Film - Scarred Lands and Wounded Lives May 13, 2008

Scarred Lands and Wounded Lives: The Environmental Footprint of War

This film is prompted by a recognition of our deep dependence on the natural world and the significant threat to that world posed by war and preparations for war.

The scale of environmental damage over the last half century is unprecedented. Falling water tables, shrinking forest cover, declining species diversity -- all bespeak ecosystems in distress. These trends are now widely acknowledged as emanating from forces of humanity's own making: massive population increases, unsustainable demands on natural resources, species loss, ruinous environmental practices. Ironically, however, war -- that most destructive of human behaviors -- is commonly overlooked.

In all its stages, from the production of weapons through combat to cleanup and restoration, war entails actions that pollute land, air, and water, destroy biodiversity, and drain natural resources. Activities that do such damage cry out for far-reaching public scrutiny. The sustainability of our entire ecosphere is at stake. We can no longer maintain silence about the environmental impact of war on the grounds that such scrutiny is "inconvenient" or "callous" at a time when all human life is so endangered.

$5 - $10 suggested donation. Sponsored by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center ~ www.PeaceandJustice.org ~ 650-326-8837

Official Website: http://www.PeaceandJustice.org