As humanity moves toward the 21st century, we are forced to make a vitally important choice: continue our lifestyle of destroying our environment to develop our society, or adopt a lifestyle based on a new framework of ideals, principles, and ethics to preserve Earth's environment and humankind.
        In retrospect, the scientific and technological advancements of this century have made tremendous progress and supplied humankind with great abundance, economic growth, and material wealth. On the other hand, they have also diminished many precious things and even threatened our very survival. For example, they have contributed to global warming, ozone layer depletion, and air and water pollution. The greatest challenge facing humanity today is how to cope with this global environmental crisis, and this calls for the collective efforts of the entire global community, not just a few countries.
        In order for humanity to discard 20th century ways of life and shift to a cleaner and greener society, it will be necessary to adopt a new lifestyle. The key is to recognize that humans and the natural environment are interdependent. We must therefore understand that the environment is not only a resource for exploitation, but is a partner for life. We must endure some uneasiness for the sake of the environment. Such a change in consciousness and attitude must be reflected in a change in lifestyle. To resolve global environmental issues, the participation of all nations in the global village is necessary, but it also requires the principle of equity and mutual understanding between nations.
        Finally, I think to save our common home, Planet Earth, we must renew our ecological perspective on nature and on ourselves, this is one of the best approaches for solving our global environmental crisis.