Saving Earth
Proper garbage disposal is still a problem.
Our planet Earth is in grave danger.
Its biosphere is the global ecosystem composed of all life forms or organisms ( biota) and abiotic (nonliving) factors from which they derive energy and nutrients. This thin life-supporting stratum of the Earth’s surface extends from a few kilometers up into atmosphere and down into the deep sea vents of the ocean.
Its natural resources are being depleted. Animal and insect species are disappearing. Soil erosion and widespread deforestation cannot be stopped.
The oceans are being used as dumping grounds for industrial waste products, human and agricultural “runoff.” Life forms are dying.
More than half of the coral reefs are under high stress because of foul water and intolerable climate changes due to global warming. The icecaps and glaciers are melting.
Water is vital to life on earth. Healthy oceans and rivers are essential to a healthy Biosphere.
“Humanity’s future is linked to a healthy biosphere,” remarked Sir Peter Blake, Cousteau Society’s head of Expeditions.
Long-term commerce and sustained economic prosperity depend on healthy human populations. Institutions should promote sustainable energy.
We should look at the way we live. We can make smart changes that will benefit future generations.
The largest trees, the biggest game, the heaviest fish, the sharks and whales, the exquisite oldest corals are vanishing from the earth.
“They are dying for sport, profit and manipulations of the planet. We will lose much of the collective wisdom of the planet,” Mr. Blake warned.
To illustrate, imagine the biosphere as equivalent to the human body with ecosystems serving as functions of organs and tissue systems.
The great forests are the lungs. The atmosphere and ozone layer protect the body like fur. Wetlands are the reproductive organs. Rivers and arteries are the fluids of the body.
All these systems should function properly to keep the body alive.
Studies have revealed that the estimate of the world’s ecological goods and service that make the world habitable was more than $33 Trillion. These consist of the following:
• Oxygen content of the atmosphere from photosynthesis. • All the biochemical cycles. • Water cycle. • Productivity, production for all animals.
• The ozone layer (that
protects us from harmful UV radiation). • We will lose much of the
collective wisdom of the planet, Mr. Blake warned. The symptoms are alarming. One can rarely gaze at a clear cobalt blue sky. In the metropolis, a haze of dust hovers like a smothering, humid blanket.
The foliage and trees are turning gray and brown. The bay is littered with debris tossed by passing ships and boats. The fishes and marine life are slowly dying.
In our corner of the world, pollution is our plague. It threatens the health and well-being of generations.
How can we save the Earth? By being aware and involved.
Every individual can make a difference. We should begin now. What goes around comes around. It is the cycle of nature and the law of karma.
Here are some facts on the local hazards that have been around us for years: • Decaying garbage in open
dump sites emits toxic methane gas.
• More than 85% of households and establishments located near Manila Bay used to flush untreated sewage and garbage into the bay.
* The tissues of fishes from Manila Bay, Laguna Lake, and Cavite revealed traces of lead, cadmium, copper, silver and hydrocarbon compounds — beyond safe levels. • Leachates from dumping
sites (San Mateo, Rizal and Payatas, Quezon City) contaminate our water system. • Incinerators release smoke
that exacerbates air pollution
causing respiratory ailments, skin and eye allergies. • Dust, burning rubber and
plastic fumes, soot, carbon monoxide, and lead emissions from factories and vehicles ( buses, trucks, tricycles, taxis and jeepneys) are sources of toxic carbon monoxide. • The fearsome red tide is the
karmic result of pollution: septic industrial and human wastes dumped into the rivers and sea. People ignore the warnings about the perils of eating poisoned shellfish. The vicious cycle claims hundreds of lives — year after year.
POETIC RETRIBUTION?
There have been some positive changes. The past years, LEEDcertifi ed green buildings are rising and standing tall amidst the urban jungle. Companies now allocate some CSR funds to the environment, to save the rivers, lakes and reservoirs. They are trying to reduce their carbon footprint. They use solar energy and recycle rain water for the bathrooms. Plastic bags have been banned in the premier city. Cloth bags and biodegradable brown paper bags are now being used.
In some communities, the environment-conscious residents segregate their garbage. However, proper disposal is still a major problem. Toxic hospital and chemical waste, in particular, still need to be addressed properly. The most beautiful island beaches remain vulnerable.
Environmental activists, marine biologists, scientists, and earth lovers are all concerned. Earth Hour worked in some places. People switched off their house lights to show their solidarity and sympathy. However, in the top commercial centers and parks, the lights blazed blindingly. Apathy or commercial reasons? Earth Day is on April 22. There
are annual festivals that celebrate Earth, our only home. Optimism is high that the global campaign to heighten awareness and save our planet will be successful.