Elements Series: Earth
I’ve always been captivated by satellite images of Earth. You know the ones, where you can see the clouds swirling across areas of parched desert, ice sheets and vast swathes of rainforest. It’s hard to imagine human life within those images; they appear alien, like nothing we know. And yet here we are. We walk on those areas of land, day in day out, seeing things from an entirely different perspective.
Our planet never ceases to amaze me with the sheer variety of life it harbours and the fact that it’s the only planet known to harbour life. Every kind of person imaginable and animals of all shapes and sizes roam our planet, each with an entirely unique personality. Almost 8 billion people make up just 0.01% of life on Earth and very few of those lifeforms are identical, despite sharing similar DNA. It’s remarkable. Microbes and cells and organisms that are too small for even the naked eye to see can be found here too and, after thousands of years of research, it’s a wonder that there’s more waiting to be discovered.
The geology of the Earth is equally mind-blowing. Billions of years of history and creation sit within layers and layers of rock, some piercing the sky, others submerged underneath our oceans. In fact, some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring creations can’t even be seen above the ground. If you count the mountains that sit under the sea, then the world’s tallest mountain is Mauna Kea in Hawaii, standing proudly at 10,203 metres. A mere 4,205 metres of it actually sits above sea level. It may not be as legendary as Mount Everest in climber’s terms as it provides much less of a physical challenge but, geologically, it’s certainly impressive. Similarly, the world’s longest mountain range can be found on the sea bed, stretching for 40,389 miles. To put that into perspective, it’s (only) 9,449 miles from the UK to Australia.
Mountains capture my imagination like nothing else on this planet - they are the place on Earth where I feel most free. When I need to switch off from everyday life, it’s mountains that beckon. To feel that burn in my legs as I put one foot in front of the other, pushing myself higher and feeling the wind in my hair - that’s when I am the most alive. Even when things aren’t going my way and I’ve slipped and fallen or succumb to the power of the elements, it’s an effective reminder that the mountain is the one in control, a beast that can’t be tamed. It never stops me coming back for more.
Countless climbers and hikers have fallen victim to the might of mountains, forgetting that the forces of nature are the ones controlling our fates. It’s easy to forget it in the wake of such beauty or on attacking a challenge that makes you feel so strong. Mountains have been igniting a longing for adventure within explorers for centuries and I’ve no doubt will continue to do so for centuries more. Poring over books and documentaries of climbers on K2 and Everest, I dream of one day feeling the power of those peaks and the sense of achievement that comes with completing one of nature’s biggest challenges.
It’s not just mountaineers that have suffered at the hands of this power. It’s hard to believe that things of such incredible beauty can cause such destruction but avalanches and earthquakes, rockslides and volcanic eruptions have been showing us what they’re capable of since the dawn of time. Just 3,500 years ago, one of the world’s most powerful volcanic eruptions wiped out an entire civilisation, the Minoans. To enjoy the Earth, we must respect it and the Earth is never afraid to remind us of that.
One of the biggest things I fail to understand is how we humans could want to destroy such a beautiful thing, