Mother Earth has been sending clear messages about climate change, man-made disasters such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock, pollution which destroy our planet and ecosystems at an alarming rate. Among others: the Australian fires, heat records, the worst locust plague and covid 19.
The planet’s ecosystems, human beings and all living species are scientifically proven to be interconnected. According to the UN, 75% of all new infection diseases that emerges in humans come from animals. A direct result of wildlife trade (bush meat), the way we treat livestock animals and poultry. The science is undeniable. The thing about science is that it is true whether or not you believe it.
Yet climate change deniers keep undermining public trust in climate science. I don’t want to paint with a broad brush, but ignorant politicians and project developers here have made it a hobby to make fun of environmentalists. Others use the Parliament as a platform to suggest we should shred the Island Development and Land-use Law (EOP).
The UN has designated 22nd April as International Mother Earth Day and urges a call to action not only to governments but also you and me. Let’s respect nature and all living species. Let’s cut our meat intake and think about vegetarianism. Let’s petition to prohibit bush meat. Let’s reduce overconsumption and embrace minimalism. Let’s recycle, reuse and minimize waste. Let’s tell politicians to take this matter seriously. Let’s donate to serious environmental organizations.
Let’s use this covid 19 pandemic to turn the corner. During the last two decades we have seen that the gaps between worldwide pandemics (SARS, Mumps, Swineflu, Mers, Zika) are getting shorter and deadlier. We cannot afford not to answer this wake-up call.
Alex David Rosaria (53) is a freelance consultant active in Asia & Pacific. He is a former Member of Parliament, Minister of Economic Affairs, State Secretary of Finance and UN Implementation Officer in Africa and Central America. He’s from Curaçao and has a MBA from the University of Iowa. (USA).
