The Earth’s Fragility
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Viewed from space it is abundantly clear what a sparkling gem we have in our Mother Earth. The entire globe appears to be a coherent, highly complex, lively and ever-changing system. No single phenomenon or life form can be separated from the planet Earth in its entirety. All forms of life, living things, as well as the climate, the entire flora and fauna as well as all ecological systems and biotopes are connected to one another and support one another. Life’s diversity on this planet is our greatest asset. However, there is one crucial factor which is as wonderful as well as sensitive to the entire system and brings the planet to the limits of its capacity and self-regulatory capabilities: man. By man’s blind ignorance of the future and his disturbance of our environment over several decades has resulted in irreversible damage to our entire environment and paradoxically our entire livelihood for future generations. The strongest evidence of this is the serious man-made global warming of our planet.Climate changeClimate change has been much discussed, and it is now in full swing. The only question remaining is how drastic will be its global, regional and local impact. An undeniable main cause of global warming is anthropogenic emissions (industrial and transport) and excessive (fire) clearing of tropical rainforests, which are irreplaceable as CO2 capturers and converters. ForestsThe forest ecosystem is necessary for the survival of countless animals and plants. Just the tropical rainforests, which account for only 7% of the land mass, supply more than half of all species. In addition, forests offer water, oxygen supply and a guarantee against erosion for life on this Earth. WaterClean water is essential to man and nature. Waters are among the most species-rich habitats in the world. However, in recent decades, nearly 50% of nature’s waters have been contaminated with pollutants, have dried out or been upset. The biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems has shrunk by half. The increasing pressures to use these resources are also threatening the last natural waters. Waters are an indispensable prerequisite for natural biodiversity and the health of all living things. SoilsSoils are the foundation upon which life literally progresses. Soils are the habitat of countless microorganisms and other living things. In particular, agriculture depends upon healthy soil. A soil’s richness depends on many factors. Particularly crucial is the natural mineral content, sufficient protection against erosion and desertification, and adequate irrigation. Only healthy soils are able to provide the vital foundation for solid and sustainable harvests. Intact soils are thus a precondition for the conservation of the human food chain. Sustainability requires prioritizing the ecological system as a whole, including: the reduction of nutrient losses, growing locally adapted varieties, the use of organic fertilizer (manure, compost), forward rotation and mechanical and preventative pest and week control. Light-saving projects are necessary for the carrying out of these holistic and preventive practices in order to ensure sustainability. It’s about the greatest treasure we have - life itself. |
