Environmental
issues have filled news headlines time and again, resulting in
nothing more than empty and hollow rhetoric as response from all
political parties. It has become increasingly difficult to
understand where does our future rest. No one can deny the facts
surrounding climate change and its consequences, or the need to stem
the flow of contaminates, whether it is into our landfills, our
oceans or the air we breathe. Conservation of the various species of
life that we share this planet with as an issue of serious
consideration has raised the eyebrows of a number of journalists
around the world. Sadly those eyebrows simply grow tired and bored
with little left than the echoes of anguish from slaughtered beasts.
Where
are we really reaching as man? We are intelligent and resourceful.
Today we no longer can fall on the defence of ignorance. Our
media alone has thrown enough catchy phrases at us such as “our
eco-footprint,” and more. Recycling has become a colour-coded art
form, and eco-friendly products of varying types have paraded the
runways of even our fashion magazines. Yet the reality is more
alarming, we have changed very little. True our governments have
provided environmental laws and legislation for public consumption.
But enforcement has found itself influenced more by economics and
political connections, rather than by a need to protect the very
fabric of our future.
Today
a new industry has risen through the ashes of public opinion.
Hypocrisy has become a prominent trait and not only in government. A
case in point is the US government with President Obama, rather than
playing a violin he instead prefers the daisy petals, with 'he will,
he will not' in relation to the Keystone XL Pipeline. In Canada the
federal government under the helm of Prime Minister Stephen Harper
takes the Clarke Gable attitude from Gone with the Wind. The Kyoto
Accord dumped; desertification and its encroachment too expensive to
think about and dumped; climate change and greenhouse gas emission
targets treated like a nagging child and ignored; environmental
protection hacked with the Omnibus Bill; and endangered or species at
risk left open to slaughter for sport. Stephen Harper and Canada's
federal government stands on a record to be proud of.
North
America is not alone on the world stage of hypocrisy. South America
is selling off its forests to China because of massive debt. In
Africa a government has decided that decriminalizing the slaughter of
Rhinos for their horn was the easy way out of enforcement of the law.
Europe's unity couldn't find unity on the question of whether the
oil from the Alberta oil sands was indeed bad for the whole issue of
greenhouse gas emissions. They have deferred a decision in favour of
more scientific evidence to appear. Although nature lashed out in
its immense fury at Japan, it was greed and economics that helped
facilitate a nuclear disaster that has had effect on neighbours
across the Pacific Ocean along the west coast of North America. Then
there is China, demanding all the rights to do as they please as an
emerging economy, claiming that after all they did save the Panda
from extinction.
Our
environmental warriors have little to crow about. These
organizations that put out the plate of donations, telling everyone
who drops 10 or 20 bucks in that they will make a difference with
their donation and save the future, have much to answer for. Public
giants like David Suzuki take walks in the park with provincial
political candidates, and then stroll through the clouds with federal
political candidates. Dr. Rick Smith has taken his rubber ducky and
dumped Environmental Defence to join the NDP think tank Broadbent
Institute, but not before endorsing an NDP candidate in a political
boxing match as the Executive Director of Environmental Defence. Our
conservation giant the WWF had decided that there was not enough
scientific data to protect the polar bear from being slaughtered for
sport and trophies. Yet they all still have the collection plate out
barking out how much they can do for our future and our environment.
A
question should be raised to the brave anti-Keystone warriors such as
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Bill McKibben. How did they arrive at the
protest rally? Was it on foot, and how did they leave the jailhouse
after arrest, was it on a bicycle? Hypocrisy truly has become the
currency in the name of environment.
Reality
cannot be ignored simply because it is far from pleasant. In the
melting pot of humanity, the silent majority still has immense power,
it is only the will that needs to be ignited. Even in the dash for
cash by our governments, big business and profiteers, the average
individual can play an important role in the future of our Earth.
Earth
Day began as an attempt to shine a light of awareness. Our modern
society has evolved to a level that even the greatest idea dies a
dismal death without promotion and advertising. Word of mouth simply
cannot compete with the speed of modern technology in spreading a
good idea. Each and every individual can contribute to a sustainable
future through their own actions. Often the first steps are the
smallest, at times shaky and unsteady, but together they are the
beginnings of greater strides.
Our
landfills are reaching capacity and we must rethink how to handle the
enormous volume of waste we produce on a daily basis. Recycling is a
key, plastics in particular cannot break down but can be reused.
Attacking water bottling companies is simply based in hypocritical
self interest, and in turn counter productive. It is all plastic
whether it is water, pop or juice that needs to be recycled.
Greenhouse
gas emissions are very real and the affects of climate change can be
devastating. Our society is completely dependent on the production
of oil. Alternatives have proven to be less popular. At the same
time each and every individual carries the same responsibility. As
we continue with our demand for oil, both business and government
will continue to satisfy that demand. Without hesitation it is a
vicious and dangerous whirlpool leading our Earth to potential
disaster. All the conferences and good intentions have failed to
date. Whether it is RIO or RIO+20, whether it is the Kyoto Accord or
another unenforceable collective agreement, none have seen success.
It will take courage for a leader to step forward and lead by
example. At this time the European Union has an opportunity to take
such a step, but it seems to also be faltering. Until such a leader
is found we will continue to ride the whirlpool.
We
share this Earth with many other living creatures, providing a
balance between nature and man. Conservation and protection of life
often faces angry demands of traditional rights, and even
superstitious beliefs. At other times it is the simple blood lust
that has remained a human trait since the dark ages. As we evolve
and grow so does our understanding that the natural balance needs to
be protected.
In
the end it is a simple thought that can motivate man into action.
The question to answer is what do you wish to hand over to the next
generation? Our children will follow us into the future, and their
future will be built on the past that we provide. It is a
hand-me-down that we can be proud of. The decision is in our hands.
Send comments to: demtruth@gmail.com
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