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Fall 1998 - Vol. 6 No. 1 |
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Our vision of California in the twenty- first century includes both a robust economy and healthy natural systems. Join us to make this vision real. As Californians move toward the year 2020, the state's population is projected to increase by more than forty percent--15 million additional Californians, the equivalent of adding four cities the size of Los Angeles. The California Environmental Dialogue (CED), a diverse group of corporate, environmental, and governmental leaders, believes that prosperity and opportunity for all, in the face of this extraordinary population growth, will require additional investment in the protection and restoration of our land, air, and water. The interdependence of the economy and the environment is at the foundation of California's wealth and at the center of the California dream. CED's dream embraces both economic prosperity and the preservation and restoration of vital natural systems--one compatible with the other. Long-term economic prosperity of our communities must have a firm basis in both our physical infrastructure, like schools that educate us and homes that shelter us, and our natural resources, like clean air and water that sustain us. A vision for the twenty- first century must recognize that California's habitats and natural communities are an integral part of the economic foundation upon which future prosperity depends. We need increased investment in our land, air, and water, and the life they support, to sustain a strong agricultural economy, growing tourism and recreational industries, healthy communities, and a quality of life that attracts the work force that underpins a vibrant economy. California's rich and diverse ecosystems have provided us with an exceedingly generous bounty. There are limits to these systems, and it is time to return their generosity. As we enter the next century, and add 15 million Californians, we need an expanded public/private natural resources investment strategy to restore life supporting habitats and fully protect vital natural systems. The beauty of California's coastal, valley, and mountain environments has long been a magnet for people around the world. Our generation was blessed by the foresight of those who protected these values for us. We must rethink, restore, and recommit to the natural treasures we inherit, enjoy, and hold in trust for future generations. As trustees we must marshal a reinvestment plan based on foresight and fairness - to those who may bear some of the burden now, foresight for those who would bear the burden of our failure. The health of our land, air, and water requires additional funding and tools. Both must encourage enlightened stewardship of public and private lands, restoration of natural resources, and economic prosperity. California needs to harness its genius for innovation and develop an array of creative tools: financial tools, like bonds, appropriations, and tax credits; incentives that assure the health of public and private land; and productive collaboration, because we've learned its power. Healthy natural communities are basic to vibrant human communities. Through the power of working together we can assure one to build the other. Join us as we support a greater and more reliable flow of public and private investment in California's natural capital--the land, air, water, and ecosystems. Our economy and lives depend on it. This document has been signed by the following people:
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