International Mother Earth’s Day   |22 April 2023

‘Invest in our planet’

Geological history tells us that our planet, Earth, has gone through incredible transformations over millions of years. From the age of dinosaurs to ice ages and finally to the modern era, our planet has evolved and sustained life.

However, in recent times, the health of our planet is at risk due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. As we observe International Mother Earth's Day with the theme ‘Invest in Our Planet’ in 2023, it is crucial to reflect on why our planet deserves our investment and what kind of investments are needed to ensure its well-being.

Our planet, Earth, is a precious gem in the vast universe, and it is the only home we have. As the famous quote goes, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve this planet for future generations. The Bible also reminds us in Psalm 24:1, “The Earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it”. It emphasises the sacredness and stewardship role that humans have towards the Earth.

Investing in our planet means recognising the interconnectedness of all life forms and adopting sustainable practices that protect and preserve the environment. It involves investing our time, energy, and resources in safeguarding the planet's health. Time investment, energy investment, sustainability investment and nature-based are type of investment that we need to restore mother earth.

Different countries have different needs when it comes to investing in our planet. Small island nations, for example, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as sea level rise and extreme weather events. Therefore, they require investments in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and adaptation measures. Continental countries, on the other hand, may require investments in renewable energy infrastructure, conservation of natural resources, and sustainable agriculture practices.

The implementation stage of investments in our planet varies across countries. Some countries have made significant progress in adopting sustainable practices and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, while others are still facing challenges due to financial constraints or lack of political will. It is crucial to ensure that investments in our planet are equitable, taking into consideration the varying capacities and vulnerabilities of different countries.

As we reflect on the investments made in our planet by previous generations, it is clear that some have worked, while others have not. Lessons from the past teach us the importance of taking a proactive approach to address environmental issues rather than reacting to their consequences. Have we done enough to invest in our planet? Have we learned from our mistakes, or are we too stubborn to realise the urgent need to take action? The consequences of inaction are evident with the increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters around the world.

Our planet is like our body; it has the remarkable ability to self-heal and regenerate, but only if we provide it with what it needs. Just as we invest in exercise and nourishment to keep our bodies healthy, we need to invest in our planet by filling the gaps to ensure its well-being. 

Happy International Mother Earth Day from all of us at Climate Research Innovation Institute Seychelles (CRIIS)

Contributed by the Climate Research Innovation Institute Seychelles (CRIIS)