It’s that time of year when more people than usual pay attention to our fragile planet with Earth Day celebrations worldwide.  It seems like an opportune time to point out the myriad of ways Earth is telling us she is not happy.  Following are some of the abuses we humans have inflicted recently and the warnings we’ve received in reply. 

Abuse – hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”)

Consequence - man-made earthquakes

Consequence – poisoned drinking water

Abuse – Spilling oil  into the Gulf of Mexico (and many other bodies of water)

Consequence -  Seafood with deformities.

Abuse – not working to stop climate change

Consequence - increased insect survival such as the ash beetle that is being seen in areas well north of where it ever inhabited in the past.  Ash beetles have destroyed millions of trees and will likely destroy millions more as they migrate north.

Consequence – extreme weather – the most recent being 100 tornadoes in a day. 

Consequence - bleaching coral reefs

Consequence -  a sinking island nation (Maldives)

Abuse – fresh water pollution

Consequence -  mass killings of aquatic life

Consequence -  poisoned drinking water

Abuse - unsustainable agricultural practices

Consequence -  expanding deserts

Consequence – life-killing  massive  harmful algal blooms

Abuse – hydroelectric dams

Consequence – decimated food supplies for indigenous populations

Refer to the links for each issue to learn more specifics about all of the problems listed.   All of these very serious conditions are created by legal industrial and commercial practices.  It doesn’t even take into consideration the myriads of illegal practices that occur globally every day.  Since we just don’t seem to be getting the message it is considerably worrisome to ponder what other stern warnings Earth has in store for us and if they will ever get us to amend our ways.  It is going to take a global shift in priorities and grassroots commitments on a massive scale.  Let’s face it, at this juncture just focusing on Earth one weekend a year isn’t going to cut it if we are looking to really heal the planet.  Make every day Earth Day and let your legislator’s know that destructive practices matter to you.