Wealthy nations can transfer environmental problems offshore and import goods, while developing nations are trapped into financing industrialisation in ways that further deplete natural resources. The benefits of economic development are apparent, leading to longer life expectancy and higher literacy levels, but also translates into rapid urbanization that for many developing nations, has meant they are heading towards major catastrophe. The supply of fresh water in Java is likely to run out by 2025 and is just one example. Surely this is evidence enough that UNGUIDED economic development does not automatically lead to better environmental management. This is because corporations and governments are not primarily motivated with an instinct for our long-term future in mind. There's a need for cooperation within society(s) and between governments to effect any real and lasting change. It will always be left up to ordinary people who are able to sense a direct relationship between their way of life and the environment in which they live and who measure the quality of their lives in terms of generations rather than a single lifetime, to transform their concerns into pressuring governments to ensure local environmental problems are dealt with. Environmental problems such as acid rain, ozone depletion and global warming transcend national borders, so must be addressed at a national and international level. However, they still remain everyone's concern and so need to become an integral part of our community education. There are signs of this already happening when our kids demand we don’t waste water in order to care for the environment. An outpouring of compassion came in the wake of the tsunami disaster and is evidence of our ability to put aside our differences in order to cooperate for the sake of others. It was a reminder of the fragility of our existence and power of the natural world over our lives, but also shows it is possible for positive human emotions to be evoked outside the parameters of party politics and on a vast scale. Why are we waiting for good science to tell us what to do? Message was edited by: Laila Message was edited by: Laila