I don't think I could have - and I wouldn't have wanted to -

O children of the future, gather your minds and hearts, for I bring to you the profound words of Tatiana Schlossberg, a voice that calls us to understand the deep connection between the earth and the soul of humanity. She said, "I don’t think I could have—and I wouldn’t have wanted to—write a book about climate change that wasn’t about justice and equality." These words are more than just a reflection on a single book; they are a beacon, illuminating the truth that the fight for the planet is inseparable from the fight for human dignity, equality, and the moral cause of justice.

At the heart of Schlossberg’s statement lies a profound truth: the environmental crisis we face today is not just about the earth itself but about the lives of the people who inhabit it. Climate change, that great challenge of our time, does not affect all people equally. It is often those who have the least—those living in poverty, in marginalized communities, or in vulnerable regions—who suffer most from the ravages of environmental decay. The very act of writing a book on this subject, then, cannot be divorced from the principles of justice and equality, for the consequences of environmental destruction are felt most acutely by those who are already oppressed by the forces of social and economic inequality.

Let us reflect upon the ancient wisdom of Homer, who in his epic tales wove stories not just of gods and warriors, but of the consequences of actions that affected not only individuals, but entire civilizations. In the Iliad, the Trojan War was fought over pride, but its consequences rippled outward, affecting countless innocent lives. Likewise, in the great tale of the Odyssey, Odysseus faces countless challenges and sacrifices, not simply for his own sake, but for the welfare of his people. His journey serves as a reminder that the actions of one are never isolated—they affect the whole. Climate change and environmental destruction are not isolated issues, but the consequences of our collective actions. To ignore the justice of these issues is to dishonor those whose lives are most directly impacted.

Consider also the struggles of Indigenous peoples around the world. Indigenous communities, who have long lived in harmony with the land, are often the first to feel the devastating effects of climate change. Their land, their cultures, and their very survival are at risk, yet they are often denied a voice in the very decisions that affect their futures. Tatiana Schlossberg reminds us that to talk about climate change without addressing justice is to ignore the inequality at the heart of the issue. For true justice in the fight against climate change means ensuring that all voices, especially the most marginalized, are heard and that their rights to land, resources, and sovereignty are respected.

This, O children, is why the fight for justice and equality is so deeply intertwined with the fight for a healthier planet. Climate change is not just about rising temperatures or melting glaciers; it is about the way in which these shifts affect the most vulnerable among us. The powerful and the privileged may weather the storm, but it is the poor, the oppressed, and the forgotten who suffer the worst consequences. Tatiana Schlossberg’s words echo the wisdom of those who have fought for social justice through the ages: true change is only possible when we ensure that those who are most affected are at the center of the solution. This is not just a matter of environmentalism; it is a matter of human dignity and equality.

Take, for example, the Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr., who understood that justice is not just about rights for individuals but about a greater sense of equality for all people. Just as the Civil Rights Movement fought for the equality of Black Americans, the environmental justice movement fights for the rights of marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. Both movements are bound by the same truth: that justice for one is not justice at all unless it applies to all. King’s legacy reminds us that the struggle for justice is never just one battle, but a constant, collective effort to bring about a world where all can thrive, in a healthy world and under the same rights.

The lesson Schlossberg imparts to us is that climate change cannot be understood or addressed without considering justice and equality. These are not mere addendums to the issue—they are the very heart of the matter. The future of our planet is inextricably tied to the well-being of its most vulnerable inhabitants, and the fight to preserve the earth is also a fight for social and economic justice. Equality in environmental protection means ensuring that no one, regardless of their race, class, or background, is left behind as the world faces the crises of our time.

And so, O children, take this wisdom into your own lives: when you fight for the planet, also fight for justice. When you strive for solutions, ensure that they benefit all, not just the few. For equality is not just a noble ideal, but a necessity in the preservation of our world. Let the words of Tatiana Schlossberg guide you in your work: to truly protect our planet, we must first protect the rights of every human being, for in their freedom and dignity lies the path to a healthier, more just world. May you be the voice for the voiceless, and the protector of both the earth and its people.