We continue to operate This Spaceship Earth in the “red zone.”
While CO2 emissions appear to be stabilizing, we are accomplishing that feat by increasing our use of a natural gas, which has a greater global warming potential than CO2.
New studies and reports show how ubiquitous our pollutants are in the ocean and the growing risk posed by plastic pollution in the marine environment.
The rate of ice melt in both Greenland and Antarctica is increasing and putting coastal communities at great risk.
We are creating greater potential risks through the loss of soil and coral reefs.
Commentary
Our on-going overuse of the planet’s resources and capability puts our future at risk.
Gaylord Nelson wrote
“The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity . . . that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from.These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.”
Functionally, even the World Bank agrees with him. Ecosystem Services represent 63% of the Planetary Economy, as those services provide us with the raw materials and primary needs to make humanity’s portion of the economy a possibility.
As you review the Quartermaster’s Update, there are two questions you might consider.
First – how well do your assumptions about each topic match the reality of the data?
Second – does the information reflect an outcome that you wish humanity to achieve?
Your reflection and your response to your answers of those two questions will determine your consciousness and participation in defining and creating our common future.
Seriously, what is the advantage, the upside, of continuing to jeopardize the future of humanity?
Tim