The choice of using remote barren land removed from highly populated areas, virgin ground so to speak, presents its own problems. The transportation of dangerous chemicals in sealed capsules over major arteries increases the possibility of spills and contamination. Recurring excerpts in national and local newspapers warn of the dangers confronting the ordinary citizen. The pretext of protecting the public interest must be questioned. Accidents and poor planning lead to the erosion of public faith. With certainty, we can report that the air we breathe is becoming more polluted daily. For those residents of large cities who are afflicted with a respiratory condition it becomes imperative for officials to clamp down on smog conditions. To protect their health, citizens may deem it necessary to check smog levels beforehand when they are planning strenuous outdoor activity. To disregard this problem will surely increase the number of premature deaths and serious health problems. Direct action by governments should help alleviate some of the risks for the elderly and those people with heart and lung disease. One breakthrough occurred when the government signed a pact to check pollutant emissions on all motor vehicles. Some continuity of policy is desirable not only between provinces but among nations to monitor air quality. On a global scale the deforestation of the rain forests of Brazil is causing grave worldwide concern. The present day regime that is encouraging the building of roads, allowing for easier travel has laid siege to one of the world's most valuable natural resources. This has become an obscene rape of the land, a slash and burn approach. An aerial view of this area shows terrible fires, enormous blazes every day, resulting in consequent air pollution. The Brazilian government however, is reluctant to abolish this practice that would mean less income for the poor of Brazil. Sadly, on the other hand, natives must evacuate their homes, becoming exiles. A world forum on this matter has left people all over the world with some indefinite answers. Both governments and individuals can voluntarily help achieve goals for a cleaner safer environment by incorporating some of the following ideas into their daily lives. They can ascribe to the idea of participating in local recycling programs. As well, they can cut back on the use of motor vehicles. Walking more will improve everyone's health, as well as improving the environment. Using alternatives to herbicides on lawns and gardens will improve water quality. Some general advice might be to differentiate between what we need and what we want. If we are going to pass on a healthy world to our children and grandchildren we must remain diligent and maintain a balance between our environmental and social responsibilities and our economic goals. It's our world and how we leave it for the next generation depends on what we do today. |