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.
We must alert and organise the world's people to pressure world leaders to take specific steps to solve the two root causes of our environmental crises - exploding population growth and wasteful consumption of irreplaceable resources. Overconsumption and overpopulation underlie every environmental problem we face today.
I feel an indescribable ecstasy and delirium in melting, as it were, into the system of being, in identifying myself with the whole of nature.
The forests of America, however slighted by man, must have been a great delight to God; for they were the best he ever planted. The whole continent was a garden, and from the beginning, it seemed to be favored above all the other wild parks and gardens of the globe.
I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.
For the sight of the angry weather saddens my soul and the sight of the town, sitting like a bereaved mother beneath layers of ice, oppresses my heart.
The day, water, sun, moon, night - I do not have to purchase these things with money.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.