Our global environment, this
unique yet fragile planet we all inhabit, is facing a major crisis, the
fifth believed to have occurred during the the brief period of life on
earth, estimated
to be around 3.8 billion years (simple cells), 2 billion years (complex
cells), 1 billion years (multi cellular life) . Previous catastrophes,
each resulting
in the extinction of between 65% and 95% of all living species, are
believed to have been caused by phenomena such as meteorites or large
comets
colliding with the earth, unusual solar activity or
periods of increased volcanic activity, which drastically altered the
planet's atmosphere, temperature and climate, making it temporarily
inhospitable for a few thousand or even a few million years at a time.
Eventually conditions would improve and, from the life forms that
did survive, new species would evolve, adapt and diversify to succeed
in these transformed surroundings.
This
current crisis is not the result
of any natural phenomenon, but caused by nothing less than the impact
of mankind. We have inhabited our planet for an estimated 3 to 4
million
years as bipedal beings,
gradually improving our abilities to adapt, improvise and to succeed as
a species, even in the most remote and extreme conditions. Yet it is
only in the past few hundred years that our impact has begun
to inflict serious damage to our planet of a permanent and irreversible
nature. The extent of this damage is accelerating at an alarming rate!
We have, in fact, become too successful, expanding our numbers to
populate every land mass available, driven by our unique curiosity, our
ability to explore and to learn, to co-operate, to extract and exploit
our natural resources and to invent. Almost inevitably we have arrived
at a worldwide consumer society driven by ownership, cash, lending and
spending,
where success is measured in material terms and where true power is
administered not by elected governments, but by the super wealthy.
A handful
of informed scientists and environmentalists work tirelessly to set
alarm bells ringing - to bring the crisis we are facing to our
attention so that we might recognize the severity of our situation and
do something about it. Both individually and collectively, nationally
and internationally,
urgent measures are needed to restrict or reverse the rapid
impoverishment of our
planet.
Governments, however, are barely listening and measures so far adopted
or being considered are "too little
and too late". There are many
reasons for this attitude of denial, but two major stumbling blocks
appear to be:
1. The
realisation by the
big super rich corporations that by adopting such measures, their
earnings will be compromised, unless they take a huge initiative to
regain their competitive edge
by getting back into creative mode and changing direction.
2.
Complacency. This is
an era of plenty, where almost everyone in the western world is
incredibly well off in comparison to previous generations. Most live in
a comfortable home with climate control, modern appliances, at least
one television set, dvd player, music centre, personal computer etc.,
more toys than the kids will ever play with and
a motor vehicle outside. We walk around with our digital watches,
mobile phones, ipods,
camcorders and a set of credit cards in our wallets. All our food
requirements are met by the local supermarket down the road. Our
favourite pastime has become shopping. We spend several hours a day in
front of the television set and with so many channels to chose from,
its prime function has become to advertise and entertain more than to
inform.
Audiences for some excellent news analysis programs and amazing
documentaries are sadly dwindling. Even when the news channels
broadcast
some major atrocity or abuse of our democratic rights, the general
reaction mustered is often no greater than "Oh how awful! Let's have
another
cup of tea".
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When measured in
global terms, Dominica's presence and impact is
minuscule. It is a small, comparatively young volcanic island in the
Eastern Caribbean with a land mass of less than 300 square miles and a
population of around 70,000. Due to its rugged terrain, not conducive
to development, Dominica has remained relatively unspoilt, much of the
landscape still cloaked
in primordial rainforests veined with rivers. There has, of course,
been some development but this has been fairly limited when
compared to that which has completely transformed our
neighbouring islands, in many ways to their detriment. Dominica is
known as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean". Dominicans, both at home
and abroad, are fiercely proud of their beautiful nature island, boast
about it and wish to keep it that way. It's many mountains, some
approaching 5,000ft. in height, generate much rainfall, hence the lush
green vegetation which dominates the landscape. Fresh, unpolluted air
off the Atlantic, fertile soil, a tropical climate, an
abundance of natural healthy locally grown food plus an
active outdoor lifestyle, have all contributed to Dominica being home
to
more
centenarians per head of population than any other country in the
world.
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As this website is developed further, we will
be
examining
the earth - the mechanics of how it works - its place in the solar
system, our galaxy and the universe; the conditions for life on earth -
how they came about and how they are now being compromised to the
future disadvantage of our successors. We have to fully understand the
problem (and make
sure our
leaders do also) before we can
formulate and implement a global solution that will work. We will also
be taking a look at
tiny Dominica and the roll it can play in demonstrating how to live a
relatively modern
lifestyle yet in harmony with nature. Organic farming is still in its
infancy but gaining momentum. Already almost half our electricity
supply comes from hydro - but we can do better. Geothermal is being
explored, wind and solar can also contribute.
100% renewable energy
for our national grid should be goal number 1.
Phasing out agro chemicals and transforming
the island to a totally organic farming nation should be goal number 2.
Strict planning control is also essential to ensure the
development that takes place is handled sensitively and sympathetically
to our natural surroundings, thus in keeping with our Nature Isle
concept.
Implemented sensibly these changes could prove financially
advantageous, reducing our expense and dependence on polluting fossil
fuels, on fluctuating oil prices on the
world market and our reliance on health threatening and environmentally
destructive imported agro chemicals. Then 'agro tourism' and
'energy tourism' could become bywords - ways for Dominica
to demonstrate its benefit from these positive
adaptations. Our pristine forests become more valuable with each
passing day, as elsewhere the rainforests of the tropics are being cut
down at a disturbing rate. An area of rainforest the size of Scotland
is
currently being destroyed each year, along with the fragile network of
life it supports. That is not sustainable!
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