8 April 2005
WHAT WILL WE TELL OUR GRANDCHILDREN?
The recently released Millenium Ecosystem Assessment is one of the most serious and urgent warnings yet issued regarding the future of our planet. The report commissioned by the United Nations was completed after four years of research by 1300 experts drawn from 95 countries around the globe.
The study reveals that most of the ecosystem services that support life on Earth are being degraded or used unsustainably and that the effect of this degradation will accelerate in the next 50 years seriously affecting human well-being.
Whilst concerns about sustainability have been expressed for many years, and some initiatives have been taken by governments to address the problems, as yet there has been no co-ordinated global response on the scale needed to avert disaster. Ecological issues are still not seen as a priority by governments pre-occupied with short term goals and maintaining their grip on power.
Few governments are prepared to make unpopular decisions for the long term common good – they do however respond to public opinion.
What will be able to say to the next generation when we are asked what we did to insure they inherited a planet where all can enjoy the fullness of life?
The most recent edition of Just News available for download at the Edmund Rice Centre website contains material for reflection, information and action on ecological issues. The website also provides information about the Edmund Rice Earth Charter Project
The study reveals that most of the ecosystem services that support life on Earth are being degraded or used unsustainably and that the effect of this degradation will accelerate in the next 50 years seriously affecting human well-being.
Whilst concerns about sustainability have been expressed for many years, and some initiatives have been taken by governments to address the problems, as yet there has been no co-ordinated global response on the scale needed to avert disaster. Ecological issues are still not seen as a priority by governments pre-occupied with short term goals and maintaining their grip on power.
Few governments are prepared to make unpopular decisions for the long term common good – they do however respond to public opinion.
What will be able to say to the next generation when we are asked what we did to insure they inherited a planet where all can enjoy the fullness of life?
The most recent edition of Just News available for download at the Edmund Rice Centre website contains material for reflection, information and action on ecological issues. The website also provides information about the Edmund Rice Earth Charter Project
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