Stewardship of the Earth

By John Tucker Rowan Public Library

            Stewardship is the responsible manner in which we seek to care for and use the property of another individual.    Growing up in a house with two siblings we were often told “clean your room”.  This directive described our role to care for a house that was owned by a bank, paid for by our parents, and one day inherited by the heirs (which was one third me).  So it is that we should learn at an early age to take care of things that belong to others.   One day in the future, we will be directly accountable for those things.  This same lesson applies to our responsibility in caring for our environment with policies and goals to protect our global resources.   Since most of us know very little about such matters, a trip to the public library would help teach us about stewardship of creation.

            Take a look at the book “Global Resources: Opposing Views” on Greenhaven Press.  The book editor, Helen Cothran, has assembled opposing essays on many topics dealing with our progress to care for the world around us.  The first viewpoint presented in the text argues that the global oil reserves are being exhausted, never to rise again.  The second viewpoint argues the opposing perspective that better global management of this resource can help us meet future needs.  Which view supports your understanding of the issue?  This is a thorough read for students longing t know more about our global plans for food and energy production.

            Another selection, “Disappearing Destinations: 37 Places In Peril and What Can Be Done To Help Save Them” by Kimberly Lisagor and Heather Hansen, calls to our attention the severity of our abuse that is destroying the landscape around us.  Cities and sites from around the globe are deemed to be dying a slow death due to many and various reasons.  Of particular concern are locations in the United States, including North Carolina’s Outer and Inner Banks, and Appalachia.  How concerned are we about preserving the beauty of these areas for our children and grandchildren?

            Stewards of creation, how do we proceed to “clean our rooms”?  One book to consider  is titled “Plan B 3.0 – Mobilizing to Save Civilization” by Lester R. Brown.  Mr. Brown re-defines our need for action to save the world from ourselves.  “All the problems we face can be dealt with using existing technologies.  What we lack is the political will…” to address matters that have a global impact.  This book may be downloaded for free by visiting www.earthpolicy.org.

            It would appear that there is much to “clean up” in regard to our rooms, our neighborhoods and our nations.  The well being of the global community rests on our ability to become better stewards of the resources and environment around us.  A short trip to the library may be just the place to begin your research and develop a personal plan on how each of us can better care for the world around us.  Happy Reading!