Born planet
The Planet Can Heal—If We Let It: A Youth-Led Vision for Climate Recovery
“Stop! Drop! And roll!”
This phrase may sound silly, but these words are taught to us to help save ourselves if we ever catch fire. But what about nature? Is there any phrase it can use to save itself when it’s burning?”
Just because the fire isn’t visible to you doesn’t mean it’s not there. It’s a slow fire, a silent destruction that our environment has been suffering from for years.
CLIMATE CHANGE: BACKED BY DATA, PROVEN BY SCIENCE:
When the scientists tell us that there have been five episodes of mass extinction before, and that this 6th one is happening 100-1000 times faster than the previous ones, all because of Humans, it shouldn’t be a surprise knowing that we all contribute to this catastrophe in our daily lives, whether directly or indirectly.
Earth is warming at an unusual speed, mainly due to human activities. These activities have produced gases that trap more of the Sun’s energy, leading to the warming of the atmosphere, oceans, and land.
Since the mid-19th century, scientists have recognized that carbon dioxide (CO₂) has the ability to trap heat in the atmosphere. Modern satellite data and advanced technologies confirm that climate change is happening globally. Paleoclimate records from ice cores, tree rings, and ocean sediments indicate that today’s warming is occurring approximately ten times faster than in previous warming periods after past ice ages. Additionally, CO₂ levels caused by humans are going up 250 times quicker than the natural rises we saw after the last Ice Age.
Furthermore, global surface temperatures have risen by about 2°F (1°C) since the 19th century. The seven hottest years on record have happened recently, with 2016 and 2020 being tied for the warmest.
Oceans have absorbed a lot of this extra heat, storing around 90% of it because water can hold heat well.
Glaciers around the world are melting. Glaciers in Alaska are melting quickly. Each year, about 75 billion tons of ice disappear. This change is altering the landscape and the ecosystems in the area.
Snow melts earlier each year, and there has been less snow covering the Northern Hemisphere in spring over the past 50 years.
In the last century, global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches (20 cm), and extreme weather events are becoming more common. In the U.S., we see more heavy rain events.
The oceans have become about 30% more acidic since the Industrial Revolution, mostly because of the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
All these signs show clear, strong, and undeniable evidence of rapid human-driven climate change.
WHY ARE WE STILL FAILING DESPITE KNOWING SO MUCH?
If science has clearly outlined the environmental issues we face, then why are emissions still on the rise? Why are we, as an intelligent species, becoming the most significant threat to our environment? Why isn’t it the other way around, where intelligence solves problems by finding the solutions?
The answer is a lack of action.
Many people tend to focus solely on phrases like “the Earth is on fire” or “the Earth’s temperature is rising.” While it is important to acknowledge these alarming statements, what often gets overlooked is the reason behind them and the urgent call for solutions. When climate change makes headlines in the media, the emphasis is mostly on the problems, such as rising temperatures and melting glaciers. While awareness of these issues is crucial, it is equally important for solutions to be highlighted in the news.
Climate change is not just a concern for one particular country; it is an issue that exceeds borders because it impacts the habitat we all share.
Environmental challenges affect everyone around the world. These issues cross the borders that separate countries.
While all the pledges, plans, hopeful future promises, and speeches are important, they only hold value if they are followed by concrete actions. Mere words of promise mean nothing without action behind them.
YOUTH ISN’T WAITING, IT’S ACTING:
The youth are calling for accountability regarding our actions that are harming the environment.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, scientists observed a remarkable phenomenon: lichens, which are known as indicators of pollution because they can only thrive in clean air, began to reappear in many cities’ parks and on trees. Similarly, the depleted ozone layer showed signs of recovery, a hopeful reminder of how quickly Earth can heal when human activities slow down.
Even though the pandemic brought great suffering to humanity, it provided us with a rare glimpse of a healthier, more resilient planet. It showed us, in the most unexpected way, what keeps our Earth healthy and what we must change to protect it. If a virus could slow us down enough for Earth to begin healing, imagine what could happen if we actively and collectively worked toward that healing?
Climate scientists and global observers from organizations like NASA and the WHO have shown that our actions have consequences, both harmful and helpful. But the real hope lies in how we respond going forward. Across the world, young people are already offering bold and creative solutions to address the climate crisis.
Wole Hammond is harnessing the power of multimedia storytelling in Nigeria to ignite awareness about climate change. He champions a fair transition that embraces everyone. Young people in Nigeria are making a meaningful impact by contributing to the country’s national climate policies, representing a crucial step in civic engagement.
In Botswana, Saskia Czimenga is inspiring change by rebuilding broken food systems, promoting permaculture farming within her local community, and proving that sustainable agriculture can truly flourish at the grassroots level.
In China, Lucy Tong is designing a circular economy approach for the food industry. She involves local youth in creating new packaging and delivery services to help reduce waste.
In Mexico, Rafael Alonso highlights that “nature can recover — humans just need to support it.” Platforms like Cultivo.Land is helping to direct funds to restore grasslands and rainforests.
In Canada, Hannah Ballard is using the principles of doughnut economics to support local circular solutions. Through engaging programs like the #kids2030 Challenge, she inspires and educates children.
And Greta Thunberg started a movement in Sweden by skipping school to protest for climate change. Her actions became Fridays for the Future, asking leaders to help the planet.
These young people are not just reacting to problems; they are helping to build a better future, where circular design, renewable energy, responsible farming, and deep changes are real practices, not just trendy terms.
CONCLUSION:
The Earth cannot shout “Stop! Drop! And roll!” when it’s burning. But we can and we must listen to its silent cries. The science is clear. The effects are visible. And the solutions are within reach. The question is no longer what is happening, but what are we doing about it?
As Robert Swan said, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Climate change is not tomorrow’s problem. We can’t remain passive anymore, and if we do, then we risk becoming just another chapter in Earth’s history of extinctions.
Above all the pledges and loopholes, the empty promises, the false sense of action, and the lack of urgency, it is the youth who are stepping up, demanding action, and leading change.
By: ANJALI KUMARI
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