There are so many threads that talk this over, and even ridiculous, illogical arguments against the evidence. But really - what argument can there be for not being considerate with our actions with the overwhelming awareness we now all have about the ill effects of ignorance?
I'm no hippy (far from it) but personally, I love it too much to let it all disappear before the next generation gets to see it - and what would some of us have to photograph? Isn't it time we actually change our patterns of consumption? It's all so very, very tiresome to continually read these gloomy reports.
I'm in full agreement. Unfortunately the world's population has spun completely out of control due to our ability to feed people ( even though the food supply is basically poisoned ) and better medical care.
To really stop what's happening and bring the Earth back to a healthy state, about 4 billion of us have to die. I'll catch hell for that statement I'm sure, but it's the truth.
To really stop what's happening and bring the Earth back to a healthy state, about 4 billion of us have to die. I'll catch hell for that statement I'm sure, but it's the truth.
I'm also aware of this rather awesome fact, but I think that damage limitation can only be a good thing. So I'll continue to do my bit and make life a bit better for someone or some living creature, somewhere.
I´m totally agree with you. But, I got the sensation this battle is lost. And, when the governments want to do something seriously, perhaps it will be too late. I hope I´m wrong, but that´s my feeling.
Of course - that's a natural assumption Alexys (and probably right to some extent) but while everyone enjoys themselves at the planet's expense, what pressure is ther for governments to change?
The question is: what will one be doing in the meantime, until 'someone else' does something to make it better? Or do we take the view that it's now broken, so let's break it quicker?
I was hugely disappointed that nobody seemed to see a problem with what was shown in my stock entry. This bird's nest now contains not only the bread wrapper, but also 3 crisp packets. And that's just what's visible.
"Sometimes I wonder why the human race is even on this planet."
How are we ever going to save the planet when we *still* can't put litter in a bin?
Of course - that's a natural assumption Alexys (and probably right to some extent) but while everyone enjoys themselves at the planet's expense, what pressure is ther for governments to change?
The question is: what will one be doing in the meantime, until 'someone else' does something to make it better? Or do we take the view that it's now broken, so let's break it quicker?
We can do anything more, of course. We can use public transport, recycle, be careful with the ocean & the sea,... (sorry my English doesn´t avoid me to express all my ideas). But, countries has to respect Kioto´s resolution and we couldn´t do it. We don´t control the industrial pollution. The biggest solution has to come from the countries (IMHO, specially US & European Community, because those areas are the areas with more economic power and more pollution). Don´t forget the problem is in the economical interest.
I hope you understand my ideas clearly. If you have doubts, tell me please.
I think the Kyoto agreement is a step in the right direction, except for the 2 major industrialised nations that have not signed it (almost makes it a step backwards).
I´m totally agree with you. But, I got the sensation this battle is lost. And, when the governments want to do something seriously, perhaps it will be too late. I hope I´m wrong, but that´s my feeling.
Governments will only get interested when the voters show they care!
Nature is bigger than us. In the end, it'll win. I'm positive. It'll just swallow us up, recoop for a bazillion years, then start springing up new forms of life. Things evolve. We're witnessing just a fragment. But with that aside, I find it disgusting what we're doing to our home. To use an old cliche, we really shouldn't shit where we eat!
Even if 4 billion of us were to magically disappear, it'd only be a matter of time before we were overpopulated again. We're like bunnies. Except we take up more space.
I agree with most of what you are saying...BUT the earth has more resilience than you can imagine. I live in Pittsburgh, PA and 30+ years ago with all the steel mills and such this was a polluted place (air, water, etc). It is now a clean place - the fish are back in the riviers and you can even eat them!
Bald eagles are regaining their numbers in the wild.
I can show you places that once were a total disaster, environmentally, that today you could not tell from a national park that was never touched by human hand.
What discourages me is that no matter how hard i might try to do the 'right' thing, i see 10 other people harming the environment or wasteing resources, etc.
I´m totally agree with you. But, I got the sensation this battle is lost. And, when the governments want to do something seriously, perhaps it will be too late. I hope I´m wrong, but that´s my feeling.
Governments will only get interested when the voters show they care!
I think government won´t get interested while economic interest will be bigger than environment.
Pittsburgh must be bit like the UK in that mostly manufacturing has moved elsewere without regulations on polution or risk of litigation from near by residents, the damage is still being done just elsewhere and usually bigger.
Too many people think that saving the world is too much. They think it is too late or that they cannot possibly help. The truth is that there is a lot of ways to help, even small ones. It may not be everyone in the world helping but it's not just you either and people continue to 'see the light' in the smog-covered sky and do something about it.
Recycle, be informed about your purchases and their effect on the environment, when you go shooting somewhere pick up any trash you see, plant a tree, and if you feel really brave you can organise an activity within your community to clean up a section of river or lake or any other area that is particularly hard hit with trash.
As it's being said, Earth has an outstanding ability to endure and repair itself. But sometimes, it just goes over the top. We keep destroying and destroying, leaving the Earth as nothing.
One of the biggest problems as I can see it, which is a pretty cynical but in my opinion needed point of view, is that most races follow an exponential curve and suddenly drop to zero when they've exhausted the resources around them. We have an ability to push the limits, not move when we've exhausted an area, and live when we should die.
We could be as many as we are if we all took care of the earth around us, and that's an ability that we have because of our gifted intelligence that other animals do not have to the same extent. But all too many people favor greed, money and belongings over having a planet that will prosper for the many generations to come.
Jon, thanks for bringing up this subject. However, in this case you can't just collect donations, like you can do in other cases. You will actually have to change people's way of living, which is a pretty damn hard job. I try to limit my own resource usage and do what I can, but I know I'm not perfect either.
I would be very much willing to work hard so that this beautiful world stays like that, or even in a better state, forever.
I agree with most of what you are saying...BUT the earth has more resilience than you can imagine. I live in Pittsburgh, PA and 30+ years ago with all the steel mills and such this was a polluted place (air, water, etc). It is now a clean place - the fish are back in the riviers and you can even eat them!
It's the same with quitting smoking...after just one month your lungs begin to function at (or closer to!) normal capacity. We're absolutely capable of healing this situation.
However, I used to live near Rocky Flats, in Colorado. That place is a danger zone, yet "they" want to build an open-space park on the lot. And all ready homes are popping up around it because it's cheap land.
Well basically it's a belief that the earth is a living spirit (Gaia), we are all part of the earth and carry a part of Gaia's essence in us, additionally anything that we create we in turn put a little of our spirit into it, thus the basic message is respect everything.
Gaiaism is considered by some to be a pagan religion although in reality it's more of a path to be followed, there are no churches, robes, chants, finance, etc, the concept is based on such an fundimental idea of respecting ourselves and our environment that to develop Gaiaism into an organised religion is impractical. There is also no reason why a someone who follows another religion cannot be a Gaiaist (although many may choose a different label).
Gaiaism = respect for our environment.
I own gaiaism.com and gaiaism.org my intention is to develop them into a site that promotes environmental respect and a natural path. If anyone is interested in joining me with this project please PM me.
As it's being said, Earth has an outstanding ability to endure and repair itself. But sometimes, it just goes over the top. We keep destroying and destroying, leaving the Earth as nothing.
True. Very true.
One of these days the Earth is going to shake us off like fleas.
As it's being said, Earth has an outstanding ability to endure and repair itself. But sometimes, it just goes over the top. We keep destroying and destroying, leaving the Earth as nothing.
True. Very true.
One of these days the Earth is going to shake us off like fleas.
That's what scares me. At one point we can't keep it off anymore, and we're all in big trouble. It's just a matter of time. Maybe it happens during my lifetime, maybe not. We can't work against nature forever.
Of course - that's a natural assumption Alexys (and probably right to some extent) but while everyone enjoys themselves at the planet's expense, what pressure is ther for governments to change?
The question is: what will one be doing in the meantime, until 'someone else' does something to make it better? Or do we take the view that it's now broken, so let's break it quicker?
I haven't read this whole post yet, but the "pressure" is money I think. And money made by short-sighted greed. I try to have hope, but my honest feellings lean towards what rscorp and Alexys have said, sadly. But I thank you you for this wake up call, also. I pray that there can be a way.
Of course - that's a natural assumption Alexys (and probably right to some extent) but while everyone enjoys themselves at the planet's expense, what pressure is ther for governments to change?...
Governments, I'm afraid are no longer in charge. They have become local administrators of the economy. I have no faith, no hope left to invest but in nature herself.
Since we are, ourselves, only an object of nature, we have one measure, which is nature. The more we do away with it the greater the atrophy. I believe, that we are, today, so far removed from sensible action, that our presence here is contra naturam. Every day I engage in several perversities against my will.
I am as enraged as I am powerless in the face of the pervasive neglect and destruction we levy. I am ashamed of the stake I have in it. Yet every day I return to a secret place I know, where I can swear and curse, cry or call spirits no one believes in.
I figure, if you have no friends or allies left, you can always make 'em up, which brings me to the purpose of art.
There's a difference between a temple and real estate. My temple is not for sale.
