Dear Editor,

There is much talk about ecology and protection of the environment, especially after the international debate in Copenhagen. We might say that ecology studies the relationship between living organisms and their environment. We can make a clear distinction between natural and human ecology. Environmental ecology leads us to the protection of nature in all its facets. We are saddened when forest fires destroy the natural beauty and economic assets of forests and when plastics, cans and other wastes are thrown on the streets.

Environmental care is one of the main challenges that humanity faces, as evidenced by global warming and the scarcity of energy resources. In Africa and in other countries, there are serious problems of erosion and desertification of large tracts of land. Selfishness and materialistic mentality are drivers of environmental degradation. That leads us to see man as the absolute owner of nature. We might say that human selfishness hurts creation.

Human ecology refers to the protection of the human being who, together with the environment, is part of the whole creation. A human being is attacked when his dignity and freedom are despised, when human life is destroyed, either before birth (abortion) or at the end of life (euthanasia).

When the Berlin Wall fell and the reality of communist countries was known, the great assault on the dignity and freedom of the people and the assault on nature with the pollution of water, land and air were proved. The denial of God under Marxism led to denial of the freedom of man and not to respect creation. Respect for man is the most important aspect of ecology, because man represents the noblest creature of universe (St Thomas).

If we want a world with more peace and justice, we must protect nature in the environmental and human aspects.

Arturo Ramo

Independent Forum of Opinion

Teruel, Spain