Mother Earth
Daily God’s creation is under assault but remember our earth
has rights. People are increasingly aware
of the harm inflicted on the earth.
Because of these afflictions people suffer and die. There are storms, pollutants, toxic waste,
and ultraviolet rays. Humans are exposed
to thousands of man-made chemicals in the air and our waterways. These concerns are prevalent in the following
ways:
●
The greenhouse effects of gas emissions
●
Global warming
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More infectious diseases
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The depletion of the earth’s gaseous shield
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Ultraviolet radiation
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Flooding, forest fires, drought and malnutrition
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The effects of breathing contaminated air
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Diseases from animal waste
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Proliferation of housing in forested areas
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Dam constructions doing damage to the environment
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Contamination of air
●
Pollutants in our water systems
Wernher Von Braun (1912–1977), a German aerospace engineer said, “Finite man cannot begin to comprehend an
omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and infinite God … I find it best to
accept God through faith, as an intelligent will, perfect in goodness and
wisdom, revealing Himself through His creation.” It’s clear from the way we are treating God’s
creation not much thought is given to the wisdom of protecting our earthly
home.
Caring for the Earth
There have been calls from prominent environmentalists for
mandatory cuts in air pollution, but these warnings haven’t worked well. The Bering glaciers in Alaska are being
ruined. Airplanes’ exhaust emissions
although improved continue to cause global warming. Dianne Feinstein (b. 1933), a senator of California
wrote, “Global warming is real. It is happening today. It is being charted by our satellites. It is being charted by our scientists. It is being charted by those of us in this
body [senate], and I think the real key is if we are ready to admit that fact
and take the action to make the necessary conversion.” Yet there are some who deny such a problem
exists. But since the Clean Air Act was
passed in 1970 attempts were made for Americans to purchase efficient housing,
cars and appliances.
Jane Goodall (b. 1934), an English primatologist and
anthropologist said, “You cannot get
through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have
to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” If according to Goodall everyone impacts our
environment it’s therefore necessary for all of us to be responsible in making
the earth more habitable. Still the air
in some cities worldwide, are filled with pollutants that cause a decrease in
lung function, and make breathing difficult.
People attempting to exercise in these conditions are doing so at their
own risk, for air pollutants could lead to cardiovascular disease, and eventual
death.
People also face problems with pollutants in our waters. These waters are contaminated with organic
materials, suspended solids, bacteria, and toxic substances. Not long ago in Mexico City untreated waste
waters were used to irrigate croplands.
In the past fleets from the cruise industries dumped oily waste at
sea. There were beaches that had to be
closed because of hospital waste washed up on shores. Disposal of toxic waste in our waterways from
livestock operations have even made residents sick.
Eva Morales (b. 1959), a Bolivian politician said, “Sooner or later, we will have to recognize
that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings
cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.” It’s mandatory that we treat the earth – God’s
great gift to us, respectfully, so it could be well again. Pope Francis's
Encyclical Laudato Si’ was a stirring work that focuses on caring for the earth
and upholding the rights of the marginalized. This lengthy reflection by the
Holy Father is worth reading, for it captures our troubles and offers
solutions.
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