.

“Something that surprised me is that they speak three languages - it’s mandatory to know Dutch, Flemish and French, and sometimes German,” said Jack. “I find that very impressive and surprising.”

Jack said he is even further inspired now to visit Belgium.

“I do hope to go there someday,” he said.