By Sophia Ahmed (‘27)
Have you ever bitten into a juicy apple, and wondered how anything could taste so good? Climbed a tree with friends when you were little, looking down onto the world from a high branch? Have you ever heard the sounds of birds chirping, seen the red of robins, the beauty of eagles and hawks? All of these things are products of our planet, the Earth.
As long as humanity has been around, we have had a home. On this planet, we have discovered wonder, beauty, and so much more. Scientists have estimated that there are around 8.7 million different species on our planet. It is home to coral reefs, brimming with life, lush forests, home to thousands of plants and animals, and breathtaking mountains, rising high above the ground. The Earth provides what we need, what we love, what we want. We should celebrate it, show gratitude towards the Earth. We need to stop climate change and the many effects that come with it.
Climate change is causing oceans to rise and ice to melt, causing flooding and harming animals that depend on the ice. It is not only endangering plants and animals but also ourselves. If we go on at this rate, entire cities and countries will be destroyed. In addition to climate change, humans have destroyed habitats and forests, endangering animals and destroying life. We have cut down 15 billion trees a year, trees and forests that are homes to plants and animals. Due to excessive hunting, deforestation, and climate change, 16,306 different species are currently in danger.
Greta Thunberg once said, “I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.” We need that change, that impact, now more than ever. The most important thing in our lives is now in danger, and with the strength and compassion we all have inside us, we must put effort into making that change. We have to start giving back what we have taken, restoring what we have destroyed, and help our planet thrive.
