ALX Professional Foundations: Milestone 3 Worksheet

Instructions: Provide responses to all items in the orange boxes. The worksheet
consists of Sections A-E. Work on this worksheet one section at a time throughout
your week, and return to Savanna after each section for the next set of content
and further instructions.

SECTION A: Problem Statement

Step 1: Your GCGO

Which Grand Challenge or Great Opportunity (GCGO) do you want to play a part in addressing?
(Pick one.)

As a reminder, the GCGOs are:

● Urbanization
● Education
● Infrastructure
● Healthcare
● Climate change
● Governance
● Job creation
● Agriculture
● Natural resources
● Arts, culture, and design
● Tourism
● Empowerment of women
● Regional integration
● Wildlife conservation

GCGO: Climate Change

Step 2: Describe Your Problem

You are going to take a first pass at briefly describing your chosen problem. This can be any
problem that speaks to you, as long as it is a real-life occurrence that is clearly linked to your
chosen GCGO, that occurs in a certain place and for certain people (and/or animals), and that it
can be clearly defined.

For example, if you chose wildlife conservation as your GCGO, you might first state your chosen
problem as:
There are very few white rhinos left in Kenya and they are in danger of going extinct.

Another example, if you choose infrastructure as your GCGO:

Residents of major cities in South Africa endure prolonged periods without electricity, significantly
hampering their ability to generate income.

Note that this is just your first attempt stating the problem, and you don’t need to quantify the
problem yet. In order to get to your official problem statement (which does need to be
quantifiable) first answer the following questions. The more specific your answers, the better.
You may also ask Google, Wikipedia, , ChatGPT, and/or other reliable online sources to help you.
Please be sure to cite (give credit to) any sources that you use.

Describe your problem using What/Who/When/Where/Why/How….

1. What is the problem? What is reality like because of this problem? What will reality be
like if the problem continues?

Climate change presents a critical global challenge, marked by rising temperatures and
escalating extreme weather events such as hurricanes and wildfires. These changes are
accelerating polar ice melt, raising sea levels, and threatening ecosystems and biodiversity
worldwide. Without intervention, future scenarios include worsening weather extremes,
coastal inundation endangering communities, disrupted agriculture, mass migrations due to
environmental pressures, and economic instability.

Addressing climate change demands urgent, coordinated efforts to curb emissions, adapt to
environmental shifts, and protect vulnerable populations. Mitigation strategies are crucial to
limit temperature increases and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation
measures are needed to enhance resilience and prepare communities for inevitable changes.
International cooperation, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices are pivotal in
shaping a sustainable future and safeguarding the planet's health for future generations

2. Who does this problem impact, directly and indirectly? Who contributes to the problem?

Climate change impacts a broad spectrum of entities directly and indirectly. Communities in
coastal areas face rising sea levels and increased risks from extreme weather and heatwaves.
Ecosystems are under threat, leading to habitat loss and species extinction. Agriculture and
food security are vulnerable to changing weather patterns and water availability.

Indirectly affected are economic systems reliant on natural resources and vulnerable
infrastructure. Global stability can be influenced by climate-induced migration and resource
conflicts.

Contributors to climate change include industrial activities emitting greenhouse gases,

agricultural practices releasing methane and nitrous oxide, deforestation reducing carbon
sinks, and land use changes altering natural landscapes. Addressing climate change demands
global cooperation to reduce emissions, adopt sustainable practices, and enhance resilience
against future impacts.

3. When did this problem begin? When does it occur?

The issue of climate change began to gain significant attention and scientific recognition in
the late 20th century, particularly with the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 by the United Nations. This marked the formal recognition and
study of human-induced climate change as a pressing global issue.

Climate change occurs continually as a result of natural and human activities that release
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels,
deforestation, and industrial processes have accelerated the rate of climate change, leading to
measurable impacts on global temperatures, weather patterns, and ecosystems. These
changes are ongoing and require sustained efforts to mitigate and adapt to their effects.

4. Where is this problem occurring? What is the context in which it occurs?

Climate change is a global phenomenon impacting diverse environments and communities

worldwide. Coastal areas face rising sea levels and increased flooding, while Arctic regions
see rapid ice melt and ecosystem shifts. Forests and biodiversity hotspots are experiencing
disruptions, affecting wildlife and habitats. Agricultural communities confront changing
weather patterns that threaten crop yields and water resources. Urban centers contend with
heatwaves and air pollution exacerbated by urbanization.

Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise, intensifying global warming.

Addressing climate change requires comprehensive efforts to mitigate emissions, build
resilience, and protect vulnerable populations and ecosystems across various geographical
and socio-economic contexts.

5. Why is this a problem? What are the pain points or gaps? Why do you personally care
about this problem?
 Climate change is a pressing problem due to its wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems,
communities, and economies worldwide. It accelerates biodiversity loss, increases the
frequency of natural disasters, and poses risks to public health through heatwaves and air
pollution. Economic sectors like agriculture and tourism face uncertainty, and vulnerable
populations are disproportionately affected, exacerbating social inequalities.

Personally, I am deeply concerned about climate change because of its implications for future
generations and the planet's sustainability. Addressing this issue is crucial for protecting our
environment, promoting social justice, and ensuring a resilient and equitable future. It requires
collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to mitigate climate impacts and build a
sustainable global society.

6. How would reality be different if this problem were solved? (This can be your opinion.)

If climate change were solved, we would witness a world transformed by environmental

stability, improved public health, sustainable economies, social equity, and global cooperation.
Ecosystems would flourish without the threat of extinction or natural disasters. Cleaner air
would enhance public health, while industries benefit from stable climate conditions.
Vulnerable communities would receive better protection, and international collaboration would
foster innovation and shared prosperity. Solving climate change promises a future where both
the planet and its inhabitants thrive in harmony

Step 3: Understand and Quantify Your Problem

Next, you will conduct some basic web research to better understand, define, and quantify your
problem. You will do this through a combination of Google search, Wikipedia, credible web
sources, ChatGPT or other AI research tool, and your own synthesis of information from these
sources. Be sure to give credit to your sources, and paraphrase (use your own words) rather
than quoting directly.

7. What is the historical context for this problem? What happened in the past that
contributes to the problem now?

Climate change has deep historical roots, accelerated notably since the Industrial Revolution.
The widespread use of fossil fuels, deforestation, rapid population growth, technological
advancements, globalization, and historical policy priorities favoring economic growth have
collectively contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts.
Understanding this historical context is crucial for implementing effective strategies to
mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

8. What are the possible economic (money-related) reasons why this problem exists and
continues?

Climate change persists due to economic factors such as dependence on fossil fuels, the high
cost of transitioning to renewable energy, short-term profit priorities, subsidies for carbon-
intensive industries, global competition, and externalized environmental costs. Addressing
these economic drivers requires rethinking incentives, investing in sustainable technologies,
and implementing policies that internalize environmental impacts into economic decision-
making. Achieving a sustainable future necessitates balancing economic growth with
environmental responsibility and ensuring equitable outcomes for societies worldwide.

9. What are the possible political reasons why this problem exists and continues?

Climate change persists politically due to policy gridlock, short-term political priorities,
international tensions, economic interests favoring carbon-intensive industries, public opinion
challenges, and lobbying influence. Overcoming these hurdles demands bipartisan
cooperation, long-term policy commitment, public education, and global diplomatic efforts.
Effective governance is essential to implementing policies that mitigate emissions, promote
renewable energy, and ensure a sustainable future for all.

10. What cultural beliefs and/or social norms possibly contribute to this problem?

Climate change is influenced by cultural beliefs and social norms that prioritize consumption,
technological optimism, individualism, environmental disconnect, resistance to change, and
sometimes skepticism towards environmental science. Addressing these factors requires
promoting values of sustainability, collective responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Cultivating awareness and changing societal norms around consumption and technology use
are essential for fostering meaningful progress in tackling climate change.

11. Who are the people potentially responsible (directly or indirectly) for creating and/or
maintaining this problem?
 Those responsible for contributing to and perpetuating climate change include governments,
industries, consumers, financial institutions, international organizations, scientists, media, and
non-governmental organizations. Addressing this issue requires collective responsibility and
coordinated action across these sectors to mitigate emissions and promote sustainable
practices for a resilient future.

Now that you have the preliminary information you need, you’ll continue your web research to
find some numbers, or quantifiable information, to help describe your problem:

What numerical data can you find that is relevant to your problem? Be sure to use your own
words and also cite (give credit to) your sources.

Example 1:
According to Chat GPT, there are about 880 white rhinos currently living in Kenya. This population
is very small, and they are critically endangered.

Example 2:
Johannesburg has approximately 5.8 million residents (per ChatGPT) and had approximately 4.7
million international overnight visitors in 2019 (according to the South African Tourism Annual
Report for 2019/2020).

