The Tower of Babel was a Coastal Edifice

Abstract

The subject of this chapter is, to the outside observer, not a very dramatic one. Clearly, experts from along the coasts of northern Europe get together and tell each other.stories about the technical miracles they perform. Their technology is, probably, some 5000 years old, or even more. Wherever there is a coast, a river delta and a resourceful upstream hinterland, there is trade and other economic activity, and on these spots cities were built and harbours constructed. This is all history, and it will be future, Deo volente. The question is what the environmental commentator would tell you at this very occasion. No doubt you discharge your duties with care and respect for the natural beauty of these coasts, respect for the rare, sometimes endangered animals which live on the sands, the flats, the tidal estuaries, the dunes and the pastures of these blessed lands. It takes very little to disturb it, but the effort to preserve it is heavy and bears great responsibilities for all those involved.