What’s the need for a new planet when it’s our fault this one is dying? Just think about every time you’ve used ChatGPT, killing innocent animals with every question you ask because of the 8.4 tons of carbon dioxide ChatGPT emits per year. All those times you’ve littered, thrown trash out the car just because you’re too lazy. These poor choices have all contributed to the earth’s downfall.
According to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Recent studies estimate out of the eight million species on Earth, at least 15,000 are threatened with extinction. Human-led activities, such as deforestation, pollution, land use changes and burning coal, are the main drivers of the current extinction crisis. Animals have no voice into the idea of leaving their home, no way to speak out their opinions, not even knowing that we are thinking of leaving. The thought of seeking a new home in the universe seems almost absurd when we reflect on the responsibility we bear for the devastation of our current one. The animals that inhabit our forests, oceans and skies are paying the price for our negligence, their existence threatened by our relentless pursuit of progress.
The desire to escape to a new planet often overshadows the urgent need to address the environmental crises we face right here on Earth. The resources and technology that could be allocated to restoring ecosystems, cleaning our oceans and investing in sustainable practices are instead directed toward ambitious space missions.
In our quest for a new home, we must also consider the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. Each species that faces extinction is a testament to the fragile balance of our ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity impacts not only wildlife but also the health of our planet and, ultimately, our own survival. As we contemplate the possibility of starting a new, we should reflect on the immense value of preserving the life that still exists around us.
Rather than looking to the stars for salvation, we must commit ourselves to the stewardship of our planet. The responsibility lies with us to heal the wounds we’ve inflicted on Earth. Our future depends on how we choose to act now and it is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our planet over the allure of new adventures in the cosmos. The time for change is here and it begins with recognizing that our home is worth fighting for.
