Note: Mankind United is a former name of iHUB Organization


"Humanity: is time up?"
By Diane Wolf                        


Since the early 60s, people with inquiring minds and a passion for activism have been attracted to Trent University and its culture of diversity and inclusion. Once a home for free thinkers who didn’t necessarily fit the academic stereotypes, Trent continues to inspire critical thinking and innovative ideas. One of Trent’s newest organizations has united these two vital concepts in its mission to safeguard humanity before the clock runs out on our civilization. Using science as the main tool, this group of passionate leaders is determined to unite like-minded individuals to inspire action in a complacent world. Currently going by the name Mankind United, the group is hosting a competition to find a more inclusive name—with a $100 cash prize to the person who submits the winning entry! Details of the competition, which closes on March 4th, 2005, are available on the website at www.MankindUnited.org

Although scientists have determined that the sun will be able to continue to supply energy for another five billion years, at the rate at which humanity is failing to ensure global sustainability, civilization will be destroyed long before the sun even begins to dim. In fact, our threatened existence, whether caused by human processes, natural catastrophes or socioeconomic problems, makes it highly unlikely that we will even make it to the next century unless every one of us commits to working together to create a viable future.

Part think-tank, part proactive initiative, Mankind United will provoke thought and analysis of the potential consequences of both natural and artificial disasters. While they began at Trent University, the members of this organization are already seeing success in their quest to branch across the globe. Founded by an upper year Trent student, Leonid Urlichich, the organization came into being after Leonid’s father spent 3 days as a hostage during the 2002 terrorist occupation of the theater in Moscow. A senior Russian scientist, Dr. Urlichich conceived a simple yet powerful vision: to unite and safeguard humanity, and ensure sustainable global development using science as the main instrument. According to Dr. Urlichich, “The fundamental problem facing humankind is that we don't fully grasp the extent of our interdependence. Global problems can only be solved in cooperation."

Thankful to have survived the terrorist attack, Dr. Urlichich came out of this life-changing experience determined to make a difference in the world. His vision was caught by his son, who sees the fulfillment of this dream as the only viable solution to changing the destructive path that humankind is heading down at breakneck speed. Most of the global threats can be grouped into one of three categories:

• Natural: earthquakes, drought, cosmic hazards etc.

• Man-made: pollution, deforestation, ignorance etc.

• Socioeconomic: poverty, terrorism, starvation etc.

We must put aside our conflicts and look beyond our cultural, political and geographical differences. Before it is too late and we are faced with the consequences of our actions (or lack thereof), as a race we must unite and act now to take the first steps towards a better future.

The first step in raising our awareness is to challenge the way we think and consider potential threats to the humankind. We need to:

• a. Comprehend the seriousness of inaction if we continue to assume that our problems are someone else’s responsibility.

• b. Emphasize that time’s up, and it’s up to OUR generation to take hold of the situation now, or another generation might not have the opportunity at all.

• c. Educate ourselves about what each of us can do, as individuals, in our own small corner of the world.

We intend to create a world-wide response centre that will accomplish three main goals:

1. It will provide people with relevant, up-to-date scientific knowledge, on all aspects of global concerns,

2. It will serve as a bridge, linking people to others who share their concerns about specific threats, as well as serving as a central hub for people to inform us when global issues arise that need immediate attention.

3. It will provide a forum where people can ask the hard questions, and benefit from the cutting-edge research done by scientists collaborating beyond borders to use their expertise to make a difference.

It is well known now that the recent tsunami disaster did not catch the whole world off guard; in fact, seismologists were aware of the impending disaster several hours prior, but didn't have the resources to alert people in its path. The ensuing tragedy could have been averted, and thousands of lives saved, if an organization like ours was already in place.

Join us in our mission and get involved! Visit the website at www.MankindUnited.org, where you can:

1. Learn more about the organization,

2. See what people think about the issues that concern them and possible solutions, (forum), and post your own questions and suggestions,

3. Play a role in the choosing of our new name by submitting an entry,

4. Register on the forum to become a member, and join this venture, which will indeed play a significant role in saving the world!

Global Solidarity for a Safe Future
www.MankindUnited.org

Copyright iHUB.org

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