c. 2000 Topham Picturepoint |
Our World
This world is precious. It supports us. It can not be replaced. A world that has to date found no comparison in space where barren planets devoid of life proffer no alternative.Our world overflows with life - life that may have originated from a solitary cell in the oceans over 3.5 billion years ago - and from that first cell living systems have evolved on this planet supported by a complex but relatively stable mix of atmospheric gases that have enabled life to flourish within sustainable temperatures.
From the deepest oceans to the rich vegetation that covers our land surfaces, from the smallest bacteria to the greatest of mammals - our world pulsates with life -
Our atmosphere's delicate balance of gases and temperature has been crucial to life's success - on Venus whose atmosphere comprises mainly carbon dioxide and water vapour it is boiling hot whilst on Mars where the atmosphere is predominantly carbon dioxide it is freezing .
By burning oil, coal and gas for our energy and electricity, we are in the process of irrevocably changing our fragile atmosphere, turning up the planet's temperatures so that it will become increasingly difficult for humans and ecosystems to adapt.
Yet the necessary action to prevent our world warming irretrievably is not at present happening.
At a time when global CO2 emissions should be being reduced by 60% they are projected to increase by 70% by 2030. Something has to change.
The sky is not limitless ....
"Believing ourselves to be separate from the Earth we do not understand how we fit in to the cycle - we have no understanding of the natural process of change that affect us and that we in turn are affecting."
Al Gore
Twelve years ago in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio, sixteen hundred senior scientists from seventy-one countries, including half of all Nobel Prize winners, released a document titled 'World Scientists Warning to Humanity' which warned
'Human beings and the natural world are on a collision course.. If not checked many of our current practises put at serious risk the future that we wish for human society and the plant and animal kingdoms, and may so alter the living world that it will be unable to sustain life in the manner that we know.....A great change in our stewardship of the Earth and life on it is required, if vast human misery is to be avoided and our global home on this planet is not to be irretrievably mutilated.'
United Nations Environment Programme
We asking people to help - for only people may bring about change in what is at present a largely unchanging situation - People could help most crucially by signing up to green electricity tariffs, by saving energy, by using their influence and/or resources - by using their networks in business and within organisations, through the church , educational establishments, by word of mouth.
We have a duty to protect our world for it is currently being decimated - your help is need to bring about change ... for your own children and for future generations.
Our climate is owned by no one
but needed by everyone ..
.... The Earth is in our Hands .....