Category Archives: Earth

The ultimate test of man’s conscience

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“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”

—Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day

Image from Unsplash by Photo Boards

Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005) was an American politician and environmentalist best known as the founder of Earth Day.

A pioneering advocate for environmental conservation, as Governor of Wisconsin he initiated the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition Program, which funded the purchase of over one million acres for parks and wildlife through a tax on cigarettes.

In the Senate, he championed landmark legislation such as the Wilderness Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and bans on harmful substances like DDT.

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 mobilized 20 million Americans and marked the beginning of what is now called the “Environmental Decade” leading to numerous legislative reforms. Nelson believed that environmental protection was interconnected with social justice and economic prosperity.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you and can you become a better steward of our beautiful and precious Earth? How are you making big and small sacrifices for the people you love and future generation?

“We moved from being a part of nature to be apart from nature.”

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“We moved from being a part of nature to be apart from nature.”

—Sir David Attenborough, British broadcaster, biologist, and natural historian

Image from Unsplash by NASA

Sir David Attenborough is a world-renowned naturalist, broadcaster, and environmental advocate whose career spans over seven decades.

His work has revolutionized nature documentaries with groundbreaking series including Life on Earth, The Blue Planet, and Planet Earth.

His delightful storytelling, innovative filmmaking, and environmental activism have inspired audiences around the world and helped improve our understanding of the vital importance of the natural world.

EXERCISE:

How can you be a helpful part of our natural world to ensure there is still a place on earth for all living things— including us?

We take care of the future best by taking care of the present now

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“We take care of the future best by taking care of the present now.”

—Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mindfulness Meditation

Image from Amazon

I am currently reading The Carbon Almanac, edited by Seth Godin, who also wrote the Forward. It is a 300+ page book of facts about climate change.

Representing the global efforts of more than three hundred volunteers in over 40 countries, it is the most up to date and well-vetted resource that presents where we are and how we got here, in language that we can all understand.

This book is a call to action to have all people, organizations, and governments come together to meet this moment in time to take care of our world and each other.

EXERCISE:

Please order, read, and discuss this important book with others in your various communities.

Encourage others to actively participate in this urgent global effort.

the earth is the very quintessence of the human condition

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“The earth is the very quintessence of the human condition.”

—Hanna Arendt, 20th Century political philosopher, author, and Holocaust survivor

Image from Unsplash by Louis Reed

The latest annual edition of the Global Risk Report by the World Economic Forum, states that the majority of global leaders feel worried and concerned about the outlook of the world, and only 3.7% feel optimistic.

In the survey, nearly 1,000 experts and leaders across various disciplines, organizations, and geographies weighed in on the various Short (0-2 years), Medium (2-5 years) and Long-term impacts on our planet.

When it came to short term risks, respondents identified social risks including the erosion of “social cohesion” and “livelihood crisis” as the most immediate risks to the world.

EXERCISE:

Please review the study to become even more aware of the other societal, environmental, economic, technological, and geopolitical factors that are reflections of our human condition and the state of our beautiful and fragile world.

Consider the influence and power you have to impact these risks in your various communities.