We asked young people in Macao to reflect on our role and relationship with nature.
All winning essays were published into a book and made available online so readers from around the world can read about read about their ideas, thoughts, and vision in this essay collection as we work together for a better tomorrow.
In our evolving world, environmental pollution is a pressing challenge we must confront. It threatens ecosystems, human health, and the well-being of our planet. But fear not! Together, we can ignite a wave of change and pave the way towards sustainability.
Nature, with its serene beauty and profound wisdom, holds the key to our awakening and transformation. In the midst of a rapidly changing world, reconnecting with nature becomes essential for our well-being and the preservation of our planet.
Nature is inspiring. Whether it’s the pink explosion of blossoming trees, the lilting and beautiful song of nightingales, or the flickering flight of butterflies, the relationship between us and nature is forever beautiful and binding.
Environmental pollution is a big problem in the world today, and it’s getting worse. Even in Macao, the amount of rubbish keeps increasing every year. In 2021, the waste incineration center processed 453,152 metric tons of rubbish in total, which is a 3.6% increase from the previous year. If we don’t take action to change, the amount of rubbish might double in ten years.
Our planet is facing a dire threat in the form of ocean pollution. Every day, the ocean’s and its inhabitants’ health is being compromised, and the life expectancy of marine organisms is decreasing. Urgent action is needed to save these creatures and protect our planet’s future.
Our natural resources are being depleted. It’s crucial for us to take action to conserve and sustainably manage these valuable resources. In my opinion, recycling is one of the most beneficial moves in combating the excessive wasting of the nonrenewable resources on our planet.
Macau, known for its vibrant casinos and tourism industry, is now setting its sights on harnessing the power of the ocean to meet its energy needs sustainably. As we move forward in the 21st century, addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development goals have become paramount.
I was four years old when super typhoon Hato hit Macao; it broke my windows and damaged my house. My relationship with nature is mutual. Climate change and natural disasters seem to be a difficult topic for us kids to understand, but in my opinion, although I have minimal power, I believe I can still make changes to help our environment.
Do you know that oil companies produce 4 billion tons of oil every year?! When it’s burned, this fossil fuel releases pollutants directly into the air, creating more than 75% of the greenhouse gases. These pollutants have negative impacts on human health as well as on the environment.
One of my beloved places is a farm. As an animal lover, I love feeding the cows and sheep, walking the geese and patting the rabbits and hamsters. Big or small, all the animals are lovely and are my friends. But my heart broke when I saw some children treating the animals as their enemies at my last Autumn farm trip.
Nature is our faithful companion, and water is a precious gift bestowed upon us by nature. Water is everywhere in our world, and it holds great significance for me as well. When I venture into the countryside, I come across rivers gracefully meandering through forests.
Climate change affects the Earth and also threatens human health, food security, freshwater supply and arable land shrinkage. Population growth, industrialization and commercial development directly destroyed the biological environment.
“I’m hurt!” All sea animals cried in silence, “there are a lot of plastic cups, plastic bags, and metal pieces in our marine habitats.” When the sea animals are being hurt or bleed without any notice, I couldn’t stop thinking of one measure I could do to help them.
If asked what the relationship between nature and me is, I would answer that nature is my mother. She gives me life while caring for and protecting me. She provides me with food and water for sustainability.
Fishermen rely on the ocean for their livelihood. Biologists see the ocean as the birthplace of life and study it. Artists find inspiration in the ocean. But regardless of our role, the ocean feeds us, regulates our climate, and gives us oxygen.
Fishermen rely on the ocean for their livelihood. Biologists see the ocean as the birthplace of life and study it. Artists find inspiration in the ocean. But regardless of our role, the ocean feeds us, regulates our climate, and gives us oxygen.
“The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth.” This quote reminds me of the special connection I share with nature, and how crucial it is to protect and nurture it. My role and relationship with nature is like pieces of a puzzle that fit together perfectly.
Earth — this celestial object composed of water, rock, and soil, is a realm where creatures cannot only survive but also thrive, serving as their cherished abode — nature. With its inhabitants flourishing on this majestic sphere for billions of years, it has not merely borne witness to the demise of innumerable species through extinction but has also bestowed life anew to flourish within its awe-inspiring ecosystem.
Gary Snyder, a well-known American essayist, poet, and environmental activist, once stated, “Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” But let’s think deeply about it, do we really treat nature like how we would treat our home?
One of the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that resonates deeply with me is Goal 15: Life on Land. In a world filled with bustling cities, modern technologies, and constant distractions, it’s easy to forget our deep-rooted connection with nature.
