Is man a good steward?

There is currently a case in the state of New Mexico whereby many residents moved into a development about an hour’s drive from Albuquerque with the draw of lower land/home prices. A relatively new law aimed at curbing water demand limited the number of structures that could be constructed depending upon the total acreage per subdivision. Without regard for the harmful effect that would result, developers found a loophole that allowed them to skirt the legalities and still be able to build the desired number of homes as the larger number of properties developed simply meant more revenue for the developer.

The world’s natural resources are being either exhausted or destroyed as a bi-product of Man’s growth and development which is fueled primarily by his desire for wealth. Thousands of acres of the Amazon rain forest are being cut each year as forestry takes away decades of natural growth within a matter of weeks. The oceans and waterways throughout the United States and other areas in the world are continuously being polluted. Accumulation of garbage and other waste materials result from nearly every productive activity in which Man engages.

Industries such as construction, manufacturing, food and beverage, and others are responsible for countless billions of tons of garbage and waste each year as it is becoming ever more difficult to dispose of the refuse. Weeks ago, a septic tank cleaning company in Jacksonville, FL came under scrutiny when one of their vehicles was recorded dumping fecal waste into a water drain. The devastating result could be that affected residents contract Ebola, a deadly illness brought on as the result of ingesting the waste material. It is this type activity that puts the lives of others in jeopardy while individuals and company owners try to cut costs at the expense of their fellow citizens.

One of the most significant developments of late has been the advent of the electric and hybrid vehicles. The operation of these “environmentally friendly” modes of transportation requires rechargeable batteries made of lithium. Oddly enough, when one looks at an area where lithium mining is conducted, it appears as a wasteland. Equally disturbing is the fact that after mining is completed for the essential element, the land is virtually useless for years to come.

Irony lies in the fact that Man has set in motion a process that appears irreversible and will ultimately result in the destruction of our planet. Oddly enough, humans are the species that is supposed to be the most intelligent but are the one creating a problem for the remainder of animals on earth.

Remarkably, Man is the only animal species that does things to intentionally bring harm to his environment. It’s ironic that scientists are now proposing exploration of other planets for the purpose of possibly developing settlements elsewhere. The earth is quickly approaching the point of being damaged beyond repair. Instead of taking actions to clean up the harm Man has caused, now they want to do the same thing to another planet within our solar system. I could be wrong but it’s just something to consider.

To pose a question or share your opinion about this opinion, you can reach B. G. Howard at bw3bh@yahoo.com or P. O. Box 8103, Jacksonville, FL 32239.