He likens destroying our environmental heritage to destroying our cultural one. He questions whether we can really replace or improve upon the works of Shakespeare, Beethoven, Goethe and the Beatles the way some claim science will one day allow us to do with living creatures. Pointing to various psychological studies, Wilson also suggests that we instinctively feel an affinity for other forms of life and hence that living in balance with nature is necessary for our mental well being. Although thought-provoking, his stance isn't persuasive enough to convince someone like my dad, or even me.To convince someone like my dad that the environment is worth saving, a monetary value needs to be attached to it. Wilson does so, exploring the value of the environment as both a source of raw materials and a provider of services. Particularly compelling is his discussion of the forested watershed in the Catskill Mountains of New York, which purifies the water supply for New York City. As the watershed became more and more polluted, 'Officials in New York City...could build a filtration plant to replace the Catskills Watershed, at $6 billion to $8 billion capital cost, followed by $300 million annual running costs; or else they could restore the Catskills Watershed to somewhere near its original purification capacity for $1 billion, with subsequently low maintenance costs.'He also estimates that
Save water, save life. Fresh water accounts for only about 2.7 per cent. Nearly 70 per cent of this occurs as ice sheets and glaciers n Antarctica and other inaccessible places. Only one per cent of fresh water is available and fit for human use. So it is very important to conserve this precious resource. Trees occupy an important place in the life of man. The trees provide us flowers, fruits, fodder for animals, wood for fire and furniture and provide cool shadow from scorching sun. They give us so many such good things and yet expect nothing in return.