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The author talks about the rising issue of feeding the world. Water as a necessary (to irrigate fields) yet sometimes destructive (flood) resource, is mentioned as one of the key aspects in a worldwide dramatic change. Especially one section about the rivalry between China and the United States is interesting, and of very much concern (p.13). It includes the economic interlacing of both countries. “China has become the banker of the United States” and thereby has enough leverage to pressure the country to export grain to the hungry giant in Asia. From there the author even predicts the inevitable competition between Chinese and American consumers for food. Both giants could block any effort made to bring necessary change concerning the environment (also problematic as both countries are the biggest contributors to pollution and environmental destruction). Very concerning is furthermore the author’s comparison of our world economy to a Ponzi scheme which has a predictable, but devastating end for all and everything involved (in our case Planet Earth). It is a short-term process (p.14). One cause exemplified is the market, an “incredible institution” (p.15), but nevertheless damaging with its strict focus on the now and failure to provide full information (upcoming costs for our behavior today) (p.16). The market is incomplete as it only includes direct costs, yet ignores indirect costs caused by those; just as it ignores the services nature provides (p.17).
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We have learned about our behaviors that have to change, for instance being more aware of our energy consumption, using more efficient LED-lights instead of the regular ones, recycle, plant trees, protect animal diversity and do not overfish, use renewable energy, and be more efficient with our scarce resources (such as water and land). We also mentioned the Earth Charter which is very idealistic and, in many points, hard - if not impossible - to fulfill. Future generations will pay a very high price for our current way of living. It already effects my generation and those to follow will be hit even harder if we do not change.
