SHIVA & GOODALL REFLECTION - Journal Entry #1

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THE WORLD IS FULL OF MAGICAL THINGS PATIENTLY WAITING FOR OUR EYES TO GROW SHARPER
http://www.art.com/products/p10289599-sa-i938050/biodiversity.htm

The excerpt by Vandana Shiva was quite interesting to read. I enjoyed her perspectives, particularly how every living thing has its purpose and a right to live. We, as humans, seem to think there is not much harm in putting other species to extinction, and even manipulate them for our own profit and greed. What has happened to our compassion? I am ashamed to admit that I never really stopped to consider how we essentially devalue other species. Who considered what cows endure when given growth hormones to maximize their milk – just to maximize our profits? I never gave it much thought until now.

Biodiversity is vital to sustainability and to our survival. We use it to provide ourselves with food, renewable sources of energy, and medicines. Biodiversity is critical in preserving the quality of our water and our air. It is necessary to maintain our soils and control populations of pests. Yet, as Shiva points out, humankind fails to recognize this, and chooses to push toward uniformity instead – causing the extinction of many species, destroying ourselves, and devastating our earth in the process.

Only when we fully understand the consequences of our actions will we be able to embrace biodiversity. I hope we can realize that our current ways of thinking are doing more harm than good – before it is too late – before yet another plant, animal, or species becomes endangered or extinct!

The excerpts by Jane Goodall gives me hope that we can still repair the damage we have caused – that it is never too late! The different stories that Jane shared inspired me and helped me to believe that even one person can make a difference. The sheer persistence and determination of countless men, women, and children have motivated others to fight, sometimes for years, to take part in saving a species. Jane sheds light on the very critical need to protect the habitats of all species, especially those that are endangered, and those that are on the verge of extinction. She further provides optimism that, one day, there will be a future in which biodiversity is welcomed and understood.