WE must spare some time and ask what we need to do to deal with environmental threats.
Sadly, reflection is a rare activity these days.
We complain about air quality and pollution, we have flash floods and landslides, and yet, the lessons have not been learnt.
As trustees of our planet’s resources and geobiological diversity, we must use natural resources in a manner that ensures conservation.
As trustees, we must temper our actions with moderation and balance.
Sustainable environmental conservation and preservation must not be viewed as a discretionary commitment that we weigh against other competing economic interests.
Instead, we must re-examine ourselves and our beliefs.
It should be a responsibility shouldered by us.
We must view this as a part of our spiritual development, as well as our physical survival.
We have a common responsibility to protect the diversity of this planet.
However, if all we do is place an economic value on biodiversity, we will undervalue it.
We need skills and knowledge to keep our planet safe for future generations.
If the human race is to establish sustainable conservation of the environment, the spiritual energy latent in us must be released and directed to this noble task.
Religion can provide the vision, inspire change in us and ensure that greed and apathy do not govern our lives.
The spiritual values inculcated in us by religious beliefs, such as respect, integrity, love and caring, remind us to be conscious of our role in this world.
History teaches us that civilisation can be destroyed if it does not make peace with the environment.
Can something be done to address environmental degradation?
As political leaders, community leaders and citizens, we can and we must.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur