Staying Grounded on Earth Day

Photo via MirageC/Getty Image

***

As we chug through the month of April, Mother Nature’s disposition seems to be rising with that of students. Afternoons and evenings are now occupied with sun-soaked and warm—almost too warm—hours lounging on Edwards Parade playing spikeball, gossiping or completing your weekly readings (if you’re into that sort of thing). Relishing in these characteristically college moments, our previously hardened opinions on the climate and the bitter cold melt away into spring-swept bliss and gratitude for the outside world.

Even after finals when student tensions and anxieties simmer down, the thermometer shows no sign of slowing in New York City. Just as we share in this intermittent golden period of weather, it is only a reprieve. How quickly we forget our suffering on the ice-ridden sidewalks with snowbanks that could bury an SUV or through heatwaves that make a subway car feel like a human oven. Where weather is concerned, Mother Nature is a mediator and unifier of all who experience her demeanors, and her big day is right around the corner. 

While there are several articles and studies about the global climate and issues related to these crises that I highly recommend everyone read and familiarize themselves with, it is this columnist’s position that we should interpret Earth Day not only in atmospheric and terrestrial aspects, but also take it as a day to celebrate interconnectivity and humanity.

Similarly to the seasons in NYC, it is the norm these days to demonstrate more hostility. The general attitudes of either extreme in American politics fully acknowledge and embrace the message of “in for a penny in for a pound” and keep steadfast to their beliefs and indispositions to others. As Katy Perry would say, we’re “Hot n Cold.” 

However, it may not be all the fault of the individuals of these at odds camps in our country, but rather the institution that keeps them there and cements their positions. When the government provides the population it serves with nothing to trust or rally around, these feelings of animosity in those disappointed people are deflected to other citizens on the other side of the aisle. Drat. We’re in a real pickle here, people. What could we possibly commiserate over collectively?

Enter Earth Day. This holiday was born out of “environmental concerns,” and to this day it serves as a reminder for us to be more conscientious about the way we treat the Earth and the human footprint we leave impressed upon it. While these efforts and themes are important to remind us of, they don’t only connect us to the planet, but to each other.

When it is 98 degrees in Manhattan, regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, we all stand sweating under the oppressive, sweltering heat. The consequences of our intervention with the environment does not target one party or the other; it doesn’t distinguish between red and blue parties. 

The nonpartisan nature of the climate strikes a resemblance to the schoolroom scenario when the teacher punishes an entire class for one disobedient student’s actions. Sure, it may appear to be unfair, but those are the rules, and Mother Nature is trying to teach us a lesson in accountability, which we are in a dire deficit of. 

In light of climate science coming out and more information being covered by the news, a majority of the US population shares concern for its current home. However, despite the emotional reaction to climate change being commonly distraught amongst most Americans, there is room to grow in the action department. The country is still 50/50 on whether climate regulations and policies are harmful or hurtful. 

You could flavor a whole vat of coffee with how half-and-half this nation is on legislation and policy, but you would be hard pressed to find one person who doesn’t complain when they have to board the D train in stifling, humid weather. Foreign and domestic affairs will probably always keep us contentious, but if there is one niche where we can have the hope of common interest and unity, our best bet lies with the interest in the fate of our planet. 

Earth Day represents the shared trait among all humans; our terrestrial home. And would you not pull out all the stops to keep your home safe? If you saw your house burning down, would you waste time bickering with your parents and siblings about calling for help and taking all action available to smother the problem? If your answer was no, then I imagine you have at least one thing in common with most of the readers of this article. If your answer was yes, please do not reach out to me for subletting.

Humans may come in all shapes and sizes, but at the end of the day, we all watch the same sun set from the same space rock. So, when April 22 comes around and people scoff at the notion of environmental activism, don’t scoff back; try to be a conduit of connection and lead them to (literally) greener pastures.

***

This article was edited by Abigail D’Angelo.