ALARM FOR THE END OF HUMAN HISTORY

ALARM FOR THE END OF HUMAN HISTORY Start Preparing I N the United States, an international think tank is dedicated to the scientific studies of natural phenomena. The name of this organization is Global Footprint Network. One of the functions of the organization is to measure the number of resources we use and contrast it with the resources we possess. The goal of the Global Footprint Network, according to a Wikipedia entry, is to create a future where all humans can live well, within the means of planet Earth. Global research undertaken by this organization reports that the earth is rapidly becoming uninhabitable for man because the earth’s current resources are insufficient for the standard of life that man has adopted since the emergence of modern civilization. The report states: Humans using resources at an alarming rate Humanity would need five earths to produce the resources needed if everyone lived as profligately as Americans. We are demanding nature’s services—resources and creating CO2 emissions—at a rate 44% faster than what nature can regenerate and reabsorb. That means, it takes the Earth just under 18 months to produce the ecological services, humanity needs in one year. And if humankind continues to use natural resources and produce waste at the current rate, we will require the resources of two planets to meet our demands by the early 2030s, a gluttonous level of ecological spending that may cause a major ecosystem collapse. (The Times of India, New Delhi, November 25, 2009, p. 24) The devastating and annihilating effects of unmindful use of natural resources are a reality. We should be on our guard to face this situation. This situation is extremely alarming. The above scientific report is equivalent to the advance notification of Doom’s Day. Now is the time that people wake up from their slumber of forgetfulness. It’s time that people start making preparations so that they can face this dreadful day. The traits of people who use the resources of the world keeping in mind that these resources are gifts of God and they will be held accountable for how they utilised them are stated in the Quran thus: Eat and drink The devastating and annihilating effects of unmindful use of natural resources are a reality. We should be on our guard to face this situation.