Ah, humanity, the self-proclaimed crown jewel of evolution, blindfolded and marching on the brink of extinction. This isn’t some ancient myth or the plot of a blockbuster apocalypse movie, no, it’s far more thrilling. The destruction has already begun, and Earth herself seems to be whispering, “Enough is enough.” What do you think earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis are? They’re eviction notices.
We could have chosen a path of peaceful coexistence, but alas, our insatiable greed and lust for money led us astray. Polluted air? We breathe it in like it’s a luxury perfume. Contaminated water? Bottoms up! Our food? As long as it looks Instagram-worthy, who cares what’s in it? And let’s not forget our relentless desire to drill into Earth’s very core, as if we’re searching for her secrets
Not too long ago, we began prioritizing luxury and comfort over the simple act of breathing. Wrapped in plastic, our food became more about aesthetics than nutrition. Expensive wines became the epitome of sophistication. All the while, we chased after printed currency, valuable only between birth and death, yet we placed it above a full and meaningful life.
Our pursuit of wealth, born from perpetual dissatisfaction, propels our species toward a miserable end. We were blessed with a beautiful planet, lush skies, fertile soil, crisp air. Instead of sharing its fruits, we appointed ourselves masters, driven by unquenchable greed and a thirst for power.
The underground water, the mines, the elements, the fossil fuels for oil, the minerals for pharmaceuticals, the gold for ornaments, the iron for weapons, everything hidden in Earth’s belly is now just a commodity. Maybe these resources were meant to sustain life, a hidden elixir of balance. But no, we saw a price tag instead of purpose. We dug, excavated, and sold them for money, leaving behind nothing but waste and pollution. Today, because of our actions, Earth is literally leaking from the inside. We’ve drilled so deep, tampered so much, that even its ability to rotate has been disturbed. What kind of disaster are we inviting?
From deforestation to wildlife destruction, in just the last 50-100 years, we have stripped the planet of its soul and turned everything into a product for sale. That’s the only thought we have now, what can we trade? What can we profit from? Is there anything left that humans haven’t turned into a business? We even trade the very resources that keep us alive, not to aliens or outsiders, but to each other, for what? Just for a little more money.
And while we do this, we ignore the warning signs flashing right before our eyes. The sea levels are rising, it could reach our bedrooms any time now. Cyclones are becoming common, acid rain is falling, earthquakes are striking more often, glaciers are melting, and drinkable water is disappearing. Yet, the majority of us remain unbothered. For a species that calls itself “superior,” we have been nothing but useless to the planet. Maybe Earth’s biggest mistake was creating us in the first place.
Earth was once a masterpiece, a symphony of seasons, a balance of elements. Glaciers melted to provide water, rains quenched the land’s thirst, plants gifted us oxygen, seas maintained equilibrium, and forests kept carbon levels in check. A perfectly directed play, until the villain, us, decided to rewrite the script. We claimed ownership of lands and forests, and our governments became the authorised executioners of wildlife and nature.
Observing the myriad reports, it’s clear: Earth is sinking. I predict that, at this rate, humanity has a mere 2-5 years left. On my farm, I’ve noticed fewer birds, dwindling varieties. Once, we effortlessly harvested diverse vegetables, medicinal plants, and fruits. Now? The mangoes are fewer, their sweetness faded. Monsoons arrive and depart on whims, scorching heat prevails, and crops suffer, either drowning in excessive rain or withering in drought.
Climate patterns directly impact our food resources. In India, where the economy dances to the monsoon’s rhythm, this spells disaster. Late or erratic monsoons lead to unpredictable rainfall, downpours here, droughts a kilometer away. Cloudbursts wash away fertile soil, leaving no chance for absorption. The climate’s mood swings are so erratic, even forecasting models throw up their hands in defeat. We can’t even predict the weather for the next day in the same season. The forecasting of El Niño and La Niña, once reliable indicatos has now become just as unpredictable as the climate itself.
This climatic chaos has led to a significant decline in the nutritional quality of our food. Studies reveal that over the past sixty years, essential minerals and nutrients in fruits, vegetables, and crops have alarmingly decreased. Factors like chaotic fertilization, preference for high-yield but less nutritious varieties, and a shift from natural to chemical farming are to blame.
Meanwhile, humans cocoon themselves in air-conditioned comfort, chasing white-collar dreams. Farming? That’s beneath us. As of 2022, only about 45.76% of India’s workforce remains in agriculture, a sector contributing merely 18.2% to the GDP. This economic imbalance ensures money pools in a few hands, leaving the rest to suffer.
At this rate, we might not be around much longer. And honestly, that’s for the best.
So, as we stand on this precipice, let’s raise a glass of polluted water to humanity, the architects of their own demise. Farewell, dear Homo sapiens. It’s been a great ride!