Earth’s flora and fauna are naturally diverse. We humans have not respected that fact and have approached our planet largely in terms of what we can get out of it. Because of the rise of large-scale technology, we have had a negative impact on the natural world. Pollution of water and air, erosion of topsoil, depletion of soil nutrients, threats to living plant and animal species, climate change and oil depletion have all resulted from our poor stewardship.
Part of our problem stems from the fact that we (especially in the U.S.) are almost totally focused on monetary figures as a measure of how well we are doing. Making money has become the highest goal rather than earth care and people care. Mindless consumerism is rampant and governments and economists are of no help.
We can’t sit around waiting for governments or institutions to solve things…as Ghandi said, we need to be the change we want to see in the world. If everyone followed permaculture principles in providing for themselves and others, we could restore the earth’s diversity, have meaningful work, reduce energy needs, and be healthier and happier. We would live more as our Creator intended.