by Joseph Palazzo

Created on: June 05, 2009   Last Updated: June 06, 2009

Environmental sustainability, it does have a good ring to it. It sounds gorgeous, righteous, it makes one want to hug a puppy and kiss a baby. Sorry to say, however, that it is a myth. We first need to define environmental sustainability for the sake of this article, we will go with; "Long-term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future generations" (www.entrix.com/resources/glossary.aspx). Yes, the ecosystem will break down, species and so much more will be lost, it will be somewhat tragic. Humans on the other hand, will prosper, it's quite simply what we do, at any cost.

It must be said, however, we do have an obligation to respect the environment. There is no need for senseless pollution, or to dump motor oil down the sewer. There is no use for this kind of reckless behavior. Natural resources are simply that, resources. Would you pour used motor oil all over the money in your wallet?

Human Nature

If we take a good hard look at our own track record as a species, we have not been kind to anyone or anything that steps in the way of what we want. The Greeks, Romans, Persians and countless other ancient civilizations, made every effort to literally take over the world. They killed those that disagreed. Early Americans took the land of the United States from the Native Americans and killed those who thought differently. Australia has a similar story, India, Tibet, East Timor, etc. etc. etc.

These are fights over basic resources both land and human. Usually the nation that initiates conflict is not struggling from a lack of resources it simply wants to expand. There are exceptions, starvation and drought have sparked numerous conflicts.

In any case, killing humans for what we want, is not foreign to us as a species; government does their best to put a stop to it, as homicide creates quite a bit of turmoil. However, when government wants something done they send in armed forces.

Economy

Economics, our best efforts to solve a pretty serious problem; unlimited wants and limited resources. Everybody needs a slice of the pie, everybody also wants a bigger slice. Some people deserve a bigger slice than others. How do we decide who gets what. The pie also needs to get bigger, not only because every individual wants more for themselves, but because they also want children who will need more.

The 'mixed economy', (a mildly regulated free market) used by the western nations, came into preference because the markets proved to be the most efficient method

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>