Environmental law is inescapable. It affects all of us in many ways. The Constitution may not mention the environment, but our laws regulate human behavior to protect it. Grand part of our citizenry in the United States works very hard to shape our laws and regulations to better the environment. However, the environment is not in good shape. What we are currently doing is simply not enough. More is needed. Serious environmental issues, like pollution and smog, are very serious problems that seem to worsen as time goes on. Many politicians choose to protect their government seats by protecting the pockets of their contributors instead of imposing stricter standards that will actually improve environmental conditions. The system is flawed in many ways. People in power many times place individual interests before the common good. Human nature instinctively often makes us choose our own benefit first before thinking of others. Unfortunately, the environment is likely to continue to suffer as long as this persists. Yet, we have to hope that maybe future generations will change this. Maybe they will care more about the common good and about the environment. If they do, another fundamental year for the environment like 1970 will happen in the future. The key is just not to give up.
This picture shows that there is still hope!
It's true that we aren't doing enough to protect the environment. But our generations definitely care a lot more than our parents' and grandparents' generations did, and there certainly is a lot more awareness today about environmental issues. With green technology, the introduction of electric cars, alternative energy sources, etc., I think we do have some hope. It is also encouraging that most companies have corporate responsibility initiatives that include environmental protection. The environment seems to be on people's minds a lot more nowadays. We just need to make sure that we continue making a conscious effort to take care of the environment at all times - not just during Earth Week.
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