We are using resources as if we had two planets, not one. There can be no 'plan B' because there is no 'planet B.'
Interpretation
We must be mindful of our planet's finite resources, as there is no alternative Earth to rely on.
This quote from Ban Ki-Moon emphasizes the urgent need to recognize the limitations of our natural resources and the critical importance of sustainable living. It suggests that our current consumption patterns are reckless and unsustainable, highlighting the fact that we do not have a 'backup' planet to escape to if we fail to take care of the one we have.
In practice
In a speech about climate change, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of protecting our planet.
Nuclear terrorism is one of the most serious threats of our time. Even one such attack could inflict mass casualties and create immense suffering and unwanted change in the world forever. This prospect should compel all of us to act to prevent such a catastrophe.
We have international standards regulating everything from t-shirts to toys to tomatoes. There are international regulations for furniture. That means there are common standards for the global trade in armchairs but not the global trade in arms.
Weapons of mass destruction violate more than individual lives - they cross international borders and jeopardize all people. They also drain resources that could be used instead for medicines, schools and other life-saving supplies. We must come together with even greater determination to prevent a WMD nightmare.
Throughout human history, in any great endeavour requiring the common effort of many nations and men and women everywhere, we have learned - it is only through seriousness of purpose and persistence that we ultimately carry the day. We might liken it to riding a bicycle. You stay upright and move forward so long as you keep up the momentum.
By including children with different learning abilities in mainstream and specialized schools, we can change attitudes and promote respect. By creating suitable jobs for adults with autism, we integrate them into society.
Freedom is a timeless value. The United Nations Charter calls for encouraging respect for fundamental freedoms. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights mentions freedom more than twenty times. All countries have committed to protecting individual freedoms on paper - but in practice, too many break their pledge.
To be a friend of the Everglades is not necessarily to spend time wandering around out there.
There is no bandit so powerful as Nature._x000D_ _x000D_ The interaction of the positive and the negative principles, which produces the visible universe._x000D_ _x000D_ In the whole universe there is no escape from it.
We have an economy that tells us that it is cheaper to destroy Earth in real time rather than renew, restore, and sustain it.
The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of the pond, the smell of the wind itself cleansed by a midday rain, or scented with pinon pine. The air is precious to the red man, for all things are the same breath - the animals, the trees, the man.
Many animals even now spring out of the soil, Coalescing from the rains and the heat of the sun. Small wonder, then, if more and bigger creatures, Full-formed, arose from the new young earth and sky. The breed, for instance, of the dappled birds Shucked off their eggshells in the springtime, as Crickets in summer will slip their slight cocoons All by themselves, and search for food and life. Earth gave you, then, the first of mortal kinds, For all the fields were soaked with warmth and moisture.
Nature paints not; In oils, but frescoes the great dome of heaven; With sunsets, and the lovely forms of clouds; And flying vapors.
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