From an evolutionary perspective human being is exquisitely adapted to recognize and respond to threats to survival that come in the form of sudden, dramatic events. Yet today the primary threats to our collective survival are slow, gradual developments arising from processes that are complex both in details and in dynamics. The spread of nuclear arms is not an event, nor is the “greenhouse effect,” the depletion of the ozone layer, malnutrition and under development in the Third World, the economic cycles that determine our quality of life, etc (Peter M Senge).
So, the questions are- Are we realising that we are slowly and sytematically destroying our planet? Do we wait until we see proof points of dying Earth? Do we wait because whatever bad happens will not happen in our lifetime? Do we wait hoping nature has its own control mechanism and is the biggest equalizer? I see and feel that we have lost a lot of time already and it is time to act now to ensure that we don't cause irreparable damages to Earth. It is time to re-define progress. This issue needs to be addressed top- down (Governments, Corporates and Influential People) and also approach the issue bottom-up (Other people like us).
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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1 comment:
very valid observations, Pradeep. I think if enough individuals take a pledge to do what ever they can, over a period of time we can make a difference. Problems crop up when many people feel frustrated and helpless when they see governmental apathy. Time to do our little bit, day by day
Shekar
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