Some unthought thoughts on human and natural capital

I'm sitting by the pool watching my kids bug the crap out of vacationers hoping for peace and quiet, while I wait to take a tour of some of the most beautiful land formations I've ever seen.  Yesterday I stood at the edge of the most impressive natural wonder I've ever seen.  Two days ago I was standing on top of one of the most impressive feats of human engineering I've ever seen--the Hoover Dam.  In short, I've been amazed by this vacation.  Amazed by the ability of land to inspire awe in me, and amazed by the ability of humans to do the same.  But as I stood atop that dam I couldn't help but wonder:  Could this ever happen today?