A World That We Want

Further back than we can comprehend, forces were at hand creating every particle that makes up our bodies. Those same forces were creating each element that sustains us. Somewhere along the line, conditions were perfect. For the elements of our planet and the particles of our cells came together, giving us a chance for life on Earth.

How easily we forget this opportunity. How quickly we can lose sight of this delicate balance we now play a part in. Sometimes, it takes gazing light years away to be reminded.

As described in today’s Wall Street Journal, a planet the size of Earth was recently found “circling a star right next door—25 trillion miles away. But the Earthlike planet is so hot its surface may be like molten lava. Life cannot survive the 2,200 degree heat of the planet, so close to its star that it circles every few days.

The astronomers who found it say it is likely there are other planets … a little farther away where it may be cool enough for water and life. And those planets might fit the not-too-hot, not-too-cold description sometimes called the Goldilocks Zone.”

We live in this Goldilocks Zone. Our water can be fresh and pure to support our bodies’ needs; our oceans just the right acidity to support marine life; the air we breathe just the right combination of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases; our soils can contain just the right amount of minerals and nutrients to grow our food.

Every day, we make choices that affect this balance. Our individual choices collectively create the world we live in.

Travel choices of our past through Documerica. Share sustainability as you see it, with State of the Environment.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.