Reprint from April 22, 2020.

On this reverent 50-year anniversary of Earth Day, the world is in the grip of its most widespread pandemic in history. Yet somehow, we still are in denial about our responsibility to care for this astonishing blue planet. As the most evolved creatures on it, what happens in our world is exclusively our doing. Outside of earthquakes or asteroids hurling from space, most of what happens, good or bad, is our doing and we need to pay more attention to mother nature.

There seems to be an enormous lack of accountability guarding us against consequences of risk, as we prefer to live in denial about environmental responsibility. Those myths we tell ourselves can damage relationships, put us in bankruptcy, and even end our lives. Perhaps it’s time to admit the human role and the glaring fact, that most of what happens on the earth, is our fault. If you look close enough, anything can be traced back to our provenance—even Covid19!

The earth is only 24,901 miles in circumference (est. using equatorial measurement). The population numbers some 7.8 billion. As usage stands now, there are not enough resources for all the people in the world to live at the level Americans take for granted. Yet everyone, and who is to say otherwise, wants the highest standard of living possible for their families —which puts mother earth in a bad predicament. Covid19 is a wake up call for all the worlds citizens to take responsibility for what happens here on earth.

Destroying forests and natural habitats at such a rate, has put our delicate ecosystem out of balance. It’s driven animals and unknown pathogens perilously into our lives. More people on earth means increased animal food, requiring industrial breeding, high tech slaughterhouses, storage and wet markets—all hot beds of disease. Making the earth itself, sicklier and unable to renew, as it has done for 4.543 billion years. The sun someday, will be a Red Giant engulfing our planet. So, let’s use the remaining time well.

As humans we need to start, by putting our own houses in order. If you eat too much without exercise, your body stores too much fat. With that, comes other sickness and necessities, which require expansive medical care. Viruses are a part of life but shouldn’t kill us unless there are extenuating health circumstances, which often come from deficient self-care. Protecting oneself from contamination can be simple—use your manners. Cover your mouth, take personal space, wash your hands. The next mass extinction shouldn’t come a social faux pas.

Economic health is equally important. Most people caught without the prescribed 3-months of financial safety net savings are now scrambling for help. One renter asked his landlord if he could make a request for reduced payments, saying, (actual quote) “I know this is a stressful time for everyone but it’s none of our fault(s).” Nobody’s fault? Wrong on two counts! First, he, a banker, should be better prepared for a family financial crisis. Second, Covid19 is everyone’s fault for reasons previously stated. The wake-up call here is, we all share moral hazard!

In the 1800’s thousands died of cholera. What caused it was poor sanitation during an industrial revolution that missed peripheral issues. What mitigated cholera was a sewer system catching up to industry. There are practical answers for stemming the spread of contagions. All we need to do is take a broader look and increase personal responsibility. By the end of the next century this planet could have 12 billion people. Resources to sustain that do not exist. So, let’s start cutting mother nature some slack by being better stewards!

Do your small part. Don’t waste, consume less, recycle more. During my time rescuing wildlife, I came home one night and said. “Why am I eating other mammals for dinner after saving them during the day?” That night I stopped eating meat. Now due to pathogenic viruses originating in animals, jumping to humans, and pressures on our ecosystem. I’m trying full Veganism. By looking closer at our evolved relationship with animals and the earth, we will foster a greater respect for both, and make the world better for everyone.

Grow more food~ Kevin

sMa Institute

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