Determined conservation efforts by scientists and governments were cited by researchers as the cause of various positive trends in the environment, such as reduced damage to Peruvian rain forests, a resurgence of rare birds in Europe and a return of the black-footed ferret in Wyoming, in this article headlined in UN Wire.
Even so, this is obviously not nearly enough to offset the overwhelming destruction of our living environment that is taking place all over the world. Examples abound, like the endagered status of these "monster" fishes (close the advertisement, then click through the photo gallery to view some amazing species), or of vanishing coral reefs and rainforests.
Such determination to protect the environment and work for the social good should ultimately become universal, and a way of life for all of us. 'Abdu'l-Bahá explains the role of education in achieving it:
And with regard to the role of the environment and creation Bahá'u'lláh states:
We should thus do our best to not disrupt the least of these atoms and creatures that God has graciously bestowed upon us for our education. 'Abdu'l-Bahá says:
Bruise not the serpent in the dust,
How much less wound a man.
And if ye can,
No ant should ye alarm,
Much less a brother harm." (3)
So as we muster our determination to protect the environment (or work for another worthy cause) this passage advises us to proceed as well with the virtue of gentleness when dealing with it.
You may explore the beautiful human virtues deeper here.
Notes:
(1) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Secret of Divine Civilization, p. 112
(2) The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh, #32 (Persian section)
(3) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, #206, p. 256
