Thanks Genesis, for a really good explanation of Wastewater Treatment: *Out with Conventional, in with Sustainability.* For the sake of humanity and the earth this is really important and more such simple explanations are seriously needed! Those who are keen on improved and increased water treatment really need to consider sustainability in terms of two very different worldwide economies, those of the *haves* and those of the *have-nots.* This bears for the most part on those nations and regions that are either developing or industrial. In this context the quoted definition of sustainability (here re-iterated) is a good one, and the conditions of sustainability are enumerated inline: *Sustainability is the process of maintaining change in a balanced environment, in which *1)* the exploitation of resources, *2)* the direction of investments, *(3* the orientation of technological development and *4)* institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations.* *The World Commission on Environment and Development* Consider this definition from the separate standpoints of the *haves* and the *have-nots.* Unfortunately the have-nots are at present heavily dependent on the haves, while the four conditions noted in this definition have not been adequately addressed by decision makers in development. For example, to quote past president of Liberia and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, “Africa is not poor, rather it is poorly managed.’ With whom does this tragedy start, but the decision makers, national and international, business and humanitarian? For example, why have the exploitation of resources and the orientation of technological development not been adequately addressed with the have-nots in mind? Answer: The reasons seem to be clear, given the example of the tragedy of inadequate drinking water supply, while the haves have a hold on the technologies of water treatment! This is but one example of the bigger tragedy that will prevent optimal accomplishment of the 2030 goals, which are intended to eradicate poverty and benefit both humanity and the earth. Humanity is a key word here while the world is separated between those who address this and those who do not. What is primarily needed in overcoming this dilemma is courage and vision among those decision makers who are in a position to make a difference. They need to think outside the box and take bold steps! That we are addressing the tragedy of failed development from the perspective of water enthusiasts and professionals is fitting, since provision of this vital resource is largely viewed as what is arguably the most fundamental of all resources. How water is exploited as a resource and how it is treated is up to not only the decision makers but all of us. Each and every one of us is in a position to take courage, speak up and see to it that water is a truly sustainable resource. After all why are we here but to benefit humanity and the earth? Each and every one of us needs to speak up and see to it that such resources as water are exploited and treated in the most sustainable way possible. Once this happens the 2030 goals will be achieved to the maximum extent possible. Water enthusiasts and professionals, take courage!
Published by Anthony Reid Harvey
Thanks Genesis, for a really good explanation of Wastewater Treatment: *Out with Conventional, in with Sustainability.* For the sake of humanity and the earth this is really important and more such simple explanations are seriously needed!
Those who are keen on improved and increased water treatment really need to consider sustainability in terms of two very different worldwide economies, those of the *haves* and those of the *have-nots.* This bears for the most part on those nations and regions that are either developing or industrial.
In this context the quoted definition of sustainability (here re-iterated) is a good one, and the conditions of sustainability are enumerated inline:
*Sustainability is the process of maintaining change in a balanced environment, in which *1)* the exploitation of resources, *2)* the direction of investments, *(3* the orientation of technological development and *4)* institutional change are all in harmony and enhance both current and future potential to meet human needs and aspirations.*
*The World Commission on Environment and Development*
Consider this definition from the separate standpoints of the *haves* and the *have-nots.* Unfortunately the have-nots are at present heavily dependent on the haves, while the four conditions noted in this definition have not been adequately addressed by decision makers in development. For example, to quote past president of Liberia and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, “Africa is not poor, rather it is poorly managed.’
With whom does this tragedy start, but the decision makers, national and international, business and humanitarian? For example, why have the exploitation of resources and the orientation of technological development not been adequately addressed with the have-nots in mind? Answer: The reasons seem to be clear, given the example of the tragedy of inadequate drinking water supply, while the haves have a hold on the technologies of water treatment!
This is but one example of the bigger tragedy that will prevent optimal accomplishment of the 2030 goals, which are intended to eradicate poverty and benefit both humanity and the earth. Humanity is a key word here while the world is separated between those who address this and those who do not. What is primarily needed in overcoming this dilemma is courage and vision among those decision makers who are in a position to make a difference. They need to think outside the box and take bold steps!
That we are addressing the tragedy of failed development from the perspective of water enthusiasts and professionals is fitting, since provision of this vital resource is largely viewed as what is arguably the most fundamental of all resources. How water is exploited as a resource and how it is treated is up to not only the decision makers but all of us. Each and every one of us is in a position to take courage, speak up and see to it that water is a truly sustainable resource.
After all why are we here but to benefit humanity and the earth? Each and every one of us needs to speak up and see to it that such resources as water are exploited and treated in the most sustainable way possible. Once this happens the 2030 goals will be achieved to the maximum extent possible. Water enthusiasts and professionals, take courage!
2 Comments
Thank you Anthony for your comments. It is truly the ability to stand up, have vision, courage to influence those to make the 2030 goals achievable to its max extent. I do not personally believe that all is lost as David suggests below.
Published by Nick Nicholas, App Eng/Technical Director at Genesis Water Technologies, Inc.
Nothing at all is sustainable when its designed in a linear function, as is presently most common. My personal view is that we are in deep shit, whichever way you look at it – irrespective of Climate Change – Humanity has simply propelled itself beyond Nature’s own sustainability. ALL treatment processes need to be designed as a circular - not linear..
Published by David Dooley, President at Baleen International Inc