Photo by Rey Gabriel.

Butterflies used to be everywhere in the spring and summer.

My brother and I would run around the yard trying to catch them, the same with lightning bugs. Then we would occasionally see a praying mantis on our deck and watch in awe.

The air was still fresh, and it didn’t rain nearly as often. Countless birds flew around the neighborhood, decorating the scene with their tunes.

The Earth used to wake up in spring. 

But now I can’t remember the last time I saw a praying mantis. It’s a month into spring now, and I have seen maybe two butterflies. The birds’ songs are softer, and everything feels eerie instead of cheerful. The Earth used to sing lullabies to us, and now she’s crying out for help. She doesn’t really wake up anymore, and nature is stagnant. 

It took me quite a bit to make the connection. I had heard of people becoming vegetarians for the planet, but I didn’t understand why. I knew that gas was harmful to the environment, but I didn’t fully understand the depth of its impact.

And then the lockdown happened, and I had all the time in the world to watch the news and do my own research. I was in a state of soul-searching, looking for something to be passionate about, and my social media became filled with posts about how pollution had decreased since the start of the lockdown. I was an animal lover who was too queasy to be a vet and too introverted to pursue other passions like fashion design or journalism.

However, something clicked when I started reading more about the climate crisis and environmental science. At a time when I felt lost and confused, I discovered something that I was passionate about: my love of nature and the environment. Therefore, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career that helped to protect it. 

It’s terrifying to think that we are poisoning the planet slowly, threatening our existence as a species, and yet people are apathetic. It’s not like we don’t know why this is happening. We have conducted all the research; we have all the answers, and we know exactly what we need to do to stop it.

Yet, nothing is done. Humans invented the economy, and money, and the government, but the planet has been here for much longer than we have, and it will still be here long after we are gone. 

A part of me has accepted what is happening and what will probably happen to our planet, and another part of me would rather die than not do everything I can to try and stop it.

Climate change is happening and has already had irreversible impacts. However, there is still time to prevent them from worsening and to save hundreds of thousands of species and people. If we come together and take action to protect our environment, real change is possible.

But the hard part is getting people to agree. I strongly believe in my stance on climate change and am confident in my view, but others who deny it and prioritize economic gain also think they are correct. And even though many have tried to see this from that perspective, those who deny it have probably never given any thought to our side of the issue.

It has reached the point where negotiating and discussing the matter will likely never happen, and we must rely on activism and working our way up through society and the government for real change to occur. 

My whole life revolves around the environment and the climate crisis now. It’s what I study and what I prioritize.

I became a vegetarian almost five years ago to reduce my carbon footprint, and my family has even started composting. I discuss these issues with my friends and help them make more sustainable choices. I dream of working for the government and fighting for our Mother.

And while part of me is somewhat sad that my whole life revolves around environmentalism and that I didn’t pursue other dreams, it is not something I regret. I have given myself a purpose and something to wake up every morning and fight for.

I wish that the planet didn’t have to be dying for me to become this passionate about something, but I am also glad that I can do something about it, even if it is small. Any change is still change. 

Even with all that we have done to the planet, she is still magnificent. I see her beauty when I walk to my apartment from the parking lot, looking out at the mountain where the Bethlehem Star stands. The birds still serenade everyone walking to their early morning classes, and the trees are letting us know that spring is again upon us.

She may not be entirely awake anymore, but she is still here, and we might lose her if we don’t fight for her.