1
The door slammed, announcing Johnny's arrival from high school. His mother, Linda, was at the computer. In another hour, dinner would need preparing.2
How was school?3
Okay, Mom. We're beginning our science projects soon.4
Oh, what about? she asked, turning in her chair to face him.5
The world, its resources, the future of humanity...that kind of thing.
6
Seems no small task, said Linda and laughed. Are you up to it?
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I hope so, said Johnny.
8
Linda noted what she felt was concern in his voice and she asked, What's troubling you?
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Mom, is the world going to end? Is it going to be a good place for me?
10
Honey, the planet has existed millions of years, it's unlikely that it will end soon. Also, you live in a nice city in a great country; I see no reason to think that it will change dramatically in your lifetime. I suggest in any case, as there is no guarantee of tomorrow, you strive for happiness each day that you're given.
11
But our planet's resources are dwindling.
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Linda smiled and said, I believe the most important resource is water. I think there will always be plenty of that. Almost all forms of life require it. Water recycles, there should always be enough water.
13
What about oil, natural gas, and coal? They won't last forever.
14
True. There are alternate energy sources. Energy companies that produce fossil fuels have bought many of the patents for those and do what they can to limit their development, but you can be sure, when it's needed. It will be supplied. In the United States, vehicles now being manufactured are being required to accept fuel made from crops, corn being a common choice. This type of fuel is in some use already in the United State and as the only fuel in some countries. Humanity is very adaptable.
15
What about food shortage? Already we can't feed all the people on the planet.
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Johnny, living is this country is indeed fortunate and I fully doubt there will ever be a serious food shortage here. I don't really feel that it's that we can't feed all the people living, I think that it's more we won't. It's costs money to supply food to those who need it. It costs money to develop more food sources and supplies. Concern for those without is a weakness of humanity. Still, there are about seven billion of us on the planet.
17
Well, what about that, what about overpopulation?
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Population does increase, but in the more developed nations the growth is less. It's tragic that some will not have proper food, health care, and shelter. As the world of information expands, perhaps birth control and planned parenting will become more common in the countries now less developed. Many die than need not. 'The God of this world is money.' If we cared more about people than money, we could solve the problems of food, shelter, health care worldwide.
19
What if there was some devastating disease, something like the 'swine flu' or maybe worse?
20
Linda laughed almost uncontrollably for a moment.
21
What's so funny? asked Johnny, perplexed.
22
Oh, I was thinking of George Carlin, the comedian. In his view, people have become too cautious about germs. He felt that killing off all the germs would weaken a person's immune system. He said he'd swim in the Hudson River just to be exposed to all the crap in it. He felt that was the way to improve his immune system. I tend to think there may be truth to it.
23
What do you mean?
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When new diseases come, it seems that they either die out or humanity becomes immune to them.
25
What about the extinction of certain animals and the destruction of forests?
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Humanity will expand and as it does, it will crowd out or consume many things in its path. It's rather like survival of the fittest. As I said, humanity adapts. That which doesn't may be destroyed. In terms of various species, it may be a sad loss. In terms of forests, other sources for wood and paper materials will be produced.
27
What do you think about global warming, Mom?
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I don't know if global warming is a continuing trend or something that is a temporary fluctuation in the Earth's climatic pattern. Climatic changes occur. Areas experience droughts, flooding, warming trends, cooling trends, and sometimes natural disasters. I don't consider it a major concern. The Earth adapts and humans adapt.
29
What about WWIII? What if that happens?
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Well, Mother Earth would survive it and heal herself. It's unlikely that all of humanity would be destroyed, but frankly, I don't think it will ever come to that.
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Why not?
32
Greed, Linda stated. Modern war is staged by the rich and powerful for profit. If there's no profit, there's little reason for it. Since WWII, wars have been fought like a game. There are no clear winners most of the time, but sabers are rattled and money changes hands. There are sometimes shifts in power. Most wars are global, but they are fought in small unfortunate countries, while the major powers argue over economic trade, cultural differences, and world control. None of the major nations want all out war.
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So what are you saying, Mom?
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I think what really concerns you is a fear of the future, a fear of the unknown. We all live until we die. If there's life after, that remains for our lives after. While we live, I feel it's important to strive for happiness and to encourage others to do the same. No one knows if tomorrow will be granted them. So, enjoy each day you have. Set goals, but don't forget to have a good time while achieving them. Mother Earth is here and will remain here. It appears that she loves humanity and will help to care for it, regardless of some of humanity's failings.
35
So you think it all work out? asked Johnny.
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When it's necessary, humanity usually comes through, adapting to it's environment and Mother Earth supplies its needs.37
Adding your comment:
Topics like these tend to, nowadays, which is why I went for the overblown, crazy ideas instead of serious ones.
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. That happens occasionally, but it's pretty rare when I'm writing for a contest
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