| IN
OUR DAY, there is a growing awareness that world peace is
threatened not only by the arms race, regional conflicts and
continued injustices among peoples and nations, but also by
a lack of due respect for nature,
by plundering of natural resources and by an progressive decline
in the quality of life. The sense of precariousness and insecurity
that such a situation engenders is a seedbed for collective
selfishness, disregard for others and dishonesty.
Faced
with the widespread destruction of the environment, people
everywhere are coming to understand that we cannot continue
to use the goods of the earth as we have in the past. The
public in general as well as political leaders are concerned
about this problem, and experts from a wide range of disciplines
are studying its causes. Moreover,
a new ecological awareness is beginning to emerge
which, rather than being downplayed, ought to be encouraged
to develop into concrete programmes and initiatives.
Many ethical
values, fundamental to the development of a peaceful
society, are particularly relevant to the ecological
question. The fact that many challenges facing the world today
are interdependent confirms the need for carefully coordinated
solutions based on a morally coherent world view.
Unfortunately,
it is now clear that the application of these discoveries
in the fields of industry and agriculture have produced harmful
long-term effects. This has led to the painful realization
that
we cannot interfere in one area
of our ecosystem without paying due attention to the consequences
of such interference in other areas and to the well-being
of future generations.
The gradual
depletion of the ozone layer and the related "greenhouse
effect" has now reached crisis proportions as a consequence
of industrial growth, massive urban concentrations and vastly
increased energy needs. Industrial waste, the burning of fossil
fuels, unrestricted deforestation, the use of certain types
of herbicides, coolants and propellants: all of these are
known to harm the atmosphere and environment. The resulting
meteorological and atmospheric changes range from damage to
health to the possible future submersion of low-lying lands.
While
in some cases the damage already done may well be irreversible,
in many other cases it can still be halted. It is necessary,
however, that the entire human community-individuals, States
and international bodies - take seriously the responsibility
that is theirs.
The most
profound and serious indication of the moral implications
underlying the ecological problem is the lack of respect for
life evident in many patterns of environmental pollution.
Often, the interests of production prevail over concern for
the dignity of workers, while economic interests take priority
over the good of individuals and even entire peoples. In these
case, pollution or environmental destruction is the result
of an unnatural and reductionist vision which at times leads
to a genuine contempt for man.
On another
level, delicate ecological balances are upset by the uncontrolled
destruction of animal or plant life or by a reckless exploitation
of natural resources. It should be pointed out that all of
this, even if carried out in the name of progress and well-being
is ultimately to mankind's disadvantage...
Respect
for life, and above all for the dignity of the human person,
is the ultimate guiding norm for any sound economic, industrial
or scientific progress.
The complexity
of the ecological question is evident to all.
There
are, however, certain underlying principles, which, while
respecting the legitimate autonomy and the specific competence
of those involved, can direct research towards adequate and
lasting solutions. These principles are essential to the building
of a peaceful society.
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