12. Approximately how many people (and/or animals) are directly impacted by this
problem? Explain.

Climate change directly impacts millions of people and numerous animal species worldwide
through rising sea levels, extreme weather events, habitat disruption, and food security
challenges. Addressing this issue requires urgent global cooperation to mitigate emissions,
adapt to climate impacts, and protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

13. Approximately how many people (and/or animals) are indirectly impacted by this
problem? Explain.

Climate change indirectly impacts millions of people and diverse animal species globally
through economic disruptions, health effects, changes in ecosystem services, biodiversity
loss, economic instability, and social inequalities. Addressing these indirect impacts requires
comprehensive strategies to enhance resilience, promote sustainable development, and
mitigate further climate-related risks on a global scale.

14. What other numerical data can you share that is relevant to your problem? What can
you find out about its size and scope? What can be measured? (For example, the
 amount of trash produced in Nairobi each day, the number of people without access to
clean water, etc.)

Climate change data includes measurements such as greenhouse gas emissions, sea level
rise, temperature anomalies, Arctic sea ice extent, species extinction rates, economic losses
from climate disasters, renewable energy capacity, forest loss, and health impacts. These
metrics quantify the scale and scope of climate change impacts on ecosystems, economies,
and human well-being, guiding efforts to mitigate and adapt to global environmental
challenges.

Step 4: Describe Your Solved State

Without having to come up with how to solve the problem, describe what the desired, solved
state looks like. Please use numbers wherever possible, and make your solved state specific
and measurable.

Example 1:
There would be a population of 10,000 healthy and protected white rhinos living in the wild in
Kenya.

Example 2:
All 5.8 million residents of Johannesburg would have affordable and consistently available power
from clean energy sources, 99.5% of the time.

15. If the problem were addressed/solved, what would reality be like?

If climate change were addressed or solved, the world would experience environmental
stability, resilience against climate impacts, a transition to clean energy, improved public
health, sustainable development, global cooperation, and social justice. This transformative
outcome would ensure a healthier planet and a better quality of life for all.

16. Are there other benefits that would come from your problem being solved? Name at
least one.

One additional benefit of solving climate change would be enhanced food security and
agricultural resilience. With stable climate conditions and improved water management
practices, agricultural productivity could increase, ensuring reliable food supplies for
communities worldwide. This would help mitigate hunger and malnutrition, particularly in
 vulnerable regions prone to climate variability and extreme weather events.

Step 5: Clarify Your Problem Scope

You are more effective at solving a problem when you know where its limits are. That is, when
you know what is “in scope” and “out of scope.” For this reason, it is important to list what is out
of scope, or NOT included as part of your problem definition.

Example 1:
The scope of the problem does not cover any other animal species besides white rhinos. It does
not include white rhinos outside of Kenya.

Example 2:
The scope of the problem does not include any businesses or people outside of the legally-
defined Johannesburg city limits. It does not apply to tourists or visitors staying for less than 1
year in Johannesburg.

17. What is NOT in scope for your problem?

The scope of the problem is that climate change efforts primarily focus on mitigating
greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to environmental changes, and promoting sustainability
globally.

Step 6: Areas for Learning

What do you not know or understand that you would like to know more about? This can be
anything related directly or indirectly to your problem. Let your curiosity run wild!

Example 1:
I’d like to know where most of the demand for rhino horn is coming from. I’d like to know who are
the primary buyers and who is behind the trafficking of rhino horn. I’d like to know how long the
average rhino’s lifespan is. I’d like to know how many babies a typical female rhino has, and how
many babies typically survive into adulthood. I’d like to know more about what diseases impact
rhinos. I’d like to know more about the kinds of habitats that rhinos thrive in. I’d like to understand
what international organizations do the best job supporting wildlife conservation and what their
practices are. I’d like to know what models of community involvement have been most successful
in keeping wildlife safe and thriving. I’d like to understand how much land is available in Kenya for
rhinos to roam.

Example 2:
I’d like to better understand the utility company Eskom and its history. I’d like to understand why
Eksom has failed to plan properly to update its infrastructure. I’d like to understand the
relationship between Eksom and the South African government. I’d like to know if there are
private utility companies providing competition to Eksom. I’d like to know what the latest
breakthroughs are in solar power. I’d like to know what other possible energy sources might be
made available in Johannesburg. I’d like to know how much energy tourists and temporary
visitors use. I’d like to better understand the process of how limited energy supply gets allocated
to people and businesses. I’d like to better understand the economic impact to people and
businesses of not having power.

