The year 2000 is approaching. No doubt. No change. No bargain.

     The world has different ways to welcome this historical moment. A couple is getting married at 0:00 on the first day of the millenium in Auckland. Some people in the United States are stockpiling food, withdrawing cash from banks and moving to the suburbs in case everything goes wrong at the turn of the century.

     Although I am not a Christian, I can see the world undergoing what the Bible describes as "the end of the world". There are signs of Armageddon everywhere. We are experiencing El Nino which leads to global climatic changes and natural disasters that endanger the survival of mankind. And then we have the Y2K bug problem that scares all. Serious computer malfunctions, collapse of public utilities and social disruptions are predicted.

     Armament races, racial tensions, religious conflicts and struggle for world power drag countries to endless fighting. Millions of people die from deadly diseases which spread swiftly, such as AIDS. Moral standards and family values break down. We all live in social alienation and desperation.

     Why are we so fragile? What the hell have we done in the past century?

     We achieve progress and convenience at the expense of the environment. We exploit natural resources that exceed their threshold. We loose independence and survival instincts due to over-reliance on science and technology. We become slaves of our own inventions. We are even weaker than our ancient ancestors who used only axes! We let our desires and ambitions grow while restricting love and concern for others.

     The Earth is no longer a suitable habitat for human beings. If this is so, we should really explore the possibility of moving to Mars that can support us for another millenium. Or is it just the beginning of another vicious cycle?

     No one knows exactly what will happen as we step into the next millenium. But I am sure that the human species will have no future unless we start thinking about our mistakes. It is high time that we find solutions to the serious problems we have caused: to conserve the environment, achieve sustainable development, promote peace and heal the wounds of our souls. Our descendants' futures lie in our hands. We want them to live in a pleasant place and enjoy the fruits of our civilization. Don't we?