It was a typical day in the year 2020. People were in quarantine because of a global pandemic. The roads were empty and no noise could be heard from the surroundings.

Suddenly, the Ground started speaking to the Ocean, Trees, and the Air. It said, “Hello, my nature fellows! There are no humans around, let’s discuss our deteriorating condition.”

The Ocean, as if it was waiting to be asked, blurted out immediately, “Thanks for asking, friend! I had been in the worse state than I was ten years back. This past decade, humans have been very harsh to me. There are millions of factories around the globe, all of them dump their waste materials inside me and because of it, I have become polluted. All the aquatic animals are suffering, some are near extinction and it is not just aquatic animals, humans themselves are suffering because of their own conduct, but they are not giving heed to what they are doing.”

Just then, the Air interrupted the Ocean and started sharing her side of the story, “I have the same problem! My quality has become poor, due to millions of factories and billions of vehicles and their hazardous emissions, there is an increase in the airborne diseases. Silly humans have not only given harm to themselves, but also to all the living things,” Air whooshed in anger.

“That is nothing if you compare it to what they are doing to us! They are cutting us down for their benefits. We give them oxygen and fruits, provide them better environment and help in the improvement of the ecosystem and this is what they do to us in return. Did you know that deforestation is one of the most significant reasons for climate change?” Tree said and looked so dejected.

The Glaciers in Antarctica overheard their conversation and joined them.

“Somebody, please stop these humans, as they are killing us too! We are melting, and the arctic animals are dying. The sea levels are rising day by day, and we can’t do anything. These humans are adding into our misery by their actions.”

After saying this, the Glaciers broke down in tears. The Air asked, “So, is there any solution to all these problems?”

Ground replied, “Yes, there are many solutions to these problems. Some of the easiest ones include planting trees, reducing the use of plastic, disposing of the waste properly and saving energy.”

“But friends, do you know that the current pandemic which has brought havoc in the world, has proved good for all of us in one way…” everyone looked at the Ground in bewilderment.

“Yes, because of the lockdown, people stayed at home and used fewer vehicles, resulting in lesser emissions; people couldn’t go out on the beaches and the factories were also closed for some time. So there was very less dumping in the oceans too, the air quality has also come to acceptable ranges and, of course, fewer trees were cut as well,” said Ground to his fellows and looked for their response.

“It is ironic that a pandemic, which is potentially fatal, has proved good for us. And it also shows how humans have been treating us all this time,” said Ocean.

Air said, “Wow! These effective methods are so simple to follow. Even young children can practice them in their day to day life. It will brighten up the future of not only this planet, but theirs too.”

Tree, still looked sad, “No wonder, humans will start cutting us even more when the pandemic ends, they will try to compensate their loses.” At this, Ground, Ocean, Air and the Glaciers sobbed.…

Dear children, if we don’t take steps to save our planet today, then we will be unable to save it after a few years. We should take pledge to take good steps and rescue our planet for our safe future of all the coming generations, even when the pandemic ends.

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 14th, 2020