Back in the beginning of the 20th century there were one billion astronauts on space station Earth. Now there are 7.7 billion people inhabiting our planet as of August, 2019. There has been no increase in oxygen. Presently, with the burning of the Amazonian rain forests, it is likely there is less oxygen in our atmosphere. With the billions of trees burning, no fresh oxygen is being produced. Food creation capacity is not increasing substantially due to chaotic weather. With the oceans rising, and the abundant rain this summer, one would think there is no problem with the availability of potable water. That is not so. Glaciers in many parts of the world provide fresh drinking water to huge populations. India, Peru, Bolivia and other countries rely on glacier reservoirs. As the ice melts, scientists have found that evaporation increases. Since glaciers provide an enormous amount of fresh, potable water to the world (close to 75%), what will spaceship Earth be like when they are gone? In 1969, scientists calculated, based on arable land available upon which to grow food, that the carrying capacity of Earth is 2 billion people. What is happening now that we have close to four times the number of people (astronauts) beyond the carrying capacity of our space station Earth? “Houston, we have a problem.” Astronauts know who created their spacecraft. They agree upon their mission and the necessary harmony of their actions. Of course, there is mission control which stays in contact and is always listening and ready to help if need be on ISS.
The next voice is Christ’s who tells us that we are created in the image and likeness of the Creator. Christ tells us to feed the poor and hungry, to not be prejudiced against others, to love one another and cause no harm.
We, the astronauts on space ship Earth, seem to have some difficulty understanding messages. There is only one Creator of spaceship Earth, one Mission Control. Aren’t we meant to make our actions fit the Creator’s purpose, not our own? Fellow astronaut, have you looked at the life support systems of our space station lately? What did Christ (Mission Control) say our operating instructions were for spaceship Earth which is hurtling through space at 19 miles per second? Did I hear someone say “Stop the world, I want to get off!”? [email protected] ©Ann Rains September, 2019 (Postscript: In 2004, Paul Rohman gave me permission to adapt an article from something he had written. Upon rereading what I wrote, I became curious as to how much change had happened on Earth since the original article was written. At that time, the Mir spacecraft was in orbit. Glacier melt was not alarming. Population was around 6 billion. The over population of spaceship Earth is stressing all support systems. What are we leaving our children?)
4 Comments
Carolyn Kreighbaum
8/25/2019 07:23:21 pm
Another very powerful and interesting comentary.
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Hello, dear friend,
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Dan Barton
8/26/2019 04:29:09 pm
From 1 billion to 7.7 billion people since 1900. Wow! That's some increase. It's hard to imagine at the rate we are going, where everybody will live. Or not! All of these environmental disasters that you point to are true, Ann. Point is, with rate of the population increase as it is, by the year 2120, we'll probably have 15 million people on spaceship earth. But the good news is, I live in New Harmony. In 1815 we had 800 people. We still have 800 people. Probably have 800 people in 2120. But I'll be moving. Found a great piece of real estate with a view. Another great column, Annie.
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Yes, Cemetery Hill does have a great view. Most of us at this age will not be around to see how the Earth will rebell against all the travesties against her. Chaotic climate change is just the beginning, I fear. Thanks, Dan, for your comments. They always bring a laugh.
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