The Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)
Date Published:
2008
Description:
Volume two of this issue contains: summaries of current environmental issues and concerns including climate change, wildlife, endangered species, impacts from the mining and oil industries, and solid waste and toxic contaminants issues; articles focusing on programs and initiatives; and, success stories. Also contained in this volume are insights from Alaska Native elders and a Kid’s Page focused on traditional storytelling. Our elders teach us that we need to think of the future generations and that we need to respect our relationships with the land, animals, and spirits. A part of our spirituality is how we maintain our relationships, not only with one another, but also with all of creation, all our relations. There is wisdom in this approach to life.
We depend on water, air, food, and shelter for our survival. So it makes sense that we should consider those things being available for future generations a necessity in the decisions we make today.
Unfortunately, availability is not the only issue. We also need to consider accessibility and contamination.
In parts of the continental United States, pollution has resulted in water sources being unsuitable for human consumption. In other areas, people are advised to restrict their fish consumption due to contamination levels. The purpose of this piece is to encourage deeper dialogue about the realities we face in Alaska and
around the world. It is a time sensitive manner. Our elders teach us that we need to think of the future generations and that we need to respect our relationships with the land and animals. We should listen. We need to actively transition into a healthy and sustainable lifestyle or be forced into it later under much more difficult circumstances.
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