2005-10-27_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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E:~c~ctrtr~~c~ Di~•ecfc~r's Pers~u~cti~~c~ recent essay by Michael Shellenbtuger and Ted Nordhaus, entitled The Death. of En~~~ironnrentalism, argues that the historic and traditional environmental movement in the U.S. has become irrelevant. The essay states that the message being conveyed by environmental groups is out of touch tivith elected officials and the public. The authors maintain that elected officials are conti~~luing to reduce efforts and cut funding for e~~wironmental issues, while the public views recycling wastes and changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs as appropriate responses to an environmental crisis. These actions trivialize envirom~ilental concerns, and distracts all of us From malting a conunitment to the serious concerns of an impaired water quality, global climate change, energy availability ~u1d costs, and so on... down the list. We can only wonder just what it will take to change the direction of a society tha t prefers vehicles that gulp down fuel, homes for a few occupants that consume as much energy as six homes with five occup~ults or2ly a generation ago, and a consumption obsession rather than a conservation conunihllent. Freshwater resources will bear the bnult of the burden of current society, and organizations such as the Freshwater Society must become more effective in educating elected afficials and the public on the true environmental issues and solutions. Donald G. Brauer, P.E. Executive Director Governor I~ecl~res Wr~tet~ is Life ~~y Conunisaion~~r Sheryl Currian hres~~ntcd Gli/th 6ei~q 6roolannn ~i~ith Hie Slnte of Minnesota's 6Vntcr i~ Lifi~ Dny E~rodninntion. Minnesota's Governor Tim Pawlenty proclaimed May 5, 2005, Wr~tcr is Life Day. The pcoclaulation was 1?resented to the Freshwater Society by Commissioner Sheryl Corrigan at the Wnter is Liti' Art Contest Awards and Reception Gala. 'The Governor made the proclamation to acknowledge the State of Minnesota recognizes the vital role fresh-eater resources have in our lives, and to encourage Minnesotans to become aware of the vuhlerabiLity of these resources and the impending, freshwater shortages. The declaration also recognized tl.~e youth of Minnesota for playing a vital part in ensrn-ing the future of Minnesota's Freshwater resoL~rces. FACETS July 2005