Priorities

Numerous times throughout his book, Louv discusses “healing the broken bond between children and nature”. Though he admits it is “an overwhelming, even impossible, task”, it is apparent that Louv has optimistic views towards the future (309). I, however, find myself more questionable of the potential relationship between people and nature. I would like to acknowledge that I do not purposefully mean to be pessimistic, for I am truly hoping such a relationship is rekindled. Nonetheless, our recent past leaves me uncertain. For many decades, humans have relied heavily upon technology. The synthetic lifestyle that spawns from this has consumed us, rearranging priorities that once focused on preserving nature. As a political science major, I am particularly disturbed by the world’s most powerful nations’ neglection to participate in international policies that could refocus priorities. The Kyoto Protocol, for instance, was not ratified by the United States because it would terminate multiple US businesses due to their polluting technologies, significantly raising energy prices. But why is this inherently bad? An increase in energy prices would discourage citizens from using such harmful technologies, supporting an alternative that is more environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, this outlook is only acknowledged by a select few. Skewed priorities prohibit many to see this option, forbidding them to put nature first. I truly believe that change cannot be achieved until humans learn to adjust their way of thinking. We must begin to put nature first.