The advances of science and technology of the past 200 years have brought great progress to many people, but a cost. Western industrial economies now have environmental protection legislation with heavy penalties for polluters, but accumulated contaminants remain and toxic spills still occur. Many third-world economies still produce cheap goods with harmful byproducts that damage the health of people who live nearby and who have no choice but to breathe the air, drink or fish in the water or grow food in the soil. Pollution also affects entire ecosystems and contributes both to loss of habitat and to direct deaths of animals and plants. For more information about pollution issues in Australia, see http://www.csiro.au/science/Pollution.html.
Forgive us, Lord God our Creator.
In haste and hunger for progress
we have laid waste the good earth you have made. We have mined landscapes, spoiled coastlines
and polluted air and water.
We have brought health and wealth to some
and suffering and deprivation to others, exploiting the earth and threatening its creatures. Make us hungry now
for generosity and balance.
Make us brave enough to choose more wisely
for the future of the earth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The Anglican Church of Australia
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