MARCH 14, 2006
Journey
back in history with me today in a period of urgent reflection. The date was November 18, 1992, the time 10:00 am and the day Wednesday. It was just another press release to many, but it was for me a personal challenge. The Union of Concerned Scientists, the reputable body of leading scientists from around the world, issued their 'Urgent Warning to Humanity.'
I always pay attention to the word urgent. This urgent warning was signed by 1,575 scientists from 69 countries.
"This kind of consensus is truly unprecedented," remarked Dr. Henry Kendall, Chairman of the Union. Here is what they signed on to: "Many destructive human activities may so alter the living world that it will be unable to sustain life in the matter that we know.
A great change in our stewardship of the earth and our life on it is required if vast human misery is to be avoided and our global home on this planet is not to be irretrievably mutilated."
The choice of the last two words is almost shocking. Irretrievably mutilated means there may be no chance of re-doing the damage we have already done.
This warning came out a few months after the Earth Summit in Brazil, June 1992. Being good scientists they offered many good things to do at a national and global level. Yet, the final words, and yes on another day I will list the things to do, are directed to every one of us.
- We require the help of the world community of scientists.
- We require the help of the world's business and industrial leaders.
- We require the help of the world's religious leaders
- We require the help of the world's people
We call on all to join us in this task. You know how you can help.
Couple this from 13 years ago with the warning from the climatologists that came out of the United Kingdom's conference in Exeter England a few short weeks ago and everyone should pay particular attention to the weather.
The weather will determine the fate of the fragile island home we inhabit and yes, we all must do something about the weather now.
--Peter