A Powerful Lesson in Healing: "The Year Earth Changed"

The Year Earth Changed - A Vision for a Greener Future

Lisa Kurian is a sophomore at Riverside High School in South Carolina and a passionate marine conservationist who has spent the past 6 years actively advocating for ocean protection.  In this review, she explores the profound impact the documentary” The Year Earth Changed” has had on her and shares her insights into the resilience of nature. 

2020 was a year many of us will remember for the rest of our lives; COVID-19 altered our lives in innumerable ways through isolation, fear and stigma surrounding infection, and drastic economic and career-related losses for many. Despite the seemingly detrimental effects that surrounded COVID-related lockdown regulations, little did we realize that 2020 was also a year of revival, rejuvenation and prosperity for the natural world. The Year Earth Changed provides a powerful insight into the incredible ability for nature to self-heal when left with minimal human disruption during the quarantine period. Examples were visible across continents and borders - We saw cleaner air in the north of India  making the majestic Himalayas visible from the city of Jalandhar, a sight not seen before in the past due to smog, while deer in Japan re-made their way through the city to feed on their historic feeding grounds —these moments should not be seen as fleeting or temporary, but as a glimpse into a possible future if we make conscious, deliberate efforts to change how we interact with the environment. As a member of the future generation & being a change-maker, I find it essential and imperative to reflect on the positive aspects of the pandemic and the profound lessons mother nature offered all of us.

The pandemic showed us how quickly the planet could recover when human activity slowed down. For example, limited human interaction gave way for emergence of new forms of humpback whale communication in Alaska and differing patterns of jackass penguin movement in South Africa. Nature thrived when we took a step back and let it reclaim its balance and heal from the damage we have inflicted on it. For me, as a part of the younger generation, this is a critical realization: if we harness this momentum established during lockdown, we can build a more sustainable world. However, it’s clear that we need to see more long-term change in the way people, businesses and governments operate moving forward. 

One of the most significant takeaways from The Year Earth Changed is the urgent need for a shift in our mindset towards creating solutions in which we harmoniously coexist with nature rather than overpowering or harming it. By prioritizing sustainability and embracing eco-friendly practices, we can restore ecosystems, reduce carbon footprints, and preserve resources for future generations. This symbiotic relationship will not only allow the Earth to thrive but will also enable economies & people to flourish in a more balanced manner. A compelling example of this was displayed in Assam, India, where farmers faced the challenge of local elephant populations destroying their crops grown adjacent to forests. During the COVID lockdown, an opportunity arose to address this imbalance between human needs and nature. Communities of farmers collaborated to create a buffer zone of crops between the forest and their farmland, providing a designated feeding area for the elephants. Creating this buffer zone enabled the elephants to get the food they need while protecting the crops beyond the buffer zone. This simple yet effective solution prevented elephants from raiding crops and allowed farmers to cultivate more efficiently, benefiting both wildlife and the local economy.

This case demonstrates that a balance is not only possible, but achievable. It shows that when nature and local communities work together, both can thrive. Looking ahead, such actions will not only mitigate potential harmful human practices, but also foster innovation, create new jobs, and enhance global resilience to environmental challenges, driving economic growth while ensuring that both nature and society benefit from this more sustainable and durable approach. This is the future I want to see—a world where profit & environmental sustainability go hand in hand. Not only will this benefit businesses in extending their influence and longevity, but it will also enable ecosystems to thrive alongside the human world.  

Another essential step to re-establishing the harmony between the natural and human world is actively informing and empowering people to make sustainable, eco-friendly choices. By raising awareness about the broader environmental impact of our daily decisions, we can collectively create a culture of responsibility and care for our planet. When individuals understand how their actions influence the fragile natural balance they can act. For example, making beaches in Florida a no-go zone for human activity every night has increased the number of turtles successfully nesting on Florida’s beaches. When we know, we naturally become more mindful, minimizing disruptions and promoting the survival of wildlife. 

Businesses and communities alike have platforms they can leverage, whether through social media campaigns, interactive content, or educational workshops, to foster meaningful engagement around sustainability. This ongoing dialogue not only inspires trust and loyalty but also shapes a market driven by values of environmental responsibility, creating a powerful ripple effect that engages us, future customers.

The documentary captures this idea perfectly by stating “the Earth breathed again” when we let it do so. This inspiring quote reminds us of nature’s incredible resilience and our responsibility to give it space to recover. It highlights that genuine environmental restoration is achievable when human activity aligns thoughtfully and respectfully with nature. 

As a part of the younger generation who witnessed pivotal moments of natural resurgence as in 2020 while also recognizing the need for change, my vision for the future is one of optimism and action - a world in which sustainability becomes embedded deeply within our lives. By embracing the lessons shared in The Year Earth Changed, we can collectively transform awareness into lasting impact, fostering harmony between humanity and the natural world, and ensuring that the Earth continues to breathe and thrive for generations to come. 

Change starts with us, starts with you!