18. What else would you like to know or understand better? (It can be anything related to
your problem.) List 5-10 things.
I’d like to understand better the current trends in global greenhouse gas emissions, renewable
energy innovations, biodiversity impacts, urban resilience strategies, climate policy
economics, international agreements, agriculture's role in mitigation, public perceptions,
adaptation strategies, and carbon capture technologies is crucial for addressing climate
change comprehensively.

Understanding these topics would provide deeper insights into the complexities and
challenges of addressing climate change effectively.
Step 7: Problem Statement

This step is the culmination of all you have done in Part A. You will synthesize the work you have
done above to create a problem statement of 150 - 250 words. This should be in narrative form,
2-4 paragraphs, and should NOT use bullet points.

Your problem statement should:

● Provide a succinct description of the problem in the first sentence.
● Indicate specific population affected
● Explain the impact (cost, time, environmental, personal) and why the problem matters.
● Explain what reality would look like if the problem were solved. The gap that exists
between present reality and the desired outcome should be clear.

Please cite (give credit to) where your information came from directly in your statement. Avoid
word-for-word quoting and instead paraphrase (use your own words), as modeled in the
example. Also list your sources and their urls (web addresses) at the end.

Example :
Kenya’s white rhinos are in critical danger of extinction. There are currently about 880 white
rhinos in the country of Kenya, per Wikipedia. According to Chat GPT, Rhinos are considered a
keystone species, meaning they have a disproportionately large impact on their ecosystem
compared to their population size. Rhinos help shape their environment by influencing vegetation
growth and acting as seed dispersers, which creates habitat for other species (per ChatGPT).

The extinction of white rhinos would have cascading effects on other plant and animal species in
their habitat. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, rhinos’ presence in reserves and parks bring
millions of tourists each year, contributing to local economies and supporting conservation
efforts. Once a species goes extinct, it is gone forever. The extinction of rhinos would represent
the loss of millions of years of evolutionary history, and unique genetic diversity that science has
yet to fully understand and benefit from (per ChatGPT).

My problem would be considered solved when the population of wild, white rhinos in Kenya
reaches 10,000, and when all imminent threats to their population including poaching and habitat
destruction are not present. If this were the reality, it would create ecosystem balance, create
large revenues from ecotourism, preserve important cultural symbols, and allow for genetic
diversity that could benefit humanity in ways we may not yet fully understand.

Sources:
Kenya Wildlife Services Annual Report 2017, https://www.kws.go.ke/content/annual-reports
ChatGPT, https://chat.openai.com/
“White Rhinoceros”, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_rhinoceros
 19. My problem is statement is:

Addressing climate change is a critical imperative of our time. The consequences are
profound and far-reaching as global temperatures rise due to increased greenhouse gas
emissions from human activities. The most vulnerable populations, including low-income
communities, coastal residents, and indigenous peoples, bear the brunt of these impacts.
Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and island nations, extreme weather events intensify,
disrupting lives and economies, and ecosystems face unprecedented pressures leading to
biodiversity loss.

The costs of inaction are staggering: economic losses from climate-related disasters, public
health crises exacerbated by heatwaves and vector-borne diseases, and social unrest due to
resource scarcity and displacement. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it
intersects with economic stability, public health, and social equity. If effectively mitigated,
global temperatures could stabilize, reducing the frequency and severity of extreme weather
events, preserving ecosystems, and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

Achieving this requires a collective shift towards renewable energy sources, sustainable land
use practices, and resilient infrastructure. International cooperation robust policy frameworks
and investments in green technologies are essential. The gap between our current trajectory
and a sustainable future remains stark, necessitating urgent and decisive action at local,
national, and global levels to mitigate emissions and adapt to unavoidable changes. This
transformative effort is essential for ensuring a habitable planet for future generations.
 20. Please list all sources that you used to form your problem statement:
● Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
● National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
● United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Please go back to Savanna and continue with your learning content. You will
be filling out Step 8 after you’ve completed the Peer Activity.

Step 8: Peer Activity Report

This step is related to your peer activity and should help you to improve your problem
statement. Answer the following questions as part of the activity and then update your Problem
Statement in Step 7 above, based on your feedback.

21. Who reviewed your problem statement? (Give the first and last names of your 2 peers).
22. In brief, what feedback did they give to you?

