LinkedIn Article | Earth Day 50th Anniversary Reflection Column

This is your mother talking! I don’t want to say I told you so…but…I told you so.

As your Earth mother and out of respect for humans, I have always wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt. But, over time, you have repeatedly taken me for granted with your disregard for the home I have worked so hard to provide. You’ve polluted my oceans, rivers and lakes, turned the air toxic, drove so many animal species to extinction it makes me dizzy and raised the global temperature to unacceptable levels.

I’m disappointed. I’ve given you every opportunity to change your behavior and you haven’t.

As long as you are under my roof you live by my rules. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to help. However, first, you have to do your part. Consider the coronavirus epidemic tough love.

And so far…I see it’s working.

All this social distancing has allowed me to heal the Earth just in time for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd. Look up. In many parts of the world, the sky is bluer, and at night, more stars can be seen. Take a deep breath. In many parts of the world where the air is unhealthy to breathe, it is drastically cleaner. Listen. Do you hear more or different animal sounds, or maybe they seem louder? That’s because there’s less ambient man-made noise, allowing animals to literally “spread their wings” as I always intended. And, because you are so quiet, scientists can hear me speak, and that makes me happy.

Let’s work together from now on. I’m on your side. After all, I’m nature’s mother, and I want you to enjoy what I have created for you. I know it’s only a matter of time before cities open up again and life gets back to normal. But, I hope this lesson has taught you that recovery is not just about economics – it’s also about ongoing respect for me, so together we can keep this planet you live on – worth living on.

Now go wash your hands!