1000 Flowers for the Planet - #396 Study Consequences First

1000 Flowers for the Planet - #396 Study Consequences First

Australia and New Zealand have been unique countries in that they have only been known to the entire world for a couple of centuries. As such, we can easily see mistakes that have been made and the dire consequences that have affected the land. For example, in Australia they introduced the cane toad with the intention that it would rid the cane of cane beetles, but the result has actually been uncontrollable numbers of cane toads that have spread across more than half the top of the country, endangering native species and damaging the environment. Likewise, foxes and rabbits were introduced into Australia for the purposes of hunting and have grown to plague proportions covering the entire nation. They have no major predators here and cause environmental havoc and threaten native wildlife.

We cannot change what has happened and there is no point blaming people from the past. What we can do is learn from past mistakes – that’s what makes the study of history so important. There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging the wisdom of past generations either. Reinventing the wheel is pointless, and ignoring warnings from our ancestors only proves foolish, even if you think you know better, which if often the case with science these days. Yes, we do know more, but instead of doing things recklessly, just because we are capable and have the technology, we should take more care to study what the consequences are before charging ahead recklessly. This is not to say we should form a committee to investigate whether or not we should have a committee that investigates the viability of a committee that might put forward a report on which committees should be formed to do a study. Let’s drop the idiocy and use our brains and supposed intelligence to ensure we make the right decisions regarding the planet and our impact on it, and look after our children’s inheritance.