The choice of using remote barren land

removed from highly populated areas,

virgin ground so to speak,

presents its own problems.

The transportation of dangerous chemicals

in sealed capsules over major arteries

increases the possibility of spills and contamination.

Recurring excerpts in national

and local newspapers warn of the dangers

confronting the ordinary citizen.

The pretext of protecting the public interest

must be questioned.

Accidents and poor planning

lead to the erosion of public faith.

With certainty, we can report that

the air we breathe is becoming more polluted daily.

For those residents of large cities

who are afflicted with a respiratory condition

it becomes imperative for officials

to clamp down on smog conditions.

To protect their health,

citizens may deem it necessary

to check smog levels beforehand

when they are planning strenuous outdoor activity.

To disregard this problem

will surely increase the number of premature deaths

and serious health problems.

Direct action by governments should

help alleviate some of the risks for the elderly

and those people with heart and lung disease.

One breakthrough occurred

when the government signed a pact

to check pollutant emissions on all motor vehicles.

Some continuity of policy is desirable

not only between provinces but

among nations to monitor air quality.

On a global scale the deforestation

of the rain forests of Brazil is

causing grave worldwide concern.

The present day regime

that is encouraging the building of roads,

allowing for easier travel

has laid siege to one

of the world's most valuable natural resources.

This has become an obscene rape of the land,

a slash and burn approach.

An aerial view of this area shows terrible fires,

enormous blazes every day,

resulting in consequent air pollution.

The Brazilian government however,

is reluctant to abolish this practice

that would mean less income

for the poor of Brazil.

Sadly, on the other hand,

natives must evacuate their homes,

becoming exiles.

A world forum on this matter has

left people all over the world

with some indefinite answers.

Both governments and individuals

can voluntarily help achieve goals

for a cleaner safer environment

by incorporating some of the following ideas

into their daily lives.

They can ascribe to the idea of participating

in local recycling programs.

As well, they can cut back

on the use of motor vehicles.

Walking more will improve everyone's health,

as well as improving the environment.

Using alternatives to herbicides on lawns

and gardens will improve water quality.

Some general advice might be to differentiate

between what we need and what we want.

If we are going to pass on a healthy world

to our children and grandchildren

we must remain diligent and

maintain a balance between our environmental

and social responsibilities and our economic goals.

It's our world and how we leave it

for the next generation depends

on what we do today.