The world has
recently entered a new era
For the first
time in history, human activity is depleting and degrading Earth's resources
faster than nature can renew them. Two hundred years ago global population was
less than one billion people. Today it is over six billion and climbing.
Problems like climate change, pollution, over fishing, deforestation and water
shortages are getting worse. (See World
Population Count as of this minute.)
Heightened
awareness about the environment will increase demand Earth-friendly policies
and products and support those who offer them.
Eventually, the
symbol will be on websites, newsletters, environmental journals, green products
and businesses everywhere. It will become associated with Earth Day, be given
to Scouts as a merit badge, colored by children, worn on baseball caps,
T-shirts and on politician's lapels. It will be seen on product packaging and
advertisements for Earth-friendly products. It will be fashioned into jewelry,
be a design option for personal checks and affixed to car windows.
Why isn't more
being done?
Our political,
religious and economic attitudes were formed over thousands of years during
which time it was thought that resources would always be plentiful. It is
therefore understandable that global conventions for living within Earth's
limits have yet to be established.
There is good
news
There is
sufficient technology and practical knowledge to solve the world's
environmental problems while actually increasing our quality of life.
Environmental education and advocacy is also increasing. Information about
global warming, water shortages and other concerns are frequently in the news.
More and more people are asking what they can do to help and making sustainable
choices.
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