Only One Earth!

            In the universe are billions of galaxies; in our galaxy are billions of planets, but there is Only One Earth. Earth, our planet was created by God, we, human beings likewise were created by God to be the stewards of His creation. But do we really fit in the picture as stewards of our planet?

           Only One Earth is this year’s World Environment Day theme.  It is a celebration of the natural world and what it brings, and a celebration of the activists that fight to keep it healthy. But it is not always easy to celebrate as we look at a future dominated by a triple planetary crisis – climate, nature, and pollution. The triple crisis is accelerating. Why? Because we consume at the rate of 1.7 planets a year. We have Only One Earth. We heat our homes and power our industry. It is that consumption – in which we are all participants – that is driving the triple planetary crisis. The climate crisis, the nature loss crisis, and the pollution and waste crisis. We have to accept we are not doing enough to protect our planet. 

            We have to do better and act now, starting with ourselves. We must be equipped with proper discipline, mindfulness of what is going on around us, and be a responsible citizen that is looking for ways for the betterment of the environment. Restore nature to its full glory. Do one’s part in making our environment waste and pollution-free. Practice the 5Rs; reuse, reduce, recycle, repair, and recover. Minimize the use of plastics. Reduce the emission of chlorofluorocarbons from our home appliances, lessen the use of vehicles, and avoid burning garbage wastes which could contribute to ozone depletion and air pollution. 

            Participate in environmental advocacies like the clean and green movement, tree and mangrove planting, and coastal clean-ups in our community. In doing so, we contribute to the conservation and preservation of nature. We contribute to making our environment and air pollution-free, giving a safe habitat to our animals, and making our planet a safe place to live in. Environmental laws should be strictly enforced; illegal logging, hunting, and fishing should be restricted to ensure our mountains, forests, and bodies of water safe and protected. 

            As young advocates of Earth conservation and preservation, we commit ourselves to do our part for the good and benefit of our environment for the future and the future generation. We must all show tolerance, wisdom, and understanding to protect the Earth, our one and only home, so we can live together as one humanity because we have only one Earth. We must consider our current and future choices. Take personal responsibility. Choose Only One Earth! Choose a better future for me, you, and everybody!

Online Sources:

Anonymous, Sharon Appiah Foundation, Retrieved on June 28, 2022

https://sharonappiahfoundation.org/event/jamestown-clean-up/

Jenise Herrero, St. Francis Xavier, Retrieved on June 28, 2022

https://secondary.hcdsb.org/xavier/news/2022/04/how-to-help-the-environment-today/

Adeela Akma, The News International, Retrieved on June 28, 2022

https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/you/963345-theres-only-one-earth-and-it-needs-you

Alivia Baker, The Foothill Dragon Press, Retrieved on June 28, 2022

https://foothilldragonpress.org/272337/opinion/cartoon-70-only-one-earth/

Morgan Greenwald, BestLife, Retrieved on June 28, 2022

https://bestlifeonline.com/care-about-the-earth/