Dear Editor,
During the last two or three years, the world has been afforded a preview of the environmental collapse predicted to occur in the not so distant future.
Hurricane Kathrina, unprecedented flooding in Europe, inundation of vast swathes in Asia, extensive drought in Australia and innumerable disasters elsewhere are all tell tale signs of greater destruction expected to come.
The response by those in a position to make the greatest difference has not been encouraging. After the initial posture of denial came the reluctant acceptance, followed by a remarkable lack of hurry to reverse or even mitigate the threat.
The primary concern of these otherwise intelligent rulers, at least for now, is “continued economic growth” or “the need to catch up with the already developed countries.” Global warming, they assume, is only a bother for those most likely to crumble from its effects.
Such irrational thinking is not new in the world arena. Students of history will readily recall the example of Emperor Nero, who indulged himself in fiddling while Rome burned. Once considered the ultimate act of irresponsibility, it may soon be eclipsed by some of our present rulers, if allowed.
Being forewarned by the example of this infamous emperor, the present inhabitants of this earth would do well to evict these short-sighted rulers from their policies and replace them with more responsible successors.
Yours faithfully,
Humberto Hamilton
