Saturday, April 22, 2017

Earth Day 2017


I remember the first Earth Day back in 1970. Things seemed so hopeful then -- we could change our ways: recycle! live mindfully! alternative energy!


So, how have things changed? The American Museum of Natural History has put together an interesting little presentation HERE.

 Some bad news -- the global population has doubled -- doubled!  Seas are rising, animal populations are shrinking . . . 

But there's good news too. A lot of the changes have been implemented that have improved air quality, banning DDT has brought the Bald Eagle back from the brink of extinction, banning lead in gas has improved health . . . changing our ways can make a difference. 

Now, alas, our government is in the hands of Big Business, of climate change deniers, of those who wield alternative facts so that their corporate masters can increase their profits. 


What can we expect from a POTUS whose experience of Nature is through the windows of his air-conditioned penthouse high above Central Park,  . . . or on the chemically manicured and water-guzzling greens of his golf courses. . . or vicariously through  his sons as they go on yet another big game hunt?  

So far, his record is pretty dismal. His Cabinet choices . . . his proposed budget . . . as The Guardian puts it, the Trump presidency is a disaster for the planet.

I've long maintained that humankind is the greatest natural disaster of all. The difference is that we have the power to control such disastrous behavior . . .but will we?


7 comments:

NCmountainwoman said...

We may have the power to control such disastrous behavior, but I fear we no longer have the will. Appointed officials willing to disavow scientific evidence in favor of making more money for the uber-rich combined with the extreme religious right who believe God gave them dominion over the earth to do with as they please leaves me frightened as never before. I fear those of us who are stewards cannot match the devastation of those who feel they have the right to destroy under the banner of "Make America Great."

Thérèse said...

Yes let's change our ways and let's not hurt our dear Mother Earth.

Darla said...

I'm doing my part, as much as I can, to contribute holistically to Mother Earth. Otherwise, the misanthrope in me is waiting for "The Happening" (the movie) to reboot human society.

What you said about POTUS having no concept of NATURE is accurate...sad, but accurate, and unfortunately he's not alone.

Anvilcloud said...

It's all about money now, and to heck with our grandchildren's futures.

Frances said...

Well said, Vicki. xo

katy gilmore said...

That cow agrees with you.

Jime said...

Why is it so difficult to see our one and only deity, this Mother Earth. We see her feel her touch her and hear her. Her gifts are so generous and loving. Her troubles can also be frightening and deadly. Many of us make up gods that have no scientific proof of existence and then morph them into our own worst personalities. We think she belongs to us because our gods gave her to us, hence we can run roughshod over her surface without effect. Well, things are changing and not for the betterment of human kind.