I believe in the urgency of protecting the environment — now.
We are at a turning point – human-induced climate change can no longer be denied. With all the indicators of scientific fact about rising global temperatures and the disasters directly resulting from them, it is reprehensible that environmental polluters are continually poisoning our precious air and water, while world leaders are sanctioning such abusive crimes.
To ensure a healthy environment in the future, we can do our part by coming together and working locally, starting at home with conscious and meaningful lifestyle changes.
For many, the concept is “Act globally, Act locally”.
We need to stop using toxic chemicals and fertilizers in our gardens that contaminate our groundwater. Instead of accepting finely manicured lawns as the “norm” that require unnecessary amounts of water, especially when we are in drought, rock gardens and native flora that encourage pollination-promoting bees and butterflies should be adopted.
Although it may seem simplistic, often the solution to problems is right with us, by changing our behavior as consumers. Again, “Act globally, act locally”.
I’m one of those people who doesn’t like to monitor the constant barrage of bad news because it’s painful and steals a restful night’s sleep, but I understand the need to be informed and law for change to happen. Ignorance is not bliss; it is a continuous destruction.
As recently reported by the AP from Wellington, New Zealand, 477 pilot whales washed ashore and perished. None could be saved according to Daren Grover, chief executive of Project Jonah, a nonprofit group that helps save whales in distress.
This tragedy followed the death of 200 pilot whales in Australia two weeks earlier.
In Brazil, the decimation of the planet’s lungs, the Amazon rainforest continues, due to greedy unethical industries and corrupt rulers more concerned with appeasing big business than preserving the sanctity of life.
The rampage is out of control: cutting, burning, toxic chemicals, poisoned waters, mining by blood dealers who blow up and dig tunnels for gems, expansion of ranches with massive herds of grazing cattle, extinction of native species both animal and plant, decimation of trees that remove carbon and promote oxygen, displacement and genocide of indigenous and ancient populations, murdered journalists, activists and environmentalists trying to expose disgusting and unethical industries who steal and violate the earth…
These crimes are immeasurable and ruthless.
Jair Bolsonaro, you bear full responsibility. You have tolerated this evil as president of Brazil. History will not look favorably on you. For all those who have been murdered because of your dirty deeds, there will never be a Brazilian carnival.
It is heartbreaking to learn that since 1970 animal life has generally declined by almost 70%.
Between 1977 and 2019 there was a 64% reduction in Australian sea lion pups, all caused by human intrusions; the hunting of sentient creatures, the entanglement of sport and commercial fishing lines, marine debris and disease from all the trash dumped in the ocean.
Yachts, large boats, cruise ships and commercial transport vessels are the main culprits that have killed countless marine lives due to blunt force trauma.
It is telling that leaders around the world have not insisted on environmental protection for decades, but have instead coveted the money at everyone’s expense. Those in power continue to sow chaos, chaos and suffering among the very people who elected them.
Drought, fires and floods are intensifying. Animal and plant species are disappearing in an alarming way. People are dying. The famine intensifies. Countless children are starving in Somalia due to the worst drought in 40 years. Migrants flee to the safety of other countries in an attempt to survive. Climate change is not an illusion. It’s very real.
Life is fragile and we are all responsible for safeguarding a healthy planet.
We must be aware that every action we take has a reaction.
Our actions must be conscious and targeted for the good of all.
It’s a shame that when people rise up, the ultra-rich feel threatened and deny the plight of the suffering who are simply looking for the necessities of life for themselves and their families.
One cannot be buried with hoarded wealth. But you can die with dignity and respect.
As an international community, we must promote equal laws in all countries for the protection of our common future. Don’t just give a few natural wonders personality, we must extend it to the whole planet with regulations protecting and encouraging the inclusion of all, guaranteeing a brighter future.
— The author is the founder of Harmony Kennels Foundation, a 501(c)3. Write to him at: PO Box 5112, Vacaville, CA 95696
