In the Sept. 16 Standard-Examiner, was an article about the potential collapse of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Perhaps the greatest challenge of all time is facing every country of the world. Our adversary comes with rising seas, severe storms, drought, famine, disease, temperature extremes, floods, and wildfires, threatening not only our own lives but those of future generations. We also have wars and conflicts raging in various parts of the world. Since the beginning of civilization, fear, anger, and hatred have fueled the violence between various groups and countries.

Bertrand Russell, the great philosopher and Nobel prize winner (1950), proposed a dual solution seventy-seven years ago in his Nobel lecture, long before any concern about global climate change. He suggested that if Mother Earth were viewed as a common enemy, there might be cooperation of the whole human race: “And men could easily be brought to view life in this way if schools, newspapers and politicians devoted themselves to this end.”

Yes, the Earth is in trouble, and the challenges will come to our very doorsteps. In the words of Walt Kelly’s 1970 Earth Day poster: “We have met the enemy and he is us.” It is all of us who are to blame because of our inactions. With no doubt, when Mother Earth turns cataclysmic, nations will finally come together to jointly fight for survival of humanity.

Michael Slabaugh

Ogden

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