We Are Cancer...
TEMJ 20143 - This Earthmonk Journal entry takes us on a journey and reflects on urbanization, the consequences of unchecked growth, and the impact of humanity on the planet.
Greetings Fellow Earthmonks
I have a friend who is a classical physicist, and he would say, ‘We are cancer on the skin of the earth’. The comparison of humanity, to a cancer, highlights the concern of uncontrolled growth (cancer), whether in terms of human population or economic factors and its terminal consequences.
As examples, the continuous printing of USDs as in the expansion of the U.S. money supply, the uncontrolled growth of the US national debt, and the explosion in human population - all raise questions about sustainability and the potential strain on finite resources. It prompts us to consider the importance of balancing growth with responsible stewardship, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and sustainable approaches to ensure a viable future for all.
A poem entitled, ’Time and a Place’, by The Earthmonk.
There once was a time, there once was a place…
Where the sun did shine and the grass did grow
Where the water was clean and the fish did swim
Where the wind was free and the birds did fly
That time, that place is going away.
We are smothering the earth with a rapidly expanding urban glacier, and it is destroying our planet.
The Urban Glacier
This urban glacier, an expansive testament to our urbanization, casts a shadow so impenetrable that sunlight, the lifeblood of the soil, is denied entry. The consequences reverberate across millions and millions of square miles, as this urban glacier relentlessly spreads its suffocating grip. It engulfs not only the land but also the potential for life to flourish beneath it its concrete.
Buried beneath this urban glacier lies a tragic tale of a once vibrant and fertile soil, teeming with life. It was a habitat that sustained a delicate balance, housing an intricate web of bacteria, insects, plants, and animals. But now, the soil languishes under the weight of human intervention, covered by layers of unforgiving cement, suffocating asphalt, and an increasing invasion of solar panels.
Exposed patches of soil, where glimpses of hope may still exist, often reveal a grim reality. They are marred by pollution, barrenness, and a desolate emptiness devoid of any signs of life. It is a haunting testament to the eco-genocide taking place beneath the surface.
Eco-genocide, a term that encapsulates the tragedy unfolding before our eyes. It speaks to the deliberate destruction of ecosystems, the eradication of biodiversity, and the loss of habitats vital for countless organisms. The consequences of our actions, driven by our relentless pursuit of progress, manifest in this sterile landscape buried beneath the urban glacier.
Yet, amidst this somber picture, there remains a glimmer of hope. Awareness is growing, and the call for change is echoing louder than ever. Efforts to preserve and restore the soil, to reclaim what has been lost, are gaining momentum. As we recognize the value of a balanced and thriving ecosystem, steps are being taken to mitigate the spread of this urban glacier and nurture the revival of life beneath it.
The challenge ahead is great, the resilience of nature and the determination of humanity often collide and compete with one another. By reevaluating our priorities, implementing sustainable practices, and embracing a harmonious coexistence with the natural world, we can work towards halting the eco-genocide and fostering a renaissance beneath this anthropogenic glacier. The soil, once again, may breathe, and life may flourish anew.
Taking Ownership
This urban glacier, spreading relentlessly across the skin of the earth, is an apt metaphor for the cancerous impact we, as individuals, have on our planet. Each of us plays a part, acting as a single cancer cell multiplying, dividing, and contributing to the proliferation of this malfeasance. It is not only about fossil fuels and CO2 emissions alone that bear the burden of blame; it is us, humanity itself, that holds the responsibility for destroying the planet.
In our insatiable consumption and disregard for the delicate balance of nature, we have become agents of destruction. We exploit the Earth's resources without considering the long-term consequences, ravaging ecosystems, and depleting biodiversity. Look no further than the lithium mining we are undertaking today. The consequences of our actions are evident in the environmental crises we face today.
It is essential to acknowledge that we are the perpetrators, not external forces. We cannot shift blame onto others, for it is 'we’, as in ‘you and I’, ‘us and them’, ‘all of us’ — we are all complicit in committing this violation of the Earth. We all must confront the uncomfortable truth and take ownership of our actions.
Let us start by looking in the mirror, reflecting on our misdeeds and acts of eco-genocide. It is a call to examine our choices, lifestyles, and the impact they have on the planet. By doing so, we can begin to understand the magnitude of our actions and the urgent need for change.
Recognizing our role as individuals in this planetary crisis is not meant to induce guilt but rather to inspire accountability and empowerment. By acknowledging our collective responsibility, we can take meaningful steps towards positive change. Small actions, when multiplied by millions, can lead to significant transformations.
Let us reevaluate our habits, reduce our consumption, and embrace sustainable alternatives. Let us advocate for policy changes, support environmental initiatives, and foster a global mindset of stewardship. Together, we can shift the trajectory and work towards healing the wounds we have inflicted upon our planet.
The power for change lies within each one of us. It is time to act, not as cancer cells multiplying destructively, but as agents of regeneration, nurturing the Earth and preserving it for future generations.
National Parks
As an example, lets look at what the urban glacier is doing to our national parks here in the USA. Once pristine and untouched, these natural wonders now bear the scars of our human footprint. We have carved roads, added parking lots, and run highways through the very heart of some of the most breathtaking places on earth. Instead of experiencing the serenity and solitude of nature, tourists find themselves stuck in traffic, much like the congested expressway in urban centers. The air at the parks is tainted with the acrid smell of exhaust as idling motors spew toxic waste from their tailpipes.
