It is a stark and arresting fact that, since the middle of the 20th century, humankind has consumed more natural resources than in all previous human history
Interpretation
Human consumption of natural resources has dramatically increased since the mid-20th century.
This quote by Margaret Beckett highlights the alarming fact that humanity's consumption of natural resources has surpassed that of all previous eras combined since the mid-20th century. It serves as a warning about the unsustainable patterns of resource use and prompts reflection on our impact on the planet and the necessity for conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
In practice
In a discussion on environmental sustainability during a conference.
They ravaged neither the rivers nor the forest, and if they irrigated, they took as little water as would serve their needs. The land and all that it bore they treated with consideration; not attempting to improve it, they never desecrated it.
What other species now require of us is our attention. Otherwise, we are entering a narrative of disappearing intelligences.
I need beaches, and blackness, and moonlit nakedness.
How sublime to look down on the workhouse of nature, to see her clouds, hail, snow, rain, thunder, all fabricated at our feet!
Life - all life - is in the service of life. Necessary nutrients are made available to life by life in greater and greater richness as the diversity of life increases. The entire landscape comes alive, filled with relationships and relationships within relationships.
We don't have to look far for miracles because they're all around us. Everything is astonishing. The universe on it's surface is alive with mystery.
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