Hi guys, sorry to be a wet blankey, but it has become apparent to me that we’ve got a bit of a problem. The United Nations have just released their take on state of the worlds natural environment, titled the GEO-4 Report. And here’s the thing: we’re pretty-much fucked. Check out the Beeb’s summary of the report.
And they are not just talking about climate change. Al Gore has got it easy tackling just one problem. There’s a whole bunch of other irksome niggles we should probably take a very close look at, very soon. To say we are dragging the chain is an understatement; we appear to running with it, in the wrong direction, as we chase down the unfortunate earth-child outcast – you know, the one with the bad haircut, home-made jeans and a rainbow cardigan with odd buttons – to steal their lunch and rumble them behind the Metalwork classroom.
Rising sea levels may be the final act in a vicious barrage of ecological dead legs and other dirty school yard tricks; horse bites to biodiversity, a ham-fisted noogie upon the crowns of ancient rainforest giants, hard wet slaps to tender polar regions, and Chinese burns to the thin arms of the poor: sealed with an almighty and fatal group wedgie delivered to our crumpled, helpless victim. The environment is about to be scragged by a mob of delinquents, without fear of disciplinary action: no crimson-faced Vice Principal will be swooping round the corner with his favourite cane, to administer the deserved thrashings and detentions. The Social studies teacher knows what’s going on, but they are always far too nice to gain respect from hooligans. The UN is that social studies teacher.
Why don’t we pay attention to the UN? Well it might be an image thing. The acronym “UN” lacks authority, in my view; would you take advice from somebody called un? No, you’re much more likely to listen to a person called NATO, or something. The morale in the UN office must be at an all-time low – if anybody needs aid right now, it’s the folks at the United Nations. I think we should send them a hamper or something.
Anyway, sorry to go on about it. I’m sick of constantly hearing about the world too, and just want to get on with living my life. Here’s a nice colourful picture to cheer you up.
Never mind working in the planning departmnent Brad – you have another career waiting in the wings. Travel writing I mean, not trying to save the planet. Leave that to Big Al and the UN. I’m sure they will have it sussed by the time you’re back this way. You’re right, live your life (caring for your world as you go), enjoy the journey. The destination will come soon enough.
Viv
i remember all the talk about SM when I was at Varsity and they were introducing the RM bill. All the rhetoric was positive for the future but as the BBC says very little has changed for the good. I believe the if an individual wants to fight for the environment they need to do so.Small local initiatives can have widespread effect. Intelligent committed creative peolple are needed at ground level.
Thanks for your positive comments. It’s not all that bad, of course. There is a growing amount of community-level environmental action, particularly in this part of Canada, so things are moving ahead. To gain some perspective on our connection to environmental degradation, i recommend you see “Manufactured landscapes”, a documentary film about the work of photographer Edward Burtynsky.
We really are not much different to yeast as a collective entity.
Climate change – too late – that horse has bolted and it’ not coming back. As long as China is opening a coal fired thermal power station every 4 days we are going to remain in deep doo doo.
Yep, and there’s a crap load of coal left…