Duane Yazzie: Our Mother Earth falls out of balance every day

The bottom line is survival: Survival of our Diné people, mankind and our planet.

The equilibrium of the Earth is precariously out of balance. The increasing incidence of natural catastrophe and the effects of climate change are no accident; they are undeniable messages from the Earth that she grows weary of the unrelenting abuse. Soon she may become no longer tolerant and perhaps “she will give the world the ultimate disaster with a great convulsive shudder” (words in quotes are by Gayle High Pines, Akwesasnee Notes, early 1970’s). Some say such words are unnecessarily alarming, but we all agree that the condition of our planet is not in a good way and it grows worse each passing day.

With the millions of penetrations of the Earth’s skin with drillings, the gouging out of her insides and resultant contamination, the health of the Earth is waning. The rampant fires, the persistent drought and crazy weather conditions are signs not to be ignored. The irresponsible dumping of garbage across the land and oceans and the burning of trash only make it worse. The pollution in the atmosphere and in the waters of the world have put the air we breathe and the water we drink in jeopardy.