We’re all in it together
Someday, someday
One love, now and forever
Someday, someday
Wish our dreams could be as one
Someday, someday
Try to fix what we’ve undone
One day, one day
—Someday (2011)
The recent Artemis II lunar fly-by journey, which transported four astronauts from the U.S. and Canada aboard the Orion spacecraft Integrity, gave us fresh new photos of Mother Earth and the Moon. But more important than the photos, were the perspectives shared by the crew, both during their space flight and upon their return.
On April 6th, in the midst of their incredible journey, Pilot Victor Glover expressed, “As we get close to the nearest point to the Moon and the farthest point from Earth and continue to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, I would like to remind you of one of the most important mysteries on Earth, and that’s love”.
After a triumphant splashdown back on our planet April 10th, Mission Specialist Christina Koch reflected, “A crew is a group that is in it all the time, no matter what, that is stroking together every minute with the same purpose, that is willing to sacrifice silently for each other, that gives grace, that holds accountable. A crew has the same cares and the same needs, and a crew is inescapably, beautifully, dutifully linked. I know I haven’t learned everything that this journey has yet to teach me, but there’s one new thing I know, and that is planet Earth: You are a crew”.
We—all of earth’s inhabitants—are a crew. Love is one of Earth’s great mysteries (and arguably the impetus for all acts of good).
As we collectively bore witness to their record-breaking mission, many commented on the sense of togetherness felt across borders, cultures and faiths. Several shed tears at the beauty of the images, at the safe return of our human ambassadors, at the sense of shared accomplishment.
So how can many also look away when our planet is so desperately calling out for help?
On this Earth Day, we hope to inspire action for the planet and remind one another that we’re all responsible for the health of this revolving rock we call home.
Though there are a myriad of environmental areas close to our hearts, including regenerative agriculture and Indigenous stewardship, we chose to focus on just two all-encompassing areas in this essay:
Our Ocean and Our Forests.
Our Ocean
Though not everyone may live near the water, every human on our planet benefits from it. Our ocean provides at least 50% of the oxygen we all need to breathe. How is that possible? Plants, algae and cyanobacteria use sunlight energy (photosynthesis) to transform water and carbon dioxide into sugar and oxygen. This all happens only in the top 650+ feet of water (which is how far it’s estimated the sun can travel down through).
Because the ocean also absorbs excess heat and carbon dioxide, it also helps regulate the weather and the temperature of the earth. And, whether you eat seafood or not, the ocean helps feed you. Agricultural production of all types, including the farming of vegetables, grains and fruits is dependent upon reliable cycles of weather for the health of the crops.
Finally, there are amazing discoveries happening in the field of medicine nearly every day with regard to the ocean’s bounty. Coral potentially has compounds that can treat leukemia and skin cancers. The blood from horseshoe crabs helps create effective vaccines to fight diseases like COVID.
From an economic standpoint, oceans also provide millions of jobs from recreation to travel to fishing. They provide livelihoods to individuals and families not only in coastal communities, but all across the world.
Threats to Our Ocean
Plastic pollution. Over 11 million metric tons of plastic enter our waters each year. This happens through litter; storm debris; lost vessel gear; microplastics (which break down from many skincare and beauty items) and microfibers in synthetic fabrics, which go through the laundry and end up back in the water supply.
Whether entangled in larger items or contaminated by smaller ones, plastics cause over 100,000 marine life fatalities each year. This death not only reduces potential sustenance for communities, it also upends the delicate balance of biodiversity, which results in the collapse of food chains and increases the chances of more severe global warming.
Noise pollution. Unnatural sounds (like those from heavy machinery, underwater military operations and massive vessels) can cause significant harm to marine life. It can interrupt their natural migration, prevent communications, cause stress, physical damage or even result in death.
Deep sea mining. The practice of extracting materials like nickel, copper and rare earth elements from the furthest depths of the ocean is highly destructive. It can disrupt fragile ecosystems, destroy habitats and create new pollution.
Our Forests
Often called the “lungs of the earth”, the Amazon Rainforest produces a significant portion of the nearly 30% of oxygen that forests of all types worldwide produce.
In addition to the air we breathe, forests provide building materials such as timber for construction; wood for paper products and rubber for tires. They are also an incredible source of food providing fruits such as bananas, coconuts and avocados, as well as varieties of nuts, edible fungi, syrups and spices. Many of our hygiene products also originate in the forest, such as the ingredients for shampoos, soaps and toothpastes.
Furthermore, forests provide habitats both for wildlife and humans, as many Indigenous communities reside within forested areas. Forests also help clean and filter our water supply.
Threats to Our Forests
Deforestation. By definition, it’s the clearance of forests for purposes of development or production from its materials. In practice, it’s a huge accelerator of climate change and it increases the likelihood and/or the intensity of natural disasters such as floods. It also destroys habitats and reduces wildlife populations, severely impacting the ecosystem.
Wildfires. Whether caused by human interference or storms made worse by climate change, major fires that aren’t contained from the onset can devastate entire communities in a matter of days. Aside from the burning of structures and loss of life, it can spread insects that weaken the surviving trees and plant life, and extend the time to recovery.
Industrial mining. In addition to the obvious degradation caused by mining materials from the earth, the practice can pollute river systems, effectively harming or killing the populations that rely on its resources. It can also cause soil erosion and air pollution from the dust particles it creates.
Be Powerful Not Powerless
As a ‘crew’ of earth’s inhabitants, we do have the capacity to prevent further damage to the planet and help try to reverse what we can. Here are some ideas about how to take action:
Organise for Ocean Health
- Our partnership with 4Ocean Foundation last year resulted in the removal of over 213,000 lbs of ocean debris in Indonesia. You can continue to support their efforts year-round by making a direct donation.
- Reduce fast fashion by wearing clothing made from sustainable fabrics, shopping at thrift stores and hosting clothing swaps to recycle what you already have in your closet.
- To advocate for the reduction of noise pollution in our waters, support the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), which has a campaign dedicated to that.
- Our Global Ambassador, Vasser Seydel, is the President of The Oxygen Project, which focuses on a campaign called #defendthedeep to stop Deep Seabed Mining. Get involved with their group here.
Fix the Forests
- Our friends at Global Citizen launched their largest campaign, Protect the Amazon, to help prevent further deforestation and environmental destruction. Join the movement here.
- Our partnership with the Volcan Mountain Foundation in 2024 is helping to create a forest environment more resilient to wildfires in California, where the risk is elevated. You can get involved with their continued work through volunteer opportunities, buying items from their shop or making a direct donation.
- Earthworks fights industrial mining injustice through awareness campaigns and calls to action. Learn how to advocate for this cause on their website.
Perhaps more than ever, the timing of the Artemis II mission and the messages from its crew were needed, not only to unite us in the spirit of humanity, but to mobilise us to fix what we’ve undone…
To donate to our Environmental fund, make a one-time contribution or join The Desert Bloom as a monthly member.
“Someday, 2013” by Julian Lennon is available as a Unique Work Archival Giclée Print from Fremin Gallery in New York City. For purchase inquiries, contact the gallery.
The song “Someday” by Julian Lennon feat. Steven Tyler is from his album Everything Changes, which is available on CD & Vinyl (box set only) and by instant digital download.
We all need to care for the Earth.