In our pursuit of accommodating the masses, we have erected motels, hotels, and lodges of every sort, catering to the whims and fancies of millions of visitors. These structures, once foreign to the landscape, now dot the once-pristine vistas. Have we transformed our cherished national parks into urban centers, sacrificing their intrinsic beauty and natural sanctity?
The delicate balance between preservation and accessibility has been challenged. While the intention may have been to provide people with an opportunity to experience these wonders firsthand, the unintended consequences are evident. The tranquility that was once synonymous with national parks is disrupted by noise pollution, overcrowding, and the intrusion of commercialization, many of the same ailments found in our urban centers.
However, amidst these concerns, there remains hope. Conservationists, park authorities, and passionate individuals continue to strive for a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of human infrastructure on these precious landscapes. Sustainable practices, such as limited access zones, shuttle services, and eco-friendly accommodations, are being implemented to minimize the adverse effects of tourism. Many of these strategies are also viable options for urban planners.
We must remember that our national parks are not mere amusement parks or urban escapes. They are living, breathing ecosystems that provide essential habitats for countless species and play a vital role in preserving biodiversity. It is our responsibility to be stewards of these natural treasures, to ensure their protection and preservation for future generations to enjoy.
Let us reflect on the historical path we have taken and find ways to strike a balance between accessibility and preservation. Our national parks deserve our respect, care, and thoughtful management. By embracing sustainable practices and nurturing a deep appreciation for these remarkable landscapes, we can strive to restore their true essence and protect them from becoming urban centers devoid of their natural splendor. Instead of turning our national parks into urban centers, lets turn our urban centers into national parks.
When Did We Turn Cancerous?
The transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural-based society marked a pivotal point in human history. This shift laid the foundation for the development of larger urban centers, bringing both advantages and disadvantages especially when comparing Native American communities with modern urban communities.
Native American societies, characterized by their close connection to the land and sustainable practices, thrived through their deep understanding of local ecosystems. They lived in harmony with nature, utilizing resources in a balanced manner and leaving a minimal ecological footprint. Their smaller, decentralized settlements fostered strong family and tribal ties, and animate view of the earth.
In contrast, modern urban centers have emerged as hubs of economic, technological, and cultural exchange. They offer diverse opportunities, such as improved access to education, healthcare, and employment. Urbanization has allowed for the concentration of people, innovation, and infrastructure development, facilitating social progress and economic growth.
However, modern urban centers also come with a range of challenges. Rapid urbanization has led to issues like overpopulation, environmental degradation, increased pollution, and social tension. The disconnection from nature and the loss of community cohesion are notable drawbacks, as individuals often face isolation and the erosion of traditional cultural practices.
Comparing the pros of Native American societies with the cons of modern urban centers highlights the importance of striking a balance. It encourages us to revisit traditional ecological knowledge, sustainable practices, and community-oriented values that were prevalent in indigenous cultures. Integrating these principles into modern urban planning can lead to more livable, environmentally conscious, and inclusive cities.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to embrace aspects of indigenous wisdom and incorporate them into urban design and governance. This includes promoting green spaces, implementing sustainable infrastructure, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
By learning from the strengths of Native American societies and addressing the shortcomings of modern urban centers, we can strive to create cities that combine the best of both worlds. Balancing economic development, and environmental sustainability, we can pave the way for resilient and harmonious urban environments.
Urbanization
To effectively address cancer, we often target the tumor itself. Similarly, in the context of humanity as cancer, the tumor represents the challenges posed by large urban centers. These densely populated areas are tumors, where the cancer of unsustainable development is most severe, and its growth seems uncontrollable.
The prognosis for these expansive urban centers appears grim if we continue on our current trajectory. The cancer of urbanization continues to spread, threatening ecosystems, straining resources, and exacerbating social and environmental issues.
One potential solution is to reimagine and transform these urban landscapes by adopting the concept of a "15-minute city." This urban planning idea envisions a self-reliant urban city, as a remote moon base which is disconnected from external resources. Within a compact radius, residents would have access to essential amenities and services, reducing the need for long commutes and reliance on external resources.
Creating self-reliant urban centers can help isolate the cancerous impact of large cities. By promoting local food production, waste processing, and water management, we reduce the strain on global supply chains and limit environmental degradation. This approach fosters sustainability, resilience, and a stronger sense of community.
While the 15-minute city concept is a step in the right direction, it should be approached with careful consideration of the broader context. It requires a holistic approach that addresses not only self-sufficiency but also social equity, infrastructure development, and ecological preservation. The transition towards such cities would necessitate collaboration between urban planners, policymakers, and residents to ensure feasibility and inclusivity.
Reimagining our urban landscapes offers hope for a more sustainable future. It encourages us to prioritize localized solutions, embrace circular economies, and foster regenerative practices. By isolating the cancer of urbanization and cultivating self-reliant urban centers, we can mitigate the negative impacts while nurturing healthier, more resilient communities.
Ultimately, transforming the urban landscape requires collective action and a shared vision. By challenging the status quo, investing in innovative solutions, and empowering individuals and communities, we can shape cities that thrive while minimizing their ecological footprint.
The End Of The Trail
Well folks we have made it back to the trailhead, back to your vehicle. Thank you for getting this far down the trail and for reading The Earthmonk Journal. If you like what you have read, please subscribe to the journal. It is free and it is a great way to support me and my work.
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- The Earthmonk
Bravo Earthmonk! A change has got to come...........