In Canada, we have witnessed developments that cause seemingly irreparable damage to our environment. Wood Buffalo Park’s habitat is being compromised due to damning of rivers in BC, logging, oil sands development and industry. Warming climates are causing ice on lakes to thin and permafrost to melt. A collapsed damn in Brazil has killed hundreds and buried towns under toxic mud. We are endlessly told about the damage pf plastic in our oceans and the threat of extinction for caribou, birds, fish, whales, and animals. Yet, somehow, the threat to monarch butterflies pains my heart.
In September 2018, the United states Congress approved $1.6 billion to construct a 36-foot wall along a section of the Rio Grande in Mexico to prevent illegal migrants from Mexico to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security has issued waivers for 28 laws protecting public land, wildlife and the environment. Construction of this wall, scheduled to begin in February 2019 will cut the National Butterfly Center in two, sandwiching 70% of the Center between the wall and the Rio Grande. Access to this area will be blocked for campers, tourists, and workers. A 150-foot enforcement zone will be cleared of all vegetation. Cleared land will eliminate, degrade, and fragment the wildlife habitat and butterfly sanctuary. Access to water and food for wildlife will be blocked; migration will be blocked. Searchlights at the top of the will be deleterious for the nocturnal animals. Thousands of scientists have written letters denouncing the wall and there have been lawsuits have been instituted to prevent its construction.
More than ever, the voices of individuals are needed to persuade governments, industries, and corporations to place the welfare of our world above financial and political interests. Each of us needs to pay attention and use our voices, pens, and actions to change our political and social climate as we strive to care for all of creation.
- Sr. Pat McKeon