1994 Series 1 Number 11 Page 12
In this one-page essay, Ken Hammond reminded us we are on a beautiful blue ball, but we’re putting it in peril with cheap energy, production and use of which facilitates not just our works but destruction and pollution. We need better ways to access energy, and to use our energy more wisely. Despite the scale of the problem, we must not give up. We must accept the reality and the challenge of the situation and try to effect change.
As he reprised the global situation: the predicament of mankind, the main points covered were:
- Population: how many is too many?
- Agriculture: can it feed all those in need?
- Energy: the current dilemma.
- Natural resources: for how long?
- Water: quality and quantity.
- Pollution: garbage and toxic waste
- Spaceship Earth: the global ecosystem.
- Society and decisions-making: needs and wants.
- Values, attitudes, behaviour, morals.
If we are not committed to our survival, who will be?
Our only hope lies with immediate and enduring change in human attitudes and values.
[Interestingly, though acid rain and ozone depletion (two problems we eventually got under control), climate change was not mentioned in the article. Ed.]
Link to | Laying Waste to Planet Earth (Hammond)
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