Last call for our planet

World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated annually on 5 June and encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment.

Yesterday, during the celebrations at the Family Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres pointed out that we are playing Russian roulette with our planet.

“In the case of climate, we are not the dinosaurs. We are the meteor. We are not only in danger – we are the danger. But we are also the solution.”
António Guterres

Image taken from Internet

This is the moment of action, not the one for finger-pointing or individual decisions, as the planet is facing its moment of truth.

To ensure the safest possible future for humankind and the planet, the UN laid out the urgent action that must be taken immediately to save our planet:

• Slash emissions
• Protect people and nature from climate extremes
• Boost climate finance
• Clamp down on the fossil fuel business

The biggest burden for action must fall on the richest nations and biggest emitters: “Advanced G20 economies should go furthest, fastest” while also providing technical and financial support to developing nations.

Pulling back from the catastrophe “is still just about possible”, Guterres continued, but only if we fight harder. It all depends on decisions taken by political leaders during this decade and “especially in the next 18 months”.

Choose and act

We cannot allow the greed of the few to doom the entire planet. This is the moment for each of us to stand for our environment.

The unchecked pursuit of profit by large corporations, especially those involved in pollution and environmental degradation, is a direct threat to the future of our planet.

To counteract this, we must choose, in the next elections, politicians who are not lobbied by capitalistic interests and who dare to promote real, immediate change.

The Fight Against Capitalism and Environmental Destruction

Capitalism, in its current, heinous form, prioritizes profit over people and the planet. This system often leads to the exploitation of natural resources, labour, and communities, contributing to widespread environmental damage.

Also, avoid fake environmental stances, that only hide populism, division, and inequality. We need real climate champions, who will defend the planet with their choices based on real, accurate scientific research, not financed by polluting corporations or governments.

We see this in industries such as fossil fuels, mining, and deforestation, where the relentless drive for profit results in pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.

Corporate Pollution and Environmental Harm

Many corporations prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leading to significant environmental harm.

Examples include:

• Oil and Gas Companies: These corporations are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, oil spills, and habitat destruction.
• Chemical Manufacturers: Often involved in releasing toxic substances into the air, water, and soil, causing health issues and ecosystem damage.
• Agricultural Giants: Practices such as deforestation, pesticide use, and monoculture farming degrade the environment and harm wildlife.

Calls to Action

1. Vote for Change: Support politicians who are committed to environmental protection, who reject corporate lobbying, and who have a clear plan for addressing climate change. Research candidates’ policies and track records to ensure they align with sustainable practices.
2. Support Environmental Legislation: Advocate for laws and regulations that hold companies accountable for their environmental impact. This includes stronger penalties for pollution, incentives for green practices, and comprehensive climate action plans.
3. Promote Corporate Responsibility: Demand transparency and responsibility from corporations. Support businesses that adopt sustainable practices and boycott those that engage in harmful activities. Use your consumer power to influence corporate behaviour.
4. Engage in Activism: Join or support environmental organizations and movements. Participate in protests, campaigns, and initiatives that aim to protect the environment and challenge the status quo of corporate exploitation.
5. Educate and Raise Awareness: Spread information about the environmental impacts of unchecked capitalism and corporate pollution. Use social media, community meetings, and educational programs to inform others and build a collective movement for change.

The fight for our environment is a fight against the destructive tendencies of unregulated capitalism.

By standing together and taking action, we can push for a system that values sustainability over short-term profit. In the next elections and beyond, let’s choose leaders who are dedicated to protecting our planet and who will take immediate, bold steps towards a greener, fairer future.