Proclamation
IN recognition that the health and welfare of the citizens of the United States are inextricably bound to the health and welfare of non-human features of their surroundings, typically identified as the environment, which include the interactions of the physical, chemical and biological components of these surroundings;
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AND that the nature of this dependency includes, but extends beyond the appreciation of the aesthetics of this environment, or a spiritual connection to nature;
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FOR it is recognized that this dependency is complexly entwined within the dynamics of the nation’s economy and the survivability of its present social system. This has been demonstrated quite clearly from past injurious disruptions, as example:
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The eutrophication of lakes and estuaries
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Global climate change due to increased carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere
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Loss of biodiversity in many ecosystems, such as Florida’s Everglades
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Excessive groundwater withdrawals from major aquifers such as the Ogallala Aquifer
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The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and other oil spills throughout the nation
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Recent widespread degradation related to flow diversions from Lake Okeechobee in Florida to Lee and Martin Counties on the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts respectively
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Extensive fish kills within the Banana River and Indian River Lagoons in Florida
AND it is further recognized that these degradations have had noticeable negative influence upon economic sectors such as Florida’s most lucrative tourist industry and have caused substantial reduction in property values*.
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CONTINUATION of such degradation will further jeopardize the stability of the nation’s economy and the quality of life of its citizens.
THEREFORE, WE PROCLAIM substantial changes are necessary in the management of the economy and the environment to avoid future similar disruption and to ensure congruency with the
Constitutional Premise for Sustainability.
* The Florida Association of Realtors (March, 2015) by Brad O’Connor, Ph.D., Director of Economic Research for Florida REALTORS® The Impact of Water Quality on Florida’s Home Values. This report includes an assessment of nearly $1 billion loss in property values in Lee and Martin Counties as a result of degraded water quality.