Once upon a time I taught Environmental Law at the Community College. 

My students were often surprised to learn that “saving the planet” isn’t about protecting endangered species and cleaning the air and water for the sake of the planet but instead is about keeping the Earth habitable for human life. 

I am often surprised at how many humans aren’t interested in keeping our home habitable for humans. 

You would think learning that scientists have discovered untold numbers of measurable, quantifiable, and increasingly harmful threats to our very existence would motivate you to push for ways to minimize those threats but in fact, the very opposite has happened.

The more science talks about climate change the more the old guard hoards resources and exploits the planet.

I wonder when they will realize the no amount of money will remove the micro-plastics from their – or their children’s – brains. That their vacation home won’t be usable when it’s under water, that their yachts can’t sail on a tumultuous sea.

The whales in the ocean aren’t singing as often, the krill they need to survive having been killed off by rising temperatures. They are hungry and seeking food in lieu of singing.

A key Atlantic Current (the AMOC) that brings heat to the Northern Hemisphere and regulates the climate globally, is weakening, with recent research indicating significant changes within the next 20 years.

Global temperatures are rising.

There is so much more. Yet the current administration is doing everything in their power to undermine environmental protections and dial back pollution controls. To make matters worse.

To hasten our demise.

Make no mistake. It’s our demise we are hastening. The Earth will go on without us. We are not fighting for her.

We are fighting for us.