Earth’s wake-up call: Respect nature or face ‘consequences’

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Alina Tom

A prominent environmentalist is urging a fundamental shift in humanity’s relationship with the environment in an age marked by relentless exploitation of natural resources.

According to Mr. Kai Miethig, a renowned environmentalist, the key to ensuring a sustainable future lies in learning to respect and work in harmony with nature, rather than continually trying to dominate and control it.

“The misconception is that humans want to ‘protect’ nature, but the reality is that nature does not need protection to maintain itself,” Miethig stated in an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune.

“Even in the face of events like wildfires, nature has an incredible ability to recover and regenerate. The plants and animals may suffer at the moment, but they will ultimately adapt and thrive once again.”

Warning

Miethig warned that the current heat waves sweeping the globe are causing significant disruptions to delicate environmental balances, with issues like freshwater scarcity and disrupted marine ecosystems.

“The ocean gives life and food to humans, not the other way around. It is humans who will truly suffer the consequences of these changes, through water shortages, food insecurity, and health hazards - but nature itself will find a way to adapt and flourish once more.”

The environmentalist was adamant that the solution does not lie in further attempts to “protect” the environment through legislative measures or technological interventions.

“Humans do not need to ‘protect the environment’ -we simply need to stop destroying, polluting, and harming it in the first place,” he said.

Practical steps

Instead, Miethig urged individuals to take small, practical steps to support natural processes, such as watering plants at optimal times and providing shelter and sustenance for animals affected by human activity.

“The key is to respect Mother Earth as we would our own mothers,” Miethig said. “Just as no one would want to see their mother harmed or mistreated, we must develop a deep reverence and care for the natural world that sustains us.” He emphasised that this shift in mindset, from one of dominance to one of reverence, is essential for humanity’s long-term survival.

“If we can truly understand and appreciate the intricate balance and beauty of nature, we will be inspired to change our behaviors and forge a new, symbiotic relationship with the environment,” he noted.