Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007 | Regarding the article, “Facing San Diego’s Challenge,” Rick Halsey nails it:
It’s the need to help people reconnect with the natural landscape. Every problem we have environmentally is connected to that particular issue.
Not nearly enough of the public has an appreciation of nature in general, and in San Diego in particular. If they did, they would not allow developers to continue to have their way, in the cities and in the country. Water supply and other infrastructure problems would be lessened; funding for long-term protection of what habitat is left would be much easier to obtain.
We have done a poor job of educating the public, and now we are paying the price. There are some very bright examples of hope, and these need to receive more attention, broader support, and be joined by more programs, for all ages. The San Diego Audubon-Harmonium 6-to-6 after school program in the urban canyons is certainly a wonderful step forward.
As we continue to battle for the long-term protection of designated open space and seek additional buffer and connecting spaces, we can’t neglect increased efforts to educate the public. Doing so means we will continue to have to spend precious resources on piecemeal protection projects. Appreciation comes from understanding, which comes only through education.
Thanks to Rob Davis and voiceofsandiego.org the continuing efforts to explore the pressing environmental issues of San Diego.