Environmentalism Vs Humanity
Let me acknowledge at the outset that this essay does not contain a popular message, particularly in this age of obfuscation and insincereness. But it’s time we started looking out for our own well-being.
Which brings me to Earth Day. As this “party” drew closer, so did something else; that is, $4.00 per gallon of gasoline at the pumps. As we painfully struggle with the price of fuel to heat our homes and rising gasoline prices for our vehicles (and the brutal shock that trickles down), the development of sources that could offset this pain remains prohibited. Nuclear power, offshore drilling and Alaskan oil development, among other things, are there to be harnessed, but environmentalists have said “don’t get involved.” So we continue to rely on the resources of other countries that manipulate prices, but blame those prices on the vagaries of supply and demand.
Perhaps the time has come to say “let’s get to work.” Perhaps the time has come to say that we must meddle with the environment if we want to improve the external material conditions of human life, such as cheaper and more abundant energy resources. Vernal pools, spotted owls and snail dart rights are important. Yes, there is great danger from global warming, acid rain, and the clearing of tropical forests. And God only knows that reducing the use of plastic bags and insisting on recycling can bring dramatic results, and I do these things. But an arbitrary approach to protecting the environment at the macro level is wrong; there has to be a more realistic and sensible approach, which includes the path of dialogue. After all, the rights and benefits of humanity are also very important.
Look at it this way. A chemical plant, by its very nature, should be a safe place to work, but making it 100 percent fail-safe would be cost prohibitive. I just wouldn’t be able to compete. Therefore, a balance must be struck.
A recent op-ed I read said in part: “…If the environmental mentality had prevailed in the 18th and 19th centuries, we would not have had an industrial revolution, a situation that consistent environmentalists would celebrate, at least those few who might have.” managed to survive without the life-saving benefits of modern science and technology.
Someday (probably sooner rather than later), this issue may come to the point of choosing between the natural environment for its intrinsic value (and as something that must remain untouched by man) versus our right to a more prosperous and enjoyable life due to life. saving benefits of modern science and technology.
To those who suggest that the environment should be saved from humanity, I say how about saving humanity from environmentalists. To those who say we must make a sacrifice, I say why should we as Americans suffer because we are not allowed to take advantage of the resources that would mitigate such suffering? To the Sierra Club and Earth First, why should we suffer continuous blackouts and unbelievably high land costs in many parts of the United States because of the regulations your organizations support?
Yes, as Earth Day approaches, environmentalists will work their guilt on those of us who still believe in a technological/industrial civilization. And if you think your goal is to promote human health, happiness, and life, you may be underestimating your cult-like zealotry.
When I inevitably bet $4.00 a gallon on gas (as they already are on the West Coast), I’ll try to ignore the truism that sacrificing the needs of the economy for the environment will destroy both. I will also ignore the fact that the initial parameters of the Kyoto treaty exempt India, China and other emerging countries, thus creating the counterproductive incentive to transfer polluting production to countries that will carry out production with even higher levels of pollution.
In a nation founded on pioneering spirit, environmentalists have made “development” a dirty word. –Michael S. Berliner, ARI
The phasing out of the human race will solve all earth, social and environmental problems. –Dave Forman, Founder of Earth First!