Science had destroyed world’s ecosystem – EPA
Togbe Akliku Ahorney II, Volta Regional Director of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday observed that science as a “double-edged knife” had contributed negatively to the destruction of the world’s ecosystem.
He said most cases of degradation, pollution and destruction of the flora and fauna species were direct results of scientific inventions, which were intended to make life bearable.
Togbe Ahorney made the observation at the Regional celebration of 2010 World Environment Day in Ho, on the theme: “Many species, one planet and one future.”
He said knowingly or unknowingly, human beings are misapplying or misusing scientific knowledge for personal and selfish interests.
Togbe Ahorney said the insatiable nature of human needs had worsened the spate of destruction and attack on the ecosystem, stressing: “Our taste is fast changing without due regard for the consequences on the environment and future generations.”
“The desire of nations to acquire power and wealth has led to the development of sophisticated machines which pollute and degrade the environment on daily basis,” he noted.
Togbe Ahorney said human beings required a favourable environment for an optimal relationship within and among other living organisms.
He predicted that nature would “bounce back” on human beings on their indiscipline and be “cruel to us” and therefore called for the integration of environmental considerations in the development agenda.
He said younger generations should show keener interest in environmental sustainability by adapting to challenging situations.
Mr Joseph Amenowode, Regional Minister in a speech read on his behalf said “human beings have one future which is either to survive or extinct”.
He said the continuous quest to destroy the environment in the name of development would eventually leave no man on earth.
Mr Amenowode therefore called for the conservation of wetlands, mangroves and rain forests as a way of protecting the environment.
“We have to ensure more functioning ecosystem for a reliable clean water, good soils and stable weather patterns.”
Mr Alex Martels Hughes, Assistant Chief Fire Officer in charge of the region noted although the “environment is man; man has no respect for the environment”.
“I am very disappointed in the patronage of this event. There is no traditional chief here and only few opinion leaders. This shows the importance we attach to issues of the environment where we belong,” he said.
Source: GNA