[Admin Note: While this writing sites the current technology of the early 1990’s as examples; even though we have expanded beyond what was possible to imagine then, the message of this writing is still timely.]
Abraham Darby was 31 years old in the year 1709. He made what
appeared to be a simple discovery - that coke, made of coal, could be used
instead of charcoal in the process of making iron. Iron could be made faster
and less expensively for use in creating machines and engines. The Industrial
Revolution had begun.
Abraham Darby
The mixed blessing of Darby’s discovery is now seen in the skies
of the world. Machines and engines offer us progress and pollution the benefits
of manufacturing and the spoils of environmental degradation For nearly 300
years, people in some parts of the world have lived with conditions they began
to take for granted - sooty skies, toxins in water, contaminants in the food
chain. This became apparent in industrialized Europe, particularly in the
Eastern Bloc countries.
We are now seeing the dawn of the Post -Industrial Era. A vital characteristic of this new time is the open, free flow of information facilitated by technology and human will. Few individuals have done more to define this change than Windstar’s long-time friend, Ted Turner.
Ted Turner with John Denver
Today’s immediate access to news as it happens is simply stunning. It is changing the conscientiousness of the world. We are brought into an intimacy with one another that is unlike anything any of us has previously experienced. People the world over are seeing choices they had never conceived before. Governments and whole nations are transforming.
Rocky Mountains
In some countries of the world, beautiful images of nature are shown instead of commercial advertising between segments of television programming. I’ve been in parts of Europe and Japan where I’ve seen our familiar Rocky Mountain blue skies and sparkling waters accompanied by inspirational music. Through the same medium we have seen Tien’Anmen Square and Red Square alive with yearning hearts.
Red Square
I think experiences through television are a part of people
beginning to awaken and reawaken an understanding of the contribution that the
natural world makes to our lives. I also believe that this extraordinary access
to images and information is nurturing democracy on the planet.
At the heart of democracy is respect for people’s capacity to
choose. When people see that they have choices, it changes their consciousness.
With the freedom to participate in their own governance, people are choosing to
clean up their homelands. The environmental agenda is alive and growing.
Increasing numbers of people are demanding a choice and speaking for the health
of the Earth.
Too often it comes too late or not at all. In the Philippines recently, thousands of people died in mudslides. The mudslides were actually the result of illegal logging that took place over time leaving nothing to hold the soil.
Phillipines
This environmental damage and loss of human life resulted from
people with no understanding of the consequences of their actions. Beyond
illegal acts, I see countless examples of technically legal activities that
also have devastating environmental consequences.
It strikes me that in a
world where people everywhere are becoming more aware of our connection to
nature and the value of the environment, most of us still struggle to look far
enough ahead to see the impact of our actions - or don’t even seem to try.
I think people today do need to make
sacrifices. Some of us step forward with our lives in pursuit of the freedom of
choice that democracy represents. I wonder when all of us will have the courage
and strength to begin dealing with these issues of environmental health and
quality with a true commitment to peace and the future.
Many of our human family are doing so in some
of the most polluted places on earth. When will the rest of us stand up and be
counted for the long term? The privileges of democratic choice and the
responsibilities to minister our planetary home have never before been shared
by so many. Let us step forward and lead. The politicians, corporations and
social institutions will follow.
-John Denver
Windstar Vision, January-February 1992
Thanks for posting …indeed more people especially younger generations though not just that age bracket are trying to make changes too benefit all the earth and all inhabitants. We must or we as a species will not survive. Earth will eventually heal itself but humanity must change
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it’s the Corporations leading Government then Social Institutions then us. The average man still holds the most weight being the 99% unfortunately does recognize it. It’s said that mankind can see God in nature without anyone adding to that. I believe that’s true and because of that we should all seek to protect and preserve that which God freely provided to all mankind. I love the “Pass It On”commercial that John sings the background music. I stop and watch everytime I see or hear it come on. Somehow makes things better and leaves me with a smile. All these years later John’s music and the beauty of God’s creation are both something to smile about.
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