Of all the living creatures on Earth, the human is the only one to have a highly evolved brain. This defining feature allows us to become aware of the Universe and appreciate it. However, on the scale of the Universe, the presence of man is rather insignificant. To give an idea of that, just imaging if we scaled down the age of the Universe to one day. The Homo Sapiens would have only appeared around midnight minus one second. The comparison becomes even starker if we examine the Universe's size. It provides the perfect lesson in modesty for us. Nevertheless, for all we know, man is at the peak of evolution in terms of intelligence, complexity and awareness. These are the extremes that allow us to reflect on our role in the Universe and especially towards nature.
Hubert Reeves has raised the point, through his books, courses and conferences, that man would not have appeared without certain astronomical occurrences. For example, the atoms which make up each person are created in stars. When a star dies, after a lifetime of several billion years, atoms are released into space. In effect, we are created from star dust. The phrase, "children of the cosmos", is actually a very appropriate name for man.
The intelligence that we have inherited from the Universe (or God) gives us the ability to generate the most beautiful, and horrible, behavior. On one hand, we have the capacity, to appreciate and protect nature's beauty; preserving nature's heritage as well as our own. For this reason, Hindu culture beautifully describes that, "the rocks and the stars are our sisters.". On the other hand, our "intelligence" (in a twisted way) also allows us to endanger, in the next few decades, that which took millions of years to create. Some examples include, the greenhouse effect, accelerated by carbon gas, over-fishing of the oceans, the melting of the polar ice caps, destruction of the ozone layer, the threat to many species, etc. If this unique intelligence of ours is not guided by planetary awareness and a sense of individual responsibility, we run the risk of catastrophe.
There is enough proof in recent climate changes to see how these phenomena are accelerating. However, there are many powers at work, specifically governments and monopolies that are not concerned (or not doing enough) about it. Their focus remains on short term profit. For example, the Kyoto Accord has not been ratified by leading nations such as the United States, Australia and China. We have to ask ourselves what kind of planet will our children inherit if we standby. As excuses to this problem, it is often noted that there are serious economic consequences in applying the Kyoto Accord. However, for every year that passes without an agreement, the costs of intervention will continue to increase. In terms of financial costs and detriment to people caused by tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods and fires the numbers are rising each year. Additionally, the threat also covers other natural phenomena such as arable land (and its diminishment), the Amazon (the lungs of our planet), sources of fresh water, etc. All of these changes are occurring much faster than many would like to have us to believe.
"Stop concealing the state of danger
in which we find the Earth,
or pretending that it costs too much
to protect the environment,
when we know very well that doing
nothing will cost us even more!"
Kofi Annan
Ex secretary-General of the UN
Holding the title of most intelligent being on the Planet, it is our responsibility to protect our planet for all those living and those who will live. Based on the principle that the more we care for something, the more we want to protect it, FindNature.com has been created to increase awareness and appreciation of Mother Earth, her importance and fragility. Additionally, this web site is intended to inform others of the dire importance of taking responsibility and making their own contribution to the Earth. Even if it seems like a drop in the bucket, we should realize that the Oceans were filled, little by little, with these drops of water. As Dostoyevsky wrote, "living without hope is not living at all!".
Eyes are the window of our conscience. FindNature.com wishes you pleasant observations and discoveries.
Hymne à la biodiversité...
Photos: Michel Lamarche - Music: Robert Len - Postface: Hubert Reeves
Mission Statement - FindNature.com
The Internet is one of the greatest inventions of the modern world. Unfortunately, this powerful resource is too often used by dishonest people who act like spiders trapping their prey in a web of violence, fraudulent activity, etc. Luckily, there are initiatives ( such as ROC League, chaired by Mr Hubert Reeves and Nature Québec) which provide a counterbalance and whose goal is to lead us towards a brighter future.
Michel Lamarche and Mr. Hubert Reeves
In that spirit, FindNature is devoted to promoting the love and protection of nature and all living beings on our fragile, beautiful little blue planet. Additionally it is FindNature's mission to increase awareness of organizations that share these values.
Statistics about FindNature.com (2007-04-19):
Around 7,9 millions of requests and more than 1 million pages visited since 2004-01-22.
A Nobel for the environment?
For a little more than a century, the Nobel Foundation has recognized those who have made advances in economics, literature, peace, chemistry, physics andmedicine. The Nobel Prize holds much relevance in today's world, yet if Alfred Nobel were alive today, wouldn't he have wanted to encourage protection of our environment as well?
It's clear that over the course of coming years the protection of this delicate planet is the most important fight taken on by Man. The 6th extinction on Earth, provoked by man, has already begun. As Mr. Hubert Reeves notes in his book Mal de Terre, at least 1000 more species disappear each year compared to the beginning of the industrial revolution. The only way to stop such extinction is if we change our ways of life. Otherwise, we have only ourselves to blame for this loss.
A Nobel Prize for the environment would be a beautiful way to underline to all of humanity the importance of environmental protection. It would also be a source of great encouragement for those working in this field. Whether this be awarded to those who fight for environmental awareness, politics or scientific research aimed at reducing the negative impact Man has left on Earth, there is no lack of research in this area.
If you believe in this rather ambitious project, or if you have an opinion on the subject, please contact FindNature.com
About FindNature
All materials used on this website (pictures, text, etc.) are the property of Michel Lamarche unless otherwise noted. To make use of, or obtain photos at their highest resolution, please contact the aforementioned. FindNature is a not for profit website. No gains (financial or otherwise) are generated from the support of organizations or articles found within. The only objective is to make these organizations known and promote common, positive values.
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