-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Gene GeRue
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 1999 9:38 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [ecopath] energy and sustainability
Carol (and Brodie):
>Definition of sustainable. Now there's a tough one. To me it means not
>ever harming Mother Earth.
It is arrogant to think that we can harm Earth. She will be here long after
all evidence of our species has disappeared. Sustainability means that we
use only that which is naturally replaced. The best argument in favor of
sustainability is that our descendents a hundred generations hence deserve
to have as good a planetary home as we now enjoy. <snip>
Gene GeRue, author,
How To Find Your Ideal Country Home
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Carol responds:
I don't think my definition is arrogant at all if you regard Mother Earth in
terms of the Gaia Hypothesis. If the earth functions as if it were a living
organism, then it can definitely be harmed. While humans may not be able
to prevent a lump of something from orbiting the sun, earth may become a
dead planet. (Dead planets are, after all, currently more prevalent in our
solar system.) We are already affecting the atmosphere, soil, water, and
existing ecosystems in ways that are causing extinctions and climatic
changes and we are doing this without fully knowing how ultimately it will
effect the delicate equilibrium which has resulted from checks and balances
that have evolved over eons.
Yes, the earth seems to be fighting back with increases in cancers, new
diseases, and violent weather, so it may well rid itself of the offending
species and restore itself. Trouble is, we'll be taking other species with
us and earth will probably never be the same.
I happen to like my definition because it is meaningful to me and helps me
to evaluate
my choices. Your definition is fine, too. Exact definitions are far less
important than end results. I would very much like to see a planet where
our descendents a hundred generations hence have as good a planetary home as
I did when I was a child. Yes, I guess I am guilty as charged of wanting
not just sustainability but regeneration! :-)
Carol (and Brodie)
