It is late, despair high; yet ambitious policies emphasizing sacrifice and preparation can keep the Earth from dying

Excerpt from Earth Meanders personal essay [full]: Human caused ecosystem destruction has progressed well beyond the Earth’s carrying capacity — its ability to provide goods and services, and to regenerate. Global heating is occurring at a rate and extent far exceeding expectations. There are too many people to meet basic needs for all based upon further habitat destruction for resources, much less making possible Western lifestyles. Ecological crises have progressed to the point where global ecological, economic and social upheavals are guaranteed. This is ecological fact, truth, knowledge — it is what it is, and no value is gained by stating otherwise.

Yet it is critical that we never, ever, ever, ever give up on Gaia. There IS still time to save the Earth and allow humanity and most of her creatures to thrive indefinitely. The global family has not yet reached the point where environmental policies no longer matter. The degree of disruption that will be caused by ecological decline is being determined now. While it is unlikely serious and painful changes can be entirely avoided, much can be done now to limit the extent and permanence of ecological collapse, and resulting pain and suffering. [Full Essay] at Earth Meanders