Generally, we know from daily life that the relationship between us and nature is very close, and we are indispensable. Even some insignificant plants or animals are part of a biological chain. Therefore, people have begun to pay attention to the relationship between humans and nature, and this has also become the focus of global attention.
Nature is the greatest treasure of our life, and the earth is our home. It provides us with air, water, food and precious resources. For me, nature plays an integral role. Not only did it keep me alive, but it also taught me valuable lessons.
Nature provides us with joy and tranquility through its green forests and deep blue oceans. Yet, it seems that nature is being destroyed increasingly due to our footprints. If we keep destroying natural environments, we will be in danger of losing our old partner, nature, and soon ‘natural’ will no longer appear in our daily lives.
Nature is an intrinsic part of our existence, shaping our lives and providing us with sustenance, beauty, and inspiration. Our role and relationship with nature are pivotal to the well-being of both the planet and ourselves. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it is crucial to understand the significance of our connection with the natural world and how it relates to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
According to Bryce Nelson, the USC journalist professor, “People who will not sustain trees will soon live in a world that will not sustain people.” Billions of trees are cut down to be burned or to make things like furniture, buildings, or paper every year. If trees disappear, the ecosystem and the food chain will collapse, causing humans to die from a lack of food.
Nature is undeniably a remarkable source of inspiration. Since a young age, I have been captivated by the wonders of nature. The vibrant colours of blooming flora in the garden, the gentle whispers of the wind through the bushes, and the rhythmic crashing of waves at the shore have all left an indelible mark on my soul.
Nature is the foundation of all life. Not only does it give us peace of mind and the wonderment of its beauty, but it sustains all of our lives as well. Despite the immense benefits derived from nature, human activities have also had adverse effects on the natural world.
My vision of a sustainable world is simple yet challenging to implement: to halt deforestation and desertification. Therefore, I will elaborate on the importance of preserving life on land. Preserving life on land is not only an ecological obligation but also a responsibility for every member of society.
The study of nature encompasses a vast array of scientific knowledge, as well as yielding our deeper understanding of the spectacular world. It may narrowly appear as the surroundings in most people’s eyes, for instance, simply plants and wildlife.
The study of nature encompasses a vast array of scientific knowledge, as well as yielding our deeper understanding of the spectacular world. It may narrowly appear as the surroundings in most people’s eyes, for instance, simply plants and wildlife.
In today’s world, nearly two billion people, approximately 25% of the global population, lack access to clean drinking water. This problem is particularly prevalent in underdeveloped countries where water supply systems are inadequately constructed. The consequences of this issue extend beyond human lives, posing a threat to the underwater ecosystem and its animal inhabitants.
“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.” – Annie Leonard, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA. The United Nations (UN) reports that one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute, and up to five trillion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year.
As concrete jungles expand and urban landscapes flourish, the delicate relationship between nature and humanity is tested. Overdeveloped cities are a phenomenon witnessed across the globe, which has brought unprecedented changes to our natural environments.
The intricate relationship between humans and the natural world is a delicate balance we must strive to sustain. Today, a pressing issue that threatens this balance, and consequently our health, is marine pollution.
The summer of 2023 found me on icy shores in Svalbard, with my face graced by the soft touch of a biting Arctic wind. Leading a scientific survey, the initial excitement gradually got replaced with a sense of revelation.
“Hurray!” As the news spread rapidly through WeChat groups, informing us that schools were closed, my friends and classmates burst with joy. But the reason for the closures, the hoisting of a No.8 typhoon signal, caused me consternation as this was the third school closure in just 40 days because of typhoon or rainstorm.
Nature plays an important role in our lives, shaping our existence and providing us with the resources that are necessary for survival. However, our daily activities often strain this relationship, leading to environmental degradation and unsustainable practices.
Globally, approximately 2.7 million tons of pesticides were reportedly applied to agricultural land in 2020. Pesticides were designed to prevent yield losses; however, not only have they been given rise to new environmental issues, but also backfired on humans, significantly impeding progress towards achieving The 2023 Agenda’s socio-environmental goals.
In the distant past, the relationship between humans and nature was harmonious and intimate. During that time, we revered and respected nature as the bedrock and wellspring of our existence. The connection between humans and nature is also intricate and interwoven.
There is an interesting phenomenon that when people run out of topics to discuss, they will instinctively look up at the skies and discuss the weather. Most people consider this phenomenon as an amusing anecdote, but if we ponder deeply, it becomes evident that the weather and the environment immensely affect everyone living on the planet.
