The world has recently entered a new era. Two hundred years ago global population was less than one billion people. Today it is over six billion and climbing. For the first time in history, human activity is depleting and degrading Earth’s resources faster than nature can renew them. Problems like global climate change, pollution, overfishing, deforestation and water shortages are getting worse despite the efforts and accomplishments of many well-funded organizations and determined individuals.
Unfortunately, the dominant economic, political and religious institutions that define our worldview lack recognition of Earth’s limits. This is understandable. During the thousands of years these institutions evolved, ecosystems were able to regenerate faster than humans were degrading them. Over the last 200 years, explosive growth in population and environmentally harmful technologies has tipped the balance from sustainable to unsustainable.
The current lack of political will and public focus on the environment could erroneously lead people to minimize the magnitude and urgency of this problem. Required is a new worldview that can inform and inspire changes needed to ensure a livable world for our children and future generations.
What can be done to raise the level of concern? In nature all things are connected. So too are the vast and growing number of people, businesses and groups that are working to protect it. Widespread use of the ‘One with the Earth’ symbol shown on the cover will identify and connect these groups to each other and to the public. It provides a constant visual reminder that protecting the environment is not only a good idea—it is a necessity.
The ‘One with the Earth’ symbol is new. It fills a void. There are no other symbols that convey the message that for humanity to survive, it has to fundamentally reshape its relationship with the natural world. The symbol was created by Agshen, Inc., located here in the Lehigh Valley. Agshen is asking for your help to display and distribute the symbol. See usage examples and download artwork from the One With the Earth website. The symbol is available as stickers, labels, decals, buttons and magnets — all at low or no cost.
by Dan Poresky