Imagine a world where humans, wildlife and forests have lived for millions of years -- its surface a book of life with pages spanning centuries of history -- ravaged by cancerous X-rays, violent hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and choking dust-storms. This planet is earth. Decades of environmental devastation and political apathy place our lives in danger like never before. New studies may reveal much about the rapidly approaching future of our planet. Scary stuff, huh? Yep, this is the world of George Bush, the self-proclaimed Environment President. Without question, environmental problems are taking a back seat to various international political concerns. But even as the winds of change begin to blow, the U.S. has not yet committed itself to comprehensive environmental reform. Recently, the United States, along with two dozen other countries agreed to ban oil drilling and mining in Antarctica. However, U.S. representatives delayed adoption of the pact, once again proclaiming the administration's self-interest and its continued allegiance to powerful oil and mining lobbies at election-time. Although subtle, this hesitation demonstrates Washington's environmental neglect in policymaking. A case in point, courtesy of President Bush: In 1989, he said, "The forests are sanctuaries not only of human life but also of the human spirit. And every tree is a compact between generations." Really, Mr. President? What about the continued and widespread logging occuring in our National Forests, our sanctuaries? Who has broken our compact between generations? In addition, the U.S. has refused to acknowledge the validity of rising pollution and temperature levels and disputed the link between consumption of fossil fuels and global warming. Again, this hesistation to join the international consensus not only demonstrates that American actions and attitudes lag far behind the appropriate concern of other Western Democracies, but underlines the fact that American policymakers continue to shrug off the myriad warning signs of the planet's plight: ·A widening hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica ·Widespread groundwater contamination ·Unsurpassed levels of air pollution ·Overintensive farming, leading to soil erosion ·Clear-cutting of rainforests ·Frequent climate fluctuations and instances of extreme weather ·Increasing rates of skin cancer Disturbingly, Congress and the administration have neither taken decisive action nor engaged in an extended, meaningful debate concerning these critical environmental issues. Such pointed environmental policymaking is necessary and long overdue. Why America? Because we are at times both a leading offender and an offending leader. By assuming an environmentally helpful approach, the U.S. can right its wrongs, set an example and gain international prestige all at the same time. U.S. policy is central to aiding the global environment, as the U.S. has the world's largest economy and consumes one-fourth of the world's resources. Because recent events have left the U.S. as the world's only superpower, Washington not only must mediate international political disputes, but bears responsibility in insuring the planet's viability. America can significantly affect the global environment. Washington's policymakers now possess the potential international leverage necessary to dislodge intransigent environmental offenders like China. Why not gather an environmental coalition in 1992 to exert political or economic pressure upon environmental offenders? First things first. America must establish its own environmental credibility if it hopes to lead an international environmental regime. Policymakers should outline and implement a comprehensive nationwide program to improve domestic energy and environment policies. An overall helpful environmental approach would include domestic and international initiatives to: ·Preserve resources through use of alternative fuels (ethanol, natural gas) and energy sources (solar, wind, tidal and hydroelectric power) ·Improve waste management with a program of mandatory recycling, reduction and reuse ·Encourage energy savings through incentives and special devices ·Reorient the American auto industry towards production of electric cars ·Encourage and adequately fund family planning in countries with burgeoning populations ·Establish strict international maritime standards sanctions to prevent oil spills ·Enforce stiff drift-net fishing restrictions and penalties to protect endangered species ·Carry through on breakthrough initiatives like NASA's Mission to Planet Earth; Earth Observation Station; unmanned exploration of Venus, Earth's evolutionary twin; and Biosphere II An overall environmental approach must aim to educate and raise awareness. America needs to find the courage to redefine prosperity for our nation and our planet. But regardless of the approach, America must institutionalize continuous and directed environmental progress. These measures should be implemented gradually, in order to ensure a smooth transition to environmental awareness in policy and practice. Washington must now take decisive action now before global environmental health deteriorates further. Jeff Dobrin is a junior International Relations major from Golden Valley, Minnesota.
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