- Being confronted with horrific levels of pollution and contamination, like the poisoning of the Madre de Dios River in the Amazon from mercury used in illegal gold mining.
- Seeing first-hand impacts of climate change, like the disappearance of the tropical glaciers that once provided a secure water source for the city of Lima and the whole Rimac valley.
- Hearing about park rangers being attacked and sometimes killed in confrontations with the illegal miners, loggers and cocaine producers that exploit the protected areas.
- Seeing levels of poverty that leave you numb, because there is nothing you can do about it beyond feeling guilty for the wealth you enjoy.
- Watching companies get away with environmental crimes like illegal dumping, toxic spills, water theft, and every other type of non-compliance with environmental laws and requirements because of a lack of political will or the resources required to do anything about it.
- Understanding that poverty, poor education, lack of resources, cultural clashes, a history of war & violence, difficult and remote terrain, plus a determination to get what you can NOW because the future is very insecure all contribute to the huge environmental and social challenges this place faces.
- http://shapeofthingstocome.org/2014/07/25/real-world-experience/
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Friday, July 25, 2014
Real world experience
Working here has meant:
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