To the editor,
As I gaze through the haze and orange sun-glow, I am deeply grateful to the firefighters, who endured the hard work, smoke and fatigue to keep the Nanaimo Lakes Road fire from encroaching on our community.
With forest fires raging through B.C., other provinces and California, is it not increasingly evident that humans have contributed to creating an unhealthy planet? Would sustainable selective logging allow more trees to absorb carbon and maintain moisture on the forest floors, instead of clear-cutting which leaves debris to dry as tinder? Would it help to curb overuse of resources in forestry, fishing, mining, and agriculture? Would it benefit to safeguard our water resources from overuse and pollution? Would our planet be healthier if we shift from capitalism’s consumerism and learn to live sustainably?
It is frightening to think of having to change quality of life and needing to learn new job skills. However, we do not know the possibly more drastic results we may be forced to face, such as the melting permafrost in the north and average global temperature increases. Do we expect that firefighters, paramedics and governments can keep up with emergencies on an increasing basis?
While it is too late to reverse the damage immediately, we need to educate ourselves and our children on what will help us mitigate consequences and re-create the healthy world that we need. We must not delay any longer.
Lavonne Garnett, Nanaimo
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.