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  Today Online 7 Feb 07
Before it's too hot to handle
Economic gains won't match losses if Earth continues to be destroyed
Letter from Lua Jia Sin

I REFER to the article, "Climate change report points finger at human activities" (Feb 3-4).

For years, factories have been spewing out large amounts of ozone-depleting gases that are threatening to destroy our homes. Warnings from environmentalists and scientists have gone largely unheeded.

The most common excuse for the lack of action taken towards climate change is the need for economic development.

The earth is suffering for mankind's progress. But our selfishness is now returning to haunt us. Mother Earth is no longer able to sustain our activities.

The frequent occurrences of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the warming planet and the melting ice caps are all tell-tale signs that we need to take heed of.

If our destructive actions in the name of economic development do not stop, we will have to pay back much more to save our planet.

The flooding of coastal areas such as London and Shanghai is going to cost the world more than it earned from the economic gains of destroying the earth.

No amount of money will be able to pay for the number of lives that will be lost in heatwaves and other natural disasters.

The infrastructure destroyed by heavy floods will wreak havoc on urban dwellers. Irregular droughts and floods are going to destroy large agricultural lands. Famine will ensue. Huge amounts of money will be pumped into rebuilding and aiding the millions of affected people.

The global economy will come to a standstill. Our children will lose their future.

All of this, just for short-term economic gains. Can we still afford to be so shortsighted?
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