I never felt as calm and balanced as I did on the 1st of May when my mother and I went to the Luyang Lake Wetland Park. Early in the day, a light drizzle threatened to destroy our plans, but try as it did, it could not tear down the anticipation we had built up for the trip. Indeed, the rain was refreshing.
Ever since I can remember from my childhood, nature has been an integral part of my life. Due to my father’s work as a Macao Customs officer, which involved frequent contact with the sea, I have been exposed to many stories of marine life that he has witnessed firsthand.
Million years ago, our ancestors foraged wild plants and hunted wild animals. Everything was kept simple. However, as technology advances over centuries, humans have introduced an uncountable number of inventions into life, some of which, for example, plastic bags, may contribute to the destruction of the environment. This is a price we pay for the modern livelihood.
Under humanity’s stewardship, we have fortuitously unearthed the concept of sustainable development on this naturally beautiful planet. This concept presents a future vision where prosperity and growth harmoniously coexist with preserving our irreplaceable natural environment.
We mature through time and experiences, forests grow with ample resources; we live our life in cycles—to wake in the morning and rest through the night, nature regulates itself through cycles—water shifts between different states as it circulates the world; we are rich in a wide array of cultures, beliefs, values, and abilities, and strengthen as a society when embracing it, nature is rich in a plethora of different species, its biodiversity vital to building the resilience of an ecosystem.
Nature holds a deep significance in our lives, providing us with nourishment, awe-inspiring beauty, and a profound sense of peace. As a high school student, I’ve come to realize just how important our connection with nature is, especially within the context of The 2030 Agenda.
Nature is the source of all life, the cradle of human existence, and the wellspring of our spiritual nourishment. It is the foundation upon which our lives are built, and it is the canvas upon which our stories are painted.
The natural world encompasses a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, with each inextricably linked to the other. Francis Bacon, an English philosopher, once said: “Only by obeying nature can we control nature.”
My palette has always been blue, yellow, and green, but I inevitably notice them shading into black, white and grey.
How can we create a future in which both nature and we can thrive? Look around us. The dying ecosystem is screaming for attention, the biodiversity is fading, the acidifying oceans are running out of breath, the choking smoke and rising sea levels are suffocating us, and the desertification of land and extreme weather events are threatening our lives.
In my fuzzy childhood memories lies pictures painted with blossoming flowers and verdant landscape. My brother would be sprinting through the woods, playing hide and seek with me, all while indulging in the beauty of nature.
Nature, the origin of life, is humble but powerful. She plays a crucial role in regulating climate, water cycles, and biodiversity, which are vital for sustaining life on Earth. She shelters all, bearing, nurturing, and educating human beings.
In his encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, Pope Francis wrote, “Our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us”. Throughout the encyclical, the Holy Father stresses the importance of the Earth towards every one of us and our responsibilities in protecting and nurturing it.
As I walked through the bustling supermarket aisles, my eyes were drawn to the numerous cookies, each with attractive and tempting packaging. The shelves filled with choices that drew me in with their vibrant colours.
In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, the integration of cities and the environment is critical for the socio-economic development of cities and communities.
I come from a relatively small country in Latin America, an isthmus that unites North America with South America. It is a place that is known to be the bridge to the world, and the heart of the universe. I come from Panama. And the name “Panama” itself comes from an old indigenous word meaning “Abundance of fish, trees and butterflies.”
Nature can be described as the world around humans and the humans within the world! Unfortunately, in many cases, urbanization has been an enemy of nature. For many countries, including mine, this is not an exception, as the rapid expansion of urban areas has led to several environmental problems, including climate change…
Our role in nature extends far beyond mere existence——We are active protectors and co-creators. Embracing the mantle of creators allows us to transcend the simple pursuit of survival and become orchestrators attuned to the symphony of the natural realm.
“The era of global boiling has arrived.” Alerted the UN Secretary-General Guterres.
On September 7 and 8, an unusual yet persistent rainstorm surprised the people of Macau. The heavy rain, which pulled the month’s total rainfall twice the average rate, disrupted the bustling lives of many.
As I stood on the stairs near Hac Sa Beach, overlooking the brown and murky water filled with waste clusters, sweat trickling down my forehead, I couldn’t help but feel a deep twinge of sorrow.
In a world where economic growth propels progress, the environment often bears the brunt of our ambitions. As the danger of climate change grows more prominent than ever, we must confront this severe crisis head-on.
