Nature

What is the first thing that comes to mind?

Trees, forests, sun, wind, sand, breeze… These are probably the first things that we have in mind when the word nature is mentioned. Some may even feel the fresh air touching their faces and filling their lungs. Some will picture themselves already in their favourite vacation spot enjoying the sounds of birds and waves.

Nature is as we can see. Nature is here to stay. Nature is a place we seek tranquility.

Is nature a reality?

The world we see today may or may not be better tomorrow. At large, we are experiencing global warming faster than we can imagine. Ice caps in the north and south are melting at an exponential rate. The weather today is less predictable compared to a decade ago. Some say this is nature running its course.

The universe, in theory, exists over millions of years but prior to that, there was nothing in space. Mass that attracts each other come together to form a supernova. After the dust settles, planets are formed pulled together by a star in the center of the galaxy.

Earth is a planet circling the sun, the source of all energy on earth. Energy can be transferred but not created. The sun gives all life on earth energy. Plants are the only life on earth that can convert energy from the sun naturally. Of course, humans with great minds managed to create solar technology.

Out of all the planets that are circling the sun, earth is the only planet with lifeforms. How is it possible? We have to thank the atmosphere and water.

Atmosphere is important to keep us all protected from the scorching heat and deadly ultraviolet rays from the sun. Let us also acknowledge that if a piece of loose rock crosses path with earth, it is slowed down once it enters the atmosphere. This reduces impact on the crust of the earth.

Water is important to keep all lives alive. We all need water to survive. Desert beings need less water than most of us but they still need some water. Water is also essential to create clouds that help in life’s creation.

Within the last few decades, news backed by scientific evidence that our atmosphere is breached, floods mainstream media. There is a hole in the ozone layer that initiates catastrophic events worldwide. This directly creates irreversible global warming. Migrating animals are especially finding their nesting place depleting every year. They have no choice but to gather in a tiny plot of land to rest. When it turns crowded, conflict is inevitable. Many lives are lost for no cause.

What put a hole in the ozone layer?

Humans, period.

Humans have created many tools to help ease our daily lives. There is the automotive industry that commutes us around. There is the production industry that lets us have technology in our hands. There is the agriculture industry that puts food on our plates. All these industries have one thing in common. They started off with a noble foundation but over time turned into a money making machine. When this happens, there is no avoidance as to the damage done to Mother Nature.

Pollutants are everywhere. Everything that we are using contributes to pollution of air, land, and water. We know children these days are more susceptible to allergic reactions and breathing difficulties. We know animals in general will avoid encounter with human but have no choice because they have been driven out of their homes. We know that oil spills cause suffocation to all aquatic animals and plants. We know that the food we put in our mouths today taste very different from those that we ate decades ago. We know that plastics are not biodegradable and contributed to the deaths of animals in the ocean.

Yes. We have choices. We can choose to protect nature or we can choose to keep quiet. If each of us is to do a small part in reducing carbon emission and wastes, this world would be a better place in the decades to come.

Let us all wake from our dreams. Let us all take action to save Mother Nature.

 

By discovering nature, you discover yourself.

Maxime Lagace, Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, 1993-present