Daily God’s creation is under assault but our earth has rights. Many persons are increasingly cognizant of the increasing harm inflicted on Mother Earth. Because of these afflictions, people all over the world suffer and die. They suffer by storms, pollutants, toxic waste, and ultraviolet rays. Humans are presently exposed to thousands of man-made chemicals in the air and waterways. These concerns have become prevalent in the following ways:

● The greenhouse effects of gas emissions

● Global warming

● More infectious diseases

● The depletion of the earth’s gaseous shield

● Ultraviolet radiation

● Flooding, forest fires, drought and malnutrition

● The effects of breathing contaminated air

● Diseases from animal waste

● Proliferation of housing developments in forested areas

● Damaging dam constructions

● Contamination of air

● Through pollutants in water systems

Wernher Von Braun (1912 – 1977), German aerospace engineer and space architect, observed, “Finite man cannot begin to comprehend an omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and infinite God … I find it best to accept God through faith, as an intelligent will, perfect in goodness and wisdom, revealing Himself through His creation.” It’s clear by the way mankind is treating God’s creation appears as though not much thought is given to the wisdom of protecting our earthly home, which God has so graciously created, for us to inhabit.

What are we doing?

There have been calls from prominent environmentalists for mandatory cuts in air pollution, but such warnings haven’t really worked too well. The Bering glaciers in Alaska are being ruined. Airplanes’ exhaust emissions although improved, have continued to cause global warming. Dianne Feinstein (b. 1933), senior United States Senator from California and member of the Democratic Party, remarks, “Global warming is real. It is happening today. It is being charted by our satellites. It is being charted by our scientists. It is being charted by those of us in this body [senate], and I think the real key is if we are ready to admit that fact and take the action to make the necessary conversion.” Yet, there are some who deny there’s this phenomenon. But since the Clean Air Act was passed in 1970, attempts have been made for Americans to purchase efficient housing, cars and appliances.

Jane Goodall (b. 1934), English primatologist, ethologist and anthropologist, feels, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” If, according to her, everyone impacts our environment, it is therefore be necessary for each of us, to be responsible for making it more habitable, and not sit back with the earth abused.

Still, our air in some cities are being filled with pollutants, which cause a decrease in lung function, and make breathing difficult. Persons attempting to exercise in these conditions are doing so at their own risk, for air pollutants can lead to cardiovascular disease, and eventual death.

We face problems also with pollutants in our waters. Such waters are contaminated with organic materials, suspended solids, bacteria and toxic substances. Not long ago in Mexico City, untreated waste waters were being used to irrigate croplands. In the past, fleets from the cruise industries were known to dump oily waste at sea. There were beaches which had to be closed because of hospital waste being washed up on shores. Disposal of toxic waste in our waterways from some livestock operations have even made residents sick.

Eva Morales (b. 1959), Bolivian politician and cocalero activist, thinks, “Sooner or later, we will have to recognize that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.” It’s therefore mandatory that we begin treating the earth – God’s great gift to us, with respect and dignity, so it will be well again.