All around the world environmental activists fight to preserve our patches of rain forests and wetlands, as well as protect a variety of fragile but important ecosystems. In all major cities, advocates of environmental conservation annually propose plans with alternative modes of transportation and energy-efficient appliances that will every citizen would be mandated to use. Even if instituted gradually, these changes could really make a difference. Usually, these efforts are in vain. .
The majority of people are not willing to make any drastic changes in their lives. Energy-efficient refrigerators and electric cars are available but they are different; beyond a simple trip to an appliance store or the car dealer, there are more steps involved in acquiring one. In our consumer-driven society, it has become acceptable to waste; waste energy, waste water, waste time. Lifestyles have been established and most people, though they might have watched the special on PBS and read the article in Time don't understand the very imminence of disaster. Unfortunately, it is the nature of humans to accept only the concrete, the "now" and unfortunately statistics with the words "in fifty years" preceding them are not now. Because of this alternative lifestyles are not an alternative and warnings of the long-term result of our current gluttony and irresponsibility are being sadly ignored. .
All environmental scientists, educators, and policy-makers agree that the key to public understanding is public education. Without a thorough understanding of the problems facing the planet in terms of its fragile environment, humanity is on a collision course with disaster. It is not enough to warn people, impose economic sanctions, and establish strict regulations. People must understand why they should recycle, how they can take care of their waste and why they should, what they can do to lessen their own individual impact on the earth and why it is so very important that they do.
