According to the Center for Biological Diversity, "Our planet is now in the midst of its sixth mass extinction of plants and animals — the sixth wave of extinctions in the past half-billion years. We're currently experiencing the worst spate of species die-offs since the loss of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago." - from their article on the Extinction Crisis which is available for your perusal here:
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/elements_of_biodiversity/extinction_crisis/
And, although mass extinction events have occurred throughout the history of life on this planet, this one has the unpleasant distinction of being intimately associated with us (humans). The CBC article goes on to say that "In fact, 99 percent of currently threatened species are at risk from human activities, primarily those driving habitat loss, introduction of exotic species, and global warming. Because the rate of change in our biosphere is increasing, and because every species' extinction potentially leads to the extinction of others bound to that species in a complex ecological web, numbers of extinctions are likely to snowball in the coming decades as ecosystems unravel."
I believe that God, through the process of evolution, has created the great diversity of life which we currently enjoy on this planet. Moreover, this biodiversity is essential to the continuation of life on this planet. And, while biodiversity is a worldwide phenomenon, it is an essential element of the many individual ecosystems that make up this planet's biosphere. And, as the CBC article makes clear, "Species diversity ensures ecosystem resilience, giving ecological communities the scope they need to withstand stress."
When we focus on the United States alone, we realize that human activity has resulted in the near or complete extinction of numerous species. Most Americans are familiar with the story of the Buffalo and the Passenger Pigeon, and many of our citizens have a vague awareness of the fact that bears, wild cats and wolves used to roam the forests of the places where they now live. And, while many Americans are currently experiencing the death of our native Ash trees, the vast majority of them are completely unaware of the mass die-off of our Chestnut and Elm trees that occurred in the last century. Currently, our honeybee and amphibian populations are threatened.
In the Judeo-Christian Bible, we are informed in the second chapter of Genesis that "the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made." (verse 8) A few verses later, we are informed "The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it." (verse 15) How well have we been tending and watching over the garden that God has given to us?
How can anyone who believes that God is the author of the biodiversity that exists on this planet think that mankind's conduct with regard to his natural environment is acceptable to God? Do we think that all of this exists for us to destroy? And, are we really even taking care of us if we are eliminating the very things which sustain our life on this planet?
It is ironic that so many Christians love prophecy and delight in speculating about what different passages mean in the book of Revelation, and how they might apply to modern times. I wonder how many of them have pondered what the twenty-four elders meant when they announced from heaven, "It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) Hmmmm, that sounds like a prophecy that we may all want to focus on a little more.
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/biodiversity/elements_of_biodiversity/extinction_crisis/
And, although mass extinction events have occurred throughout the history of life on this planet, this one has the unpleasant distinction of being intimately associated with us (humans). The CBC article goes on to say that "In fact, 99 percent of currently threatened species are at risk from human activities, primarily those driving habitat loss, introduction of exotic species, and global warming. Because the rate of change in our biosphere is increasing, and because every species' extinction potentially leads to the extinction of others bound to that species in a complex ecological web, numbers of extinctions are likely to snowball in the coming decades as ecosystems unravel."
I believe that God, through the process of evolution, has created the great diversity of life which we currently enjoy on this planet. Moreover, this biodiversity is essential to the continuation of life on this planet. And, while biodiversity is a worldwide phenomenon, it is an essential element of the many individual ecosystems that make up this planet's biosphere. And, as the CBC article makes clear, "Species diversity ensures ecosystem resilience, giving ecological communities the scope they need to withstand stress."
When we focus on the United States alone, we realize that human activity has resulted in the near or complete extinction of numerous species. Most Americans are familiar with the story of the Buffalo and the Passenger Pigeon, and many of our citizens have a vague awareness of the fact that bears, wild cats and wolves used to roam the forests of the places where they now live. And, while many Americans are currently experiencing the death of our native Ash trees, the vast majority of them are completely unaware of the mass die-off of our Chestnut and Elm trees that occurred in the last century. Currently, our honeybee and amphibian populations are threatened.
In the Judeo-Christian Bible, we are informed in the second chapter of Genesis that "the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made." (verse 8) A few verses later, we are informed "The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it." (verse 15) How well have we been tending and watching over the garden that God has given to us?
How can anyone who believes that God is the author of the biodiversity that exists on this planet think that mankind's conduct with regard to his natural environment is acceptable to God? Do we think that all of this exists for us to destroy? And, are we really even taking care of us if we are eliminating the very things which sustain our life on this planet?
It is ironic that so many Christians love prophecy and delight in speculating about what different passages mean in the book of Revelation, and how they might apply to modern times. I wonder how many of them have pondered what the twenty-four elders meant when they announced from heaven, "It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) Hmmmm, that sounds like a prophecy that we may all want to focus on a little more.
Do you drive? Do you fly? Do you use electricity? You're part of the problem. It's so easy to preach!
ReplyDeleteA pertinent observation that we should all consider. Even so, I don't believe you're suggesting that the only way to combat/solve the problem is to adopt an Amish-like lifestyle? Personally, my household does use a fuel-efficient car - we recycle, limit our contributions to landfill waste and do not fly. And, if it's so easy to preach, why isn't everyone talking about this problem and brainstorming ways to ameliorate it?
DeleteWhy isn't everyone talking about the problem? Because the problem isn't as big as the left make it out to be. Our cities are much cleaner than they were 60, 70, 80 years ago.
ReplyDeleteAnthropogenic Global Warming is bogus. Yes, the earth is warming but we have no clue why. Solar winds have a lot to do with our climate. Our location in space, which is constantly on the move, has a lot to do with our climate.
When I was in school the "scare of choice" for that period was that the earth is cooling and we'd be entering another ice age. If you choose to believe the leftist propaganda fine, but I choose to point out your gullibility.
There needs to be a balance between corporate greed that could care less about the planet, and the political left who are merely using scare tactics to gain more control or line their greedy pockets. Yes, the leftists are greedy pigs too. Need I mention Al Gore? Or how they used a young girl with Asperger's syndrome as their puppet? I'm sure Gretta has a good heart but she's being manipulated, as are you if you believe all the hype. As I said, I believe in striking a balance. Just as I believe that Democracy works only if a little Socialism is mixed in. Something like a 75%/25% split.
I very much regret that everything is seen through the lens of left vs right these days. Yes, the statements of both sides should be scrutinized - none of us should swallow propaganda hook, line and sinker. On most issues, the truth is almost always found somewhere between two extremes.
DeleteYou focus on global warming - I'm talking about a whole host of issues that are impacting biodiversity on this planet (e.g. loss of habitat, introduction of exotic species into ecosystems where they don't belong, pollution of water, land and air, etc.) Nevertheless, God/nature gave us a certain mix of gases, natural cycles and processes to maintain this planet's temperature - Are you suggesting that man's activities have had no impact on these things? Doesn't common sense and the evidence clearly show us that man has played a significant role in reducing biodiversity?
I don't agree with all of Al Gore's statements and tactics, but he has been instrumental in inaugurating a more serious conversation about the problem. Have folks on the left used Gretta and her work to further their own agendas? Yes, but like you, I believe the young woman is motivated by sincere concern for and love of this planet (and does not deserve the disparagement which she has suffered from some on the other side of the issue).
In my post and subsequent remarks, I have focused on the fact that I believe this to be a collective problem - that it will take collective action to ameliorate/solve it. I have made a serious effort to contribute to that by altering my personal behavior; but, unfortunately, it would make little difference to these problems if my household stopped driving and using electricity tomorrow. Yes, balance and collective action - that seems the best way forward to me. Burying our heads in the sand and pretending we don't have a problem is not an option.