Earth Survey: Dec 31, 2006

Welcome!

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in nature and the environment. I have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology, and have worked as a zookeeper, wildlife biologist, and ecologist. I am conducting a brief survey of world leaders, government officials, religious leaders, corporate CEOs, environmental groups, wildlife experts, and others regarding nature and the environment. I am also very interested in religious views, customs, and beliefs from around the world, and the interactions between religion, culture, society, and the environment. This is something I am doing out of personal interest, and is not connected to any group or organization. I have been working on this project since the summer of 2006, and hope to eventually turn it into a book and/or documentary. I am hoping to make this into a global project, with responses from all segments of society. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will consider taking part in my project, and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks for stopping by!

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7

December 31, 2006

Fred Scherlinder Dobb

Rabbi, Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation (and board member, Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life)

Today's Date: 12/31/06

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

No one interaction actually stands out; I came to ecological awareness and sensitivity more from the theoretical than the experiential side.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Not really

Now? Many! One top pick is Timna Park in the Arava desert in southern Israel

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

bottlenose dolphin: grace, intelligence, kindness, beauty, 'soul' -- and if those weren't enough reasons, a starring role in Douglas Adams' "Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy"...

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Clearly it's anthropogenic global climate change, and its attendant extirpation of species and cultures. Alas, that one will be around for quite a while....

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

In all matters and decisions, take the long view -- as do the Bible (cf Exodus 34:6-7), Aldo Leopold ("thinking like a mountain"), the Iroquois tradition ("seventh generation"), and Creation/nature itself.