Scarred Lands, Wounded Lives
The Environmental Footprint of War
Brookline: Thursday, October 13, 6:30pm. Coolidge Corner Library, 31 Pleasant St., Brookline
When we make war, we destroy not only the enemy, we destroy our earth as well. In all its stages – from the production of weapons through combat to clean up – war entails actions that pollute land, air and water, destroy biodiversity and drain natural resources. Yet the environmental damage caused by war (and preparations for war) is underreported, even ignored. The environment is war’s silent casualty.
Using specialist and eyewitness accounts from Vietnam and Afghanistan to Australia and the Pacific Islands and supported by on-site and archival footage, the film shows how war and preparations for war further compromise the environmental health of a planet already under stress from massive population increases, unsustainable demands on natural resources, and ruinous environmental practices. In the context of today’s growing awareness and alarm about global climate change, the film shows that natural security is an essential component of national security.
Afghanistan: Why Obama Must Change Course
Watertown: Monday, October 17, 7pm. First Parish, 35 Church St., Watertown. Cosponsored with Watertown Citizens for Environmental Safety.
Jamaica Plain: Tuesday, October 18, 7pm. 6 Eliot St., Jamaica Plain. Cosponsored with Jamaica Plain Forum and UJP Afghanistan/Pakistan Task Force.
Jonathan Steele, Guardian correspondent, has covered Afghanistan for more than thirty years, and will sign copies of his latest book, Ghosts of Afghanistan. October 2011 marks ten years of U.S. war and occupation in that country.