What planet will our children inherit?

THE critical message on World Environment Day tomorrow is that the well-being of humanity, the environment and world economies ultimately depend on the responsible management of the planet’s natural resources.

The irony is that people worldwide are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide.

In drought-stricken Zululand alone, where most of the region’s lakes have dipped alarmingly owing to low rainfall figures, there is a worrying sense of apathy among consumers and even authorities.

The purpose of such awareness days is twofold – to remind us of our responsibility to care for the Earth and to become agents of change.

But the reality is that despite dire drought warnings, there has been no decrease in domestic water consumption and therefore no change of mindset in using this scarce commodity sparingly.

At a Mhlathuze Catchment Management Forum last week, it came to light that under present usage and restrictions and should drought conditions continue, the Goedertrouw Dam – an essential water resource – will be empty by June next year.

The need for all citizens to promote positive environmental action, which will in turn have a positive impact on the planet, cannot be more overstated.

Many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion or irreversible change, pushed by high population growth and economic development.

By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our way of life.

Living well within planetary boundaries is the most promising strategy for ensuring a healthy future.

This is nature’s gentle reminder that unless we stop man’s greed, intervention and pollution, there might not be a planet left for future generations to come.