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Why Are We So Indifferent To Our Planet?
- Adriana Rocha
- Oct 30
- 4 min read
By Adriana Rocha
Last summer brought extreme heat, it was challenging to walk outside or even sleep. Trains were canceled, and there were shutdowns due to the heavy use of electricity. Fall 2025 has been warmer, with abrupt temperature changes, some weeks are warm and others cold. These situations remind us that our planet needs attention.
Fires, massive floods, and drastic weather changes are now part of our lives. They affect our routines, homes, lifestyles, and families, only then do we begin to understand that our well-being depends on the health of the planet. We know things are changing: summers are hotter, water and natural resources are in high demand due to population growth and overconsumption. Yet, our daily conversations often avoid these topics.
According to Lisa Bennett, co-author of Ecoliterate, there are FIVE main reasons for this:
Reason 1: Short-Term Thinkers
Short-term thinkers often harm environmental progress because they prioritize immediate gratification and profit over long-term, and sometimes irreversible consequences. The stresses of modern life, from paying bills to managing workloads, keep us focused on the present rather than the future.
Reason 2: Climate Change Deniers
Climate change deniers often claim that moving away from fossil fuels will lead to job losses and economic collapse. However, the transition toward net-zero emissions is expected to increase overall employment in the energy sector. While about five million jobs in fossil fuel production could be lost by 2030, an estimated 14 million new jobs would be created in clean energy, resulting in a net gain of nine million. Environmentally friendly innovation can, in fact, open new opportunities, as seen with solar panels, electric vehicles, and ocean energy.
Reason 3: Too Much Time Indoors
We spend most of our time inside, in our homes, offices, cars, malls, and on devices that keep us online for hours. Yet, studies show that exposure to nature brings multiple benefits: improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even stronger empathy and cooperation.(Read more about these benefits in my other articles: “How Do We Measure the Connectivity Between Humanity and Nature?” & "Nature a Booster of Well-Being")
Reason 4: People Don’t Believe They Can Make a Difference
Big corporations hold power and often influence governments, leading many to feel powerless in comparison. Companies could adopt more environmentally friendly practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change, but often choose not to. However, emerging technologies such as electrified thermal energy and hydrogen production could help industries decarbonize and significantly reduce emissions.
Reason 5: There’s Not Enough Time
Many people feel there simply isn’t enough time to think about the environment. The urgency of the climate crisis, the overwhelming scale of the problem, short-term thinking, disconnection from nature, and personal time constraints all contribute to this mindset.
The most important question is: What can we do as individuals to help our planet? What can we do to care for our home?
Communities can make a difference by adopting eco-friendly practices. Small renewable energy projects, such as solar cooperatives and micro-hydro systems, can help reduce carbon emissions.
Planting native trees and safeguarding biodiversity also play a major role in capturing carbon dioxide. Community initiatives like recycling programs, shared gardens, and public transportation networks can inspire residents to embrace greener lifestyles.
Education is equally important. Workshops, local events, and school programs can raise awareness about the effects of climate change and provide practical ways to act.
It’s essential to remember that every product we use depends on nature’s resources. We rely on natural systems for food production, water and air purification, carbon storage, and countless non-material benefits such as mental health, learning, and creative inspiration. There are many ways we can help sustain these vital systems.
Ways We Can Help:
Reduce water consumption: Take shorter showers, turn off taps, install low-flush toilets, and capture rainwater. Using less water helps preserve ecosystems, sustain water supplies, and reduce the energy required to pump, heat, and treat water.
Minimize chemical use: For cleaning and personal care, choose affordable, non-chemical alternatives. Fewer chemicals mean better air and water quality, healthier people, and safer habitats for wildlife.
Use public transportation or cycle: Traveling by bus, train, or bike significantly lowers emissions. Fewer cars mean cleaner air, less traffic, and lower carbon output.
Eat less meat and dairy: Reducing meat and dairy consumption decreases greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, and deforestation.
Cut single-use plastics: Plastics harm wildlife, pollute oceans, and break down into microplastics that enter our food and water. Producing them also releases vast amounts of carbon.
Buy local: Purchasing local food and goods supports small businesses, strengthens the local economy, reduces packaging and transport emissions, and provides fresher, safer products.
Lower energy use: Reduce heating, turn off unused electronics, and unplug devices. Saving energy cuts costs, reduces pollution, and conserves resources.
Connect and collaborate: Join programs, volunteer, or support local initiatives that align with your environmental values. Working together with other communities, NGOs, and local governments can inspire innovative solutions tailored to local needs.
By adopting these small yet powerful practices, communities can become driving forces in addressing climate change.
Our hands have the power to nurture and protect our planet. Our actions can shape the future, and our thoughts can inspire others to do the same. It’s okay not to know everything, what matters is learning, acting, and sharing information that supports our well-being, our communities, and our planet.
What will you do to protect and preserve your green home?
About the Author
Adriana Rocha is a Bolivian-born psychologist, writer, and photographer whose work has been published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She believes in the healing power of art, blending poetry, photography, and psychology to explore themes of nature, reflection, and human connection. Adriana is a member of the Confluence Creative Collective and a contributing writer for the Confluence Chronicles.
References
Owyoung, P. (2022). Why most people don't care about climate change. Medium
Peeters, W. (2020). Why should we care about biodiversity loss, and what can we do about it? University of Birmingham
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