I have just discovered Googles' Official blog, and came across this posting (thanks Diana for your e-mail :) )
If this doesn't illustrate the detrimental effect that mankind is having upon this planet, then what does?
Also, fascinating to see the changing water level in the Las Vegas Urban Growth - proof positive of how man's urban growth is affecting precious water supplies / storage. If man was meant to live in "huddles" (town's and cities / mega cities) then why did God give us this entire planet to inhabit?
Just asking...
We owe it to Earth to help heal the damage we have caused - and we can do it one person at a time. It's just a mindset - are you willing to change your mind / habits?
1. Why go so far as LA Google earth squatter camp/informal settlments anywhere in SA
ReplyDeleteRat - my point exactly. Towns should be, must be reduced in size, in order to alleviate the strain man is putting on this planet. There is no other way - a more even distribution will beneficially affect the demand for water, the availability of food, and the reduction of human stress, whilst also getting man "back to the land" - away from the over-populated, over polluted, over prescribed job scenario's which is magnifying the distress and discontent.
DeleteI liked how when I lived in Ann Arbor, MI, the city purchased land surrounding the city. A 'green-belt'. The idea is that it stops sprawl. I wish I could remember the documentary I was watching that spoke at length about the sociology on humans (they feel more secure/at peace/cozy) when they are in 'old world' style cities with tiny alleyways and roads etc.
DeleteTo really make a difference, one has to live in small communities, as mentioned, but then only using commodities sourced from natural suppliers, for example wood, beeswax, honey, natural medicines, etc. Using anything else like solar panels, water pumps and low wattage lighting, electrical cables, vehicles, etc all have a negative impact on the environment in terms of how they are manufactured, mined, advertised, etc in order to get them to us. The usage of water and oil in making these items also has a negative impact.
DeleteI am just broaching the subject superficially but I am sure you get the point I am trying to make - that to really make a difference at this stage of the game, we would have to sacrifice a lot of our own creature comforts.
TSAHG - S'funny, one of our government ministers was quoted in the paper yesterday as saying that more vegetable gardens need to be planned for in Cape Town. Especially in the informal settlement areas...
DeleteWouldn't close-knit small villages have the same "more secure/at peace/cozy" reaction?
African Bliss - I know where you are coming from, but disagree to some extent. The impact (materials, pollution, etc) of producing "like solar panels" is a once off and gives one has the ability to produce your own power for years to come - when compared to the ongoing pollution of coal fired electricity generation, I would go for solar power any day :)
DeleteOur move off-grid is a living example of "sacrificing" creature comforts - you learn what you can live with and without - and yet we are more than comfortable with less (electrical goods) than most would be. A mind set :)
Oh come on! One person cannot change anything. ;-) *in Jest*
ReplyDeleteTSAHG - LOL - reckon we can- IF we all have a common will. One person initiated the whole movement which has resulted in massive political changes in the Mediterranean countries in recent months. Not saying we have to be that drastic - and I know what you mean :)
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