23. Was their feedback useful to you? Did it feel kind? Why or why not?

24. Who did you give feedback to? (Give the first and last names of 2 peers- they may be
the same or different peers from above.)
 25. Do you feel that you gave useful and kind feedback to your peers? Why or why not?

Please go back to Savanna and continue with your learning content. You will
be prompted on when to return to complete Section B.

SECTION B: Research Questions & Hypothesis

IMPORTANT: Complete this section AFTER completing the Savanna Modules Asking Effective
Questions and Web Research.

Step 9: Research Questions

Based on what you have learned so far and on ‘Step 6: Areas for Learning’ from this worksheet,
come up with 3 research questions. Research questions should be complex enough that they
can’t be answered by a single Google search. If appropriate, form a hypothesis that your
research may confirm or reject. (As a reminder, a hypothesis is a prediction of how you think
your research will answer your research question. It is your best guess. If you truly have
absolutely no idea, state “not applicable.”)

Example Research Question #1:

What are some ways can we increase rhino populations?
Hypothesis:
Rhino populations will be increased by creating more open spaces for them to roam, increasing
their protection, increasing international interest in them, and other reasons I have yet to uncover.

Example Research Question #2:

Which organizations have been effective at wildlife conservation and what practices do they use?
Hypothesis:
Not applicable; I don’t know.

Example Research Question #3:

How many babies can a typical female white rhino have in her lifetime, and what are the reasons a
female may not have high fertility?
Hypothesis:
A typical female white rhino can have 5 babies in her lifetime, and fertility may be affected by diet,
amount of grazing territory, poaching, stress, mate availability, and other reasons I have yet ot
uncover.

26. Research question #1:

Hypothesis (if applicable):

27. Research question #2:

Hypothesis (if applicable):

28. Research question #3:

Hypothesis (if applicable):

 Please go back to Savanna and continue with your learning content. You will
be prompted on when to return to complete Section C.

SECTION C: Web Research

Part 1: Research Plan
You can plan out your research, for each of your research questions, using the template below.

29. Step # 1: Define your objectives, 3 research questions & associated hypotheses.

Key Questions: What are you trying to accomplish with this research? What do you wish
to find out that will accelerate your work in the right direction?

Your Response:

30. Step # 2: Determine your end outputs.

Key Questions: What type of data/information is ideal for you to find, based on what
you are trying to accomplish? Do you need to present it in any particular format?

Your Response:
 31. Step # 3: Scope your main sources of information.

Key Questions: Do you already know where you might want to go to find the information
you're seeking? Are there particular entities or organizations that you know are seen as
"experts" on the topic?

Your Response:

After you updated earlier parts of the worksheet based on your research
plan, please go back to Savanna and continue with your learning content.
Return to Part 2 and Part 3 prior to submitting your milestone.

Part 2: Conducting Research

You can answer the following questions as you complete conducting your research into your
research questions.

32. Step 1: Begin gathering your required information.

Key Questions: What search terms should you use? How many reports/articles do you
want to read before deciding you have seen enough?

Your Response:
 33. Step 2: Evaluate the Validity/Credibility of Your Sources and Information

Key Questions: Are the sources credible and reliable? Consider the authority, accuracy,
objectivity, and currency of the information to ensure its validity for your research.

Your Response:

34. Step 3: Synthesize and Communicate Your Key Findings.

Key Questions: Summarize the key information and findings that you have gathered
during your research. Organize these findings in a clear and coherent manner, ensuring
that they directly address your research objectives and questions.

Your Response:

35. Return to Your Original Objectives and Key Questions.

Key Questions: Revisit your initial objectives and key questions to ensure that your
research findings adequately address them. Reflect on whether your findings have
effectively contributed to solving the identified problem.

Your Response:

Part 3: Research Summary

In 200-300 words, provide an executive summary of your research in the text box below. You
should be synthesizing information from multiple sources. Provide answers and explanations
for the 3 questions you investigated and your key research findings. This should be in a narrative
format (no bullet points), and be at least 3 paragraphs long.
Please use at least 3 different online sources such as ChatGPT, organizational websites,
Wikipedia, etc. Please cite (give credit to) where your information came from directly in your
statement. Avoid word-for-word quoting, paraphrase instead (use your own words), as modeled
in the example. Also, list your sources and their URLs (web addresses) at the end.

36. Research Summary

Once you have completed this worksheet, export/convert to .pdf, rename it per the
instructions, and upload to Savanna as your Milestone # 3 Submission. Celebrate a job well
done!