Our globe is under new dramatic environmental pressure: our globe is warming, our ice caps melting, our glaciers receding, our coral is dying, our soils are eroding, our water tables falling, our fisheries are being depleted, our remaining rainforests shrinking. Something is very, very wrong with our eco-system.

In this quote, Richard Lamm highlights the dramatic environmental pressures currently facing the planet. He outlines several alarming signs of environmental degradation, including global warming, melting ice caps, and the receding glaciers. Lamm’s description paints a picture of a world where natural systems are rapidly deteriorating, leading to profound ecological consequences. These issues, such as the dying coral, soil erosion, and the depletion of fisheries, are indicators that the planet's ecosystems are under immense strain.

Lamm emphasizes the interconnectedness of various environmental problems, showing that the decline of one part of the ecosystem often leads to cascading effects elsewhere. For instance, shrinking rainforests not only threaten biodiversity but also affect the global climate, as forests play a key role in absorbing carbon. He stresses that these issues are not isolated but are all symptoms of a much larger problem: something is very, very wrong with the eco-system.

The quote conveys a sense of urgency and alarm, urging the listener or reader to recognize that the current trajectory of environmental destruction is unsustainable. By listing multiple environmental crises, Lamm underscores the scale and complexity of the challenges we face. The rapid changes happening around the globe are evidence that the natural balance is shifting, often irreversibly, due to human activity.

Ultimately, Richard Lamm’s statement calls for immediate attention to the ecological crisis. It’s a call to action for individuals, governments, and industries to take responsibility for addressing environmental issues and to adopt sustainable practices to protect the planet’s future. The stark nature of his message aims to awaken a sense of responsibility and awareness, highlighting the need for widespread change.