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Name:
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MAJ USA RET
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Subject:
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BEING GOOD STEWARDS
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Date:
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9/22/2013 1:18:18 PM (updated 9/22/2013 1:20:24 PM)
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“I
would concede we could/should do a better job of managing our resources.” [muddauber]
Dauber
has it right. There are many actions and
activities in the world where mankind is cr@pping up his own bed. I say “his
own bed” because natural processes (erosion) will erase ALL evidence of mankind
within a few million years of the departure of Homo sapiens as a species. And we will likely be the cause of our
own departure.
The
greatest resource at risk is fresh water. Less than three percent of the Earth’s
water is fresh. Of that, less than ONE percent
is available for drinking. HERE is where we should be primarily addressing environmental
insults. Google “Copperhill, TN” or “Love Canal.”
We
should be recycling and striving for energy efficiency. Wind power is an
inefficient blight on the land and itself an environmental insult. Solar power
needs lots of work especially with respect to scale. At present, solar power is
also an environmental insult. The only currently
viable energy options are nuclear, hydro-electric, natural gas, and coal. If anyone tells you otherwise… he (or she) is
just telling you how he feels about it. Your duty is to minimize the amount of
energy you use. Scientists and engineers are obligated to improve energy
production.
Toxic
substances must be carefully sequestered from the environment. For a listing,
visit the NIOSH: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgsyn-a.html#a
Or
the EPAs Priority Pollutant List:
http://www.epa.gov/region1/npdes/permits/generic/prioritypollutants.pdf
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