Our present economy is systematically contaminating every living cell; destroying and fragmenting habitat; and providing great stress to human populations. At the same time, large numbers of people lack health insurance and access to basic medical services.
Amphibians such as salamanders, whose eggs are shown here, are among the most vulnerable to changes in the natural environment.
The health of people and the ecosystems upon which they depend is inextricably linked. All life is ultimately cellular, and cells all have their limits. They cannot grow too hot or cold, withstand too much or too little pressure, become too acidic or too alkaline. At a certain point, mercury compounds, or DDT, or dioxins overwhelm a cell's vitality, stressing an organism, and eventually impairing its intelligence, reproductive success, immune system, and other functions.
What we do to ecosystems, we ultimately do to ourselves. Environmental burdens are typically borne by the poorest amongst us, those who live near toxic dumps and contaminated sites. The establishment of better Materials Cycles, with the resulting phasing out of toxic contamination, is a great contribution to Social Equity, environmental justice, and the health of all beings.
When we degrade a forest, a wetland, or a sacred site, we ultimately degrade our very humanity. To maintain a vast system of Connected Wildlands for the sake of other species, is also to maintain our ancient evolutionary home, one that we have shared with all life on this planet for close to four billion years. To restore living systems is to restore our very cells, tissues, memory, and imagination. Nothing could be more selfish, more altruistic, or more necessary.
When we create magnificent parks and open spaces in the heart of the city, we give ourselves opportunities for Beauty and Play. When we slow down, and begin to dwell in Human-Scale Neighborhoods, we rebuild Community and Civic Society, our very sense of cultural identity and participation. When we construct Green Building which shine with natural light, use non-toxic materials, and offer unsurpassed indoor air quality, we heal or spirit and directly enhance our health.
Preventive healthcare, emphasizing maintaining health, is cheaper and more effective than waiting for illness to occur and treating the symptoms. Western healthcare should be complemented with Eastern, Naturopathic, and other modalities that have shown themselves to be cost-effective for a wide range of ailments. Health, as a Fundamental Needs, must be supported by policies making affordable health insurance and access to medical services broadly available.
Recognize that the health of humans and ecosystems is indivisible. Arrange all economic activities to be conducive to the continued health and vitality of this generation of living beings, and all generations to come. Diversify the medical system and make it more affordable and accessible to all.