Please. Let Nature do its job.

In the face of the currently escalating climate crisis, scientists across the globe are constantly on the lookout for potential climate change mitigation strategies, that will help us on our journey to keep the Earth’s temperature from rising above 2ºC. But what if the solution we need has been staring us all in the face, and we just… haven’t realised? Maybe we’ve underestimated the potential of our biggest victim to help us fight the enemy that is climate change. The name ‘Nature’ ring a bell? One of the most potent tools we have in our arsenal to fight against climate change is the environment itself. Natural processes, left undisturbed, can regulate and restore balance to ecosystems. Forests, for instance, act as carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and releasing life-enabling oxygen. Wetlands serve as natural filters, purifying water and providing habitat for diverse species. Natural climate solutions offer up to 37% of the mitigation needed between now and 2030 to keep global temperature rise below 2°C… which in case you missed it, is what our very existence depends upon.

Embracing nature’s solutions means allowing ecosystems to function without unnecessary human interference. This involves protecting and restoring natural habitats, refraining from overexploitation of resources, and minimizing the impact of urbanization on biodiversity. By doing so, we can capitalize on the inherent resilience and regenerative capabilities of our planet.

While technological advancements and human interventions have their own place in this battle, there is a need to realize that nature itself can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. We must look beyond conservation of our ecosystems to the very heart of our ethical considerations: the crucial concept of speciesism.

Speciesism, the belief of human superiority over other species, has long been ingrained in our societies. As we strive to address climate change, it is crucial to recognize that all living beings, regardless of their species, play vital roles in maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems. The prevailing notion that some species are more valuable or deserving of protection than others is not only morally problematic but also hinders our ability to form effective environmental strategies. A shift towards ending speciesism requires rethinking our relationship with the natural world. It involves acknowledging the intrinsic value of all species and understanding that the well-being of ecosystems is interconnected with the well-being of every individual within them. This change in viewpoint holds significant consequences for essential conservation initiatives, requiring a more encompassing strategy towards environmental change. Building the channels to implement these solutions however, is easier said than done, even when considering the most efficient and cost effective ones. However, a notable finding in this recent study by The Nature Conservancy is its illustration that sectors commonly seen as contributors to the issue of climate change—specifically forestry and agriculture—have a significant chance to collaborate and convert vast spaces of land from carbon emitters to carbon sinks. As we stand at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change, it is time to re-evaluate our relationship with nature and the ethical underpinnings that guide our interactions with the diverse species that share our planet. By letting nature do its job and ending speciesism, we can unlock the full potential of ecosystems in mitigating the impacts of climate change. It is a collective responsibility—one that requires a shift in mindset, policies, and practices towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all living beings.

Yes – we are headed into some of the toughest decades for the Earth and all its beings, and the end is inevitable. We all will face hardships on this journey to survive, and someday we will reach our end…

But not today.

#ClimaTeen #savetheEarth #ClimateAction #nowornever #onechance #myonepercent #shalmalisirsi