A few decades ago, Jacques Cousteau, the famous French oceanographer, warned us that the seas were dying due to the wasteful and reckless life styles of human beings.  He coined the term "greenhouse effect" in reference to the global warming that he saw had already begun.  He made clear the interdependence of all living things on this planet, and he informed us that the polar ice caps were melting even at that time.  He assured us that the further pollution of the seas that he was observing would ultimately contribute to the extinction of all life on Planet Earth.

    His warnings apparently failed to frighten us enough to take the necessary steps to prevent his predictions from becoming reality.  We are continually being made aware of the danger of extinction to many species, and even though Cousteau did not foresee the current disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, we can not deny that it is the direct result of human disregard for the health of the planet itself.

    It is past the time for humankind to begin living with respect for all life--human, animal, and vegetable--that makes our Earth a habitable place.  If we fail to do so, we will prove Cousteau correct and we will all perish.  However, if we succeed in reversing our present destructive course, we will return Earth to its former nurturing home for life for millions, maybe billions, of years to come.