These days, not only many scientists but also the general public are deeply concerned about the destruction of the ecosystem. In the United States alone, 10,000 tons of waste are produced daily, along with 500,000 tons of sewage and 1,000 tons of pollutants. These contribute to environmental pollution. In the name of economic development in Third World countries, forests are destroyed and industries that cause various types of pollution are rapidly expanding. Furthermore, the dumping of nuclear waste by powerful nations has led to the death of trees and soil acidification, while water pollution has driven the earth into a state of severe illness.

There is a Kenyan proverb that says, “The earth was not given to you by your parents but borrowed from your children, so take good care of it.” However, humanity has already destroyed more than half of the tropical rainforests, and about 140 species go extinct every day due to human actions. Every year, forests the size of Finland (17 million hectares) are devastated.

Tropical rainforests are an inexhaustible environmental treasure trove for humankind. They contain plants that offer cures for diseases, anti-cancer agents, food, and essential raw materials. Nevertheless, humans are destroying 100 acres every minute.

Not long ago, Korean news reported that rivers were so polluted that even tap water had an odor and was undrinkable. The fact that foreign travelers to Korea are warned not to drink the water is a serious situation. This is not only an issue in Korea but also in Europe and the developing world—and it is undoubtedly a warning for all humanity. Because water was the cheapest and most abundantly provided resource, we failed to take care of it and allowed its quality to deteriorate. According to general knowledge, the human body is composed of about 65% water, and when body fluids fall below 20%, life cannot be sustained. Currently, 70% of the water consumed by citizens in the world’s top 10 industrial nations is artificially treated wastewater. Human civilization began and thrived along rivers. The food and resources provided by rivers and seas have sustained humanity until now. However, at this very moment, chemical-laden wastewater from factories, farmlands, and households is destroying the balance of the ecosystem. The consequences of this will be borne by future generations. This reality shows that we must urgently awaken.

Every nation is pursuing economic growth. In the desire of political leaders in developing countries to build more prosperous nations, powerful economies have provided capital and technology under the pretext of economic support—yet allowed the production of goods that are banned in their own countries. This has led to rampant environmental pollution. Alongside this, a small group of businesspeople has accumulated wealth and luxury, exacerbating the gap between the rich and the poor.

There was a time when consumption and extravagance were seen as virtues, as if they were shortcuts to economic growth. In such a world, where new things were considered better and only large things were valued, we have often seen newly built apartments, pedestrian overpasses, and even churches being demolished overnight—a deeply regrettable sight.

According to Dr. Bang Yong-ho’s book Groaning Planet Earth, Korea produces the most waste per capita (2.32 kg per person per day), with the amount of trash in Seoul being 35% more than New York and 5.9 times more than Kolkata, India. We must take these statistics seriously. A report on household waste in the U.S. shows that 17% of purchased food ends up in the trash, contributing to environmental pollution. Professor Rathje of the University of Arizona reports that one in six people worldwide is dying due to lack of food, and 40,000 infants die every day (14.6 million annually) from hunger-related diseases. These realities remind us that consumption and waste are matters of life and death.

The Earth is like the man who was robbed while traveling to Jericho—left wounded and dying. We were all too busy to care, becoming accomplices in the destruction of environmental resources. Who will tend to this wounded, bleeding planet and restore the shattered order of creation? One day, may we be ashamed of possessing more than we need and usher in an age of harmony and equality between nature and humanity. We must remember that God did not only love humankind but the entire world. We have lived thinking that it doesn’t matter what happens to others as long as we are happy and doing well. But we must recall that we live in interdependence with all creation and our neighbors, and remember the Word that God saw what He had created and said it was good. We can no longer bring sorrow to the heart of God. Nature must become a subject of our mission as well. I believe the time has come for Good Samaritans to rise for the protection of the Earth’s wounded natural environment.

[기고] 국립생태원 Ecorium서 만나는 기후대별 생물군계