I'm sure everyone knows of my concerns about war and peace. I'm not going to talk about that this morning at all. What I am going to talk about is our environment. I am now 91 years old so the prospect of what can happen is really not going to effect me very much, but for my grandchildren and great grandchildren and the millions of other future generations I am greatly concerned.
If there are not drastic changes made in the immediate time line in the way we misuse our natural resources and in our polution of the environment 30 years from now will be disastrous.
Over 1000 scientists met recently and made some predictions in what is called GEO3. Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director of the United Nations Environmental Protection, speaking at the launch taking place in London, United Kingdom, said: " I must pay tribute to the scientists and experts who have made this assessment possible. GEO-3, like its two predecessors, is truly a unique collaborative accomplishment. The latest report gives us even more pause for thought as it looks out 30 years to four possible futures. We can never know for certain what lies before us, the future is another country. But we know enough now to see how our actions or lack of actions might shape the environment and the inhabitants of this extraordinary blue planet by 2032.
"GEO-3 is neither a document of doom and gloom or a gloss over of the acute challenges facing us all. It is the most authoritative assessment of where we have been, where we have reached and where we are likely to go. The facts in the report underline the huge amount of knowledge that has now been accumulated about the condition of Earth. It also highlights the successes of governments, industry, the public and others in trying to restore and sustain its damaged and beleaguered freshwaters, lands, wildlife, oceans and atmosphere, especially in those continents and countries that can afford it," he said.
"We now have hundreds of declarations, agreements, guidelines and legally binding treaties designed to address environmental problems and the threats they pose to wildlife and human health and well being. Let us now find the political courage and the innovative financing needed to implement these deals and steer a healthier, more prosperous, course for planet Earth. Ten years ago, governments met in Rio for the Earth Summit. In just three months, we have the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in South Africa. This is a summit for sustainable development, but it is also a summit for the environment. Environment for Development is UNEP's motto, for without the environment there can never be the kind of development needed to secure a fair deal for this or future generations. We need concrete actions, we need concrete timetables and we need an iron will from all sides. It cannot be the responsibility of politicians alone. We are all share- holders in this enterprise. Only then can the promises made in Rio turn into a reality," said Mr Toepfer.
If you as concerned as I am I encourage you to read the full GEO3 report at: http://www.unep.org/Documents/Default.asp?DocumentID=248&ArticleID=3063
That's my Thoughts for today.
Peace,
Earl J Prignitz
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