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| Reclaiming Open Spaces: The Responsibility of Individuals, the Community and the Government |
 PRINTABLE VERSION |
The subject of reclaiming open spaces has continued to resonate throughout the minds of environment-conscious individuals across the globe, particularly in the USA. In America, there is an increasing awareness of the need to foster "open space" projects in our urban communities. There is no doubt that most of our cities will become cement jungles, containing deteriorating downtown areas where urban blight and crime would continue to have a field day.There is also a recognition that imminent urban decay is being fostered by urban sprawl in outlying areas including a preponderance of strip malls, fast food chains, and mega stores-all of which generate increased
traffic congestion and air pollution.
Fortunately, interest is growing in reversing the decline of urban environments. For instance, in 1999, then President Clinton while celebrating the 150th birthday of the Interiors Department urged broad support for reclaiming open spaces. His $1 billion-a-year proposal was a program package aimed at setting aside treasured lands and open spaces. He further urged congress to work together in the approval of a permanent guarantee of annual funding for protecting open spaces and buying land for preservation. Subsequently a number of bills have been introduced by Democrats and Republicans alike in the House and Senate aimed at boosting spending for land preservation.
Oil companies and various industrial entities have historically contributed in the pollution of our environment and should be held accountable in helping counter the effects of pollution by contributing larger royalties to this cause. It is also apparent that Citizen Action Groups and progressive City officials have sought to promote the formation of inner river walkways, as well as "green" corridors that unite neighborhoods. In addition, buildings and areas of historic significance should be identified and preserved. Most importantly, tree-planting programs ought to be fostered at all levels. Proclaiming open spaces and fostering the well-being of our natural environment is imperative in combating the menace of ozone layer depletion and wedging a war against pollution -related ailments. Voters across cities are urged to say "yes" to programs aimed at sustaining our beautiful environment as endowed by nature. This could be done by urging the city government to allocate more funds to projects aimed at enhancing our natural habitat.
There is an overriding need for increased environmental activism, education and consciousness. Vigorous recycling programs and better police-community relationship is imperative in protecting our environment. Thanks to organizations such as the Sierra Club, there is an increasing awareness of environment-related issues and the need for individuals, corporations and the government to be environment-friendly. Today, there are coalitions across America who have remained adamant in their anti-government stance on threatening wild life and endangered species. To chat an enduring cause for our environment is to chat a sustainable cause for humanity. Undeniably, we are a product of where we live and because we depend on our environment for survival, the environment depends on us for preservation and protection.
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Writer Profile
Pedus
I was born in Nigeria and was educated in Nigeria, USA and Australia. I am the founder and president of Christina-Mae Recruitment Consortium Australia and the author of the book "When Things Go Wrong: Concepts of Change". I am also the co-founder of Child Aid Survival and Development International (CASDI). As a freelance journalist, I have contributed to a number of professional journals and newspapers, as well as worked in a number of e-journalism projects. I have traveled extensively and currently call Australia and the USA home with extensive involvement in African Human Rights issues.
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