The Artemis II mission has just ended and the crew gave the world a moving image: a view of the Earth setting, while the astronauts flew over the Moon. Both the journey and the photograph provoked a profound reflection on the blue planet, for many, the vessel on which humanity travels through the immeasurable and uncertain space. So far, the only body in the known universe that harbors life.
The photograph offers a powerful contrast, a dialogue between what could be the past and the future: while they were navigating over the gloomy and battered dead gray satellite (it does not register biological activity), the members of the mission photographed the Earth which, although it was setting, still showed the blue and white that characterize it as a celestial body full of life. That planet and its care have been honored for several years on April 22.
Alarm over climate change and ecosystems
From afar, the Earth looks healthy, bright when sunlight hits it. It is difficult to think that it could be at risk, except for the very occasional possibility of being struck by an asteroid. But on its surface things change. It is seriously threatened by human activity. “Mother Earth is clearly urging us to act,” the UN warns, referring to this date. “The oceans are filling with plastics and becoming more acidic. Extreme heat, wildfires, floods and other climate events have affected millions of people.”
“Climate change, human-induced changes in nature, as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensive agricultural and livestock production, or the growing illegal trade in wildlife, can accelerate the pace of destruction of the planet,” the international body insists, and focuses all attention on an important aspect of the Earth: “We need to restore our planet’s ecosystems.”
“Ecosystems sustain all forms of life on Earth,” it explains. “The health of our ecosystems directly determines the health of our planet and its inhabitants. Restoring those that are damaged will help end poverty, combat climate change and prevent a mass extinction,” it warns in an apocalyptic tone. But there is only one way to achieve it: “We will succeed if everyone does their part.”
Special responsibility of economic activity
It also invites us to remember “today more than ever on this International Mother Earth Day that we need a shift toward a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet.” From this perspective, companies and the productive sector are also called upon to reflect on their role in the face of climate change. Many have understood this and allocate significant resources to reduce their environmental impact and adapt to climate risks.
In Colombia, according to El Heraldo, companies are already incorporating sustainability as part of their investment strategy. More than 62% of investors integrate ESG criteria (environmental, social and governance) into their investment decisions, which indicates that more and more companies in the country are committed to reducing their environmental impact. Consumers, for their part, also use environmental criteria when making purchases.
“Adopting sustainability as a strategic axis allows companies not only to respond to current environmental challenges, but also to build a solid path toward innovation and future competitiveness,” the outlet states. “Every responsible action, from energy efficiency to waste management and the adoption of clean technologies, strengthens the resilience of organizations and shows that caring for the planet and generating economic value can go hand in hand.”
The world must look more closely at images like the one taken by the Artemis II crew. It is one of the few opportunities to contemplate from the outside the planet on which humanity lives. It is the only place where, so far, it can develop its existence. No other has been discovered.