It is at least partly reassuring that some are well aware of the severe destruction wrought by a way of life and economic system that has been referred to as modernity, progress, development and capitalism. The article linked to below outlines the grave perils in which the planet has been placed as a result of hyper industrialization and urbanization. We can continue to debate whether modernization is terminal, on the other hand, at this pace there will soon be no one left to continue the debate.
For press releases from the U.N., see:
UN-backed ecological report warns of potential new diseases and ‘dead zones’
FIRST GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF ECOSYSTEMS ‘UNPRECEDENTED CONTRIBUTION’ TO DEVELOPMENT, SUSTAINABILITY, PEACE, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL
From the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), see:
Earth’s Ecosystems Crucial for Economic, Social, & Spiritual Stability
For a news summary, see:
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/
03/30/UNEnvironment0330.html
and for the actual report itself, with summaries and slide presentations, see:
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
and "Linking Local Knowledge to Global Science"
I am grateful for the fact that some still see room for debate here, especially given the impression I have of (too) many persons who proceed with their daily lives, unquestioning if not oblivious, who seemingly accept the current order as normal, 'natural', and without alternatives. Indeed, they are willing to bring new children into such an environment...a 'vote of confidence' in favour of the dominant system?
