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Global healing through understanding the sacredness of the earth Listen to your environment. The world doesn't fail us; people fail—they fail to listen. What a year for storms—2005 is rapidly rising to the top of list of busiest storm years of records that began in 1851. More important than the number of storms is their severity; storms are more destructive and dangerous. According to prominent hurricane MIT researcher, Dr. Kerry Emanuel, an average hurricane's energy release increased about seventy percent (70%), in the last thirty or so years. The maximum wind speed increased fifteen percent (15%) and the storm's lifetime increased sixty percent.(60%). The change follows very closely with the change in tropical sea surface temperature, which scientists believe is anthropogenic (a result of human activities).
Human well-being is highly dependent on the benefits provided by a healthy ecosystem, in particular, food and drinkable water. Particularly over the past fifty years, humans have had a tremendous impact on their environment, yet have continued adopting a controlling attitude over their environments. Almost all of the U.S. hurricane damage in the U.S., for example, is due to an increase in coastal population, building in hurricane-prone areas. In this issue, Ecosystem Sensitivities looks at the negative impact of human activity on southern Alberta coulee ecosystems. It would make sense not to develop in areas prone to destruction in the first place, but western "civilization" builds and rebuilds in areas that will suffer natural disasters, seemingly without question or common sense.
In a global society especially, the effects of such human activity and insensitivity is felt everywhere. While it feels past time to hear what terra has to say, some believe that it is not too late; others have quit believing that "man" is open to communicating and understanding its own source of life. The artist submissions, to the theme "global healing through understanding the sacredness of the earth", are primarily a response to a year marked with unprecedented destruction from our most creative communicator, earth, and hope to serve to promote environmental sensitivity. Inside this project, you will find impromptu live performance, writing, prose, poetry and images by professional and non-professional writers and artists. While they form a diverse group, they each feel a strong earth connection and unite in a desire to promote thought about the interplay between environment and man, using different media and perspectives to provoke discourse and understanding.
Peace is not just an absence of violence or war. Among other things, it also involves a progress towards health, a reduction of poverty, and environmental sustainability. When individuals and groups of all ages become more aware of the effects of human activity and attitude, a difference to the future health of our land and ourselves can be made. One way to healing lies in understanding source of life. The battle to improve biodiversity and to improve a respect for difference is one that we face together. To save our source of life, our attitudes, values and customs must change. It is time to write the best new chapters of our future that we possibly can.
Together for peace and health
vrede, Waki Qiwebis, Khanaghutyun, Baké, pakoj, shAnti, Spokoj, peoc'h, Nyeinjanyei, Pau, nanomonsetôtse, Tsumukikiatu, Wetaskiwin, Lapé, mir, mir, fred, Sulh, vrede, Hetep, peace, paco, rahu, Solh, Vakaçegu, Rauha, paix, Fifa, fred, sěochaint, síocháin, der friede, Irini, py'guapy, malu, Shanti, kev sib haum xeeb, béke, Friđur, damai, Tutkium, pace, Heiwa, Rukun, Soksang, Rój, Peoning Hwa, Hasiti, Wolakota, Santiphap, pax, taika, paci, rongo, Ets’a’an Olal, Enh Taiwain, tlamatcanemiliztli, fred, pokoj, paz, sérë, pace, pasch, Wo’okeyeh, paz, Amani, fred, kapayapaan, Amaithi, Santiphap, Sidi, Baris, amn; salaam, Hoa Binh, Heddwch, Sholem, Alaafia, uxolo, Layeni, Ukuthula
健康, 건강, gezondheid, santé, saúde, salud, salute, gesundheit, υγεία, здоровье, health |
Message from the editor:
Marlene Lacey |