To the Editor:
One of the negative aspects of so-called “civilization” is the loss of an ecological view of earth and its natural systems which make life possible. An ecological view of the earth is the realization that everything is connected to everything else.
This year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the theme is “Climate Action.” Without the COVID-19 pandemic it would be celebrated with various activities around the world on April 22. However, currently, everyone is concerned more about surviving the pandemic than “global warming.” That said, Earth Day should not be forgotten. It is an annual reminder to us of the importance of maintaining an ecological view and all of the resources that sustain us and enrich our lives every day: the air, water, minerals, soils and all the plants and animals, not just our crops and livestock. These resources need to be used wisely and protected, not wasted, not polluted or wantonly destroyed — because our ecological view tells us “There is no such thing as a free lunch!”
Since 1970 Earth Day has provided an opportunity for people across the globe to come together, to learn about and rally in support of the conservation of our natural resources while promoting the preservation of the remaining remnants of the “natural world.” Today it is impossible to go anywhere on earth and not find signs of human activity Traces of various pollutants are now present everywhere on the planet. Lake Mitchell is an example of what can happen when pollution is ignored and of how costly the cleanup. Across the globe thousands of species of plants and animals are in danger of extinction from loss of habitat from human activities, like wars, urbanization, agriculture, pollution, poaching and invasive species.
We, the people of the earth, have been given the wondrous gift of life and a place to live and enjoy it. The question is: Can we learn to live peaceably with each other within the ultimate parameters set by nature before we destroy the earth? We have been warned: “Whatsoever you sow, so shall you reap.”
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Richard Peterson
Wewela
