Our Common Humanity in the Information Age. Principles and Values for Development
RESPECT FOR NATURE AND SUSTAINABLE
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RESPECT FOR NATURE AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT , DELIBERATIONS OF T HE YOUTH THINK TANK ON OUR COMMON HUMANITY Deepen Shah, Youth Representative, Temple of Understanding Living in a world bound by instantaneous connection and information, we exist and utilize the world’s resources for our own humanity. As the basics of science and nature have taught us, nothing lasts forever. With this in mind, we must realize the value and importance of natural resources and the availability of such resources with respect to environmental and social factors. We can see trends towards global warming and the devastating effects that are going on around our planet. Reports from foremost experts in the fields of environmental science have repeatedly mentioned that there are massive detrimental damage being done to the planet on an ongoing basis and if we continue at this rate – in the coming years, we may be past the point at which we can fully recover. Here are some recommendations as to how to prevent this. Chapter III – Respect for Nature and Sustainable Development | 65 Action Steps 2 1. Start with friends and family: It is incredibly important to have dialogue. Educating those closest to us is one of the most effective strategies to make change. Hosting local parties on various topics of importance can instigate change on a personal level, which, in turn, can have tremendous effects on society at large. Oftentimes, people only need to be made aware of the issues the world faces. Sometimes, just a spark is all that is needed. 2. Think globally. Act locally: Sometimes the most amazing accomplishments, with the most far-reaching consequences, can start with what may otherwise be considered as a simple concept. One of the best examples of this is the Green Belt Movement led by Nobel Laureate, Wangari Maathai. Dr. Maathai started with a basic concept - planting trees - which led to a reforestation effort that ultimately helped a country. Similarly, the incredible affects of micro-loans initiated by Dr. Muhammad Yunus have changed the dynamics of the world’s most vulnerable in ways previously unfathomed. What each of these individuals have in common is that they each took an otherwise minimal idea and turned it into something beneficent, something remarkable. For example, we can not only drive energy efficient cars with new and exciting technologies (such as hydroelectric engines and the like) but we can install water conserving toilets. We can recycle. We can harness the power of the sun. Even something as simple as using fluorescent lighting can help save valuable resources and, in turn, create a more sustainable environment. 3. Plan Smartly: Development in both urban and rural areas needs to be less about the developer’s profits and more about the environmental concerns. It is possible to marry utility with both environmental and health consciousness through good urban planning retaining green-spaces and promoting walk-ability, using mixed-use practices, and providing efficient public transportation to reduce congestion and atmospheric pollution. Many of these basic ideas are not observed. 4. Remain conscious of the power of our pocketbooks: the option not to buy can be persuasive. Individuals can make a significant impact by holding companies accountable through not purchasing their products unless they adopt more environmentally/health- conscious practices. 5. Get involved: Join or s tart a movement. Go to town-hall meetings. Call or write to your local representative. Be relentless. It’s the only way to make change. 2 Written by Ryan Nevel – a youth participant of the Common Humanity in the Information Age think-tank on November 28 th 2006, as recommendations of the Youth Forum. 66 | Our Common Humanity in the Information Age Today’s youth may face environmental issues at an enormous scale in the coming years. We may have the bear the burden of major climate shifts and come up with solutions that address these issues, and on the other front. As a youth think-tank, we are prepared to have more responsibility and engage other youth to do the same. Within the last 25 years, the trend of being socially responsible and socially conscious has entered everything from mainstream fashion design to architecture, from consumer- end products to internet architecture. Now businesses are starting to take a major look at how sustainable responsible products can have an impact with cost savings and environmental benefits. Consumers are realizing the impact on how clothing, home lighting, automobiles, and other products may cost the same as traditional products, yet emit less environmental waste. With the recent trend of sustainable thinking, we are certainly headed on the right path of environmental sustainability. Some websites such as 5limes.com and ireuse.com make it extremely easy for consumers to see what products are eco friendly, and to recycle products they do not currently use. With information such as this at our fingertips, there is no reason not to move in this direction. |
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