The
Union Newspapers in Formosa reported on April 9, 1998 that according
to the research by The World Conservation Union, there are nearly
34,000 plant species on the verge of becoming extinct. This report
is very shocking.
If
you open an encyclopedia, you can see a variety of bright and beautiful
plants. Even in the polar regions, icy regions, beaches, deserts,
deep oceans, and tropical forests, (with temperatures and humidity
that most animals and human beings cannot bear) there are many bright
and beautiful flowers to embellish the world and comfort explorers.
In addition to beautifying the environment, plants can be used to
cure diseases, stop erosion, create shade and windbreaks, used as
food and drink, etc.
Zoologists
have reminded us that the extinction of animal species indicates that
some characteristics of human beings are disappearing as well. It
is stated in the Bible that animals were created to accompany human
beings; in fact, many animals have shown characteristics from which
human beings could learn. For example, observing that insects such
as bees and ants get along so well in groups, human beings should
learn the importance of cooperation; watching the loyalty of dogs,
we should realize the value of being loyal in life; and seeing fish
swimming in a group shows humanity the order and rhythm of all creation.
If we human beings continue to waste things on Earth and kill animals,
we will lose our most precious natural friends and companions and
this beautiful planet will become an uninhabitable place.
Philosophers
and biologists have repeatedly reminded us that human life would become
very boring should there be no animals on Earth. Due to ignorance,
human beings have done many harmful things to the Earth, including
pollution to air, water and land, wanton felling of trees and cultivating
virgin soil. Because of these practices, many living beings including
animals, plants and oceanic creatures have suffered various crises.
Since all living beings in the world and the universe are so closely
linked, as more plants become extinct and the forests are reduced,
the oxygen in the air will be depleted and the carbon dioxide (CO2)
will increase. Therefore, as the air becomes worse, all living beings
will become less healthy or even die. Such a destructive cycle will
endanger the Earth. We wish people could immediately become more aware
in order to save the Earth from this disaster, and use wisdom and
love to create a new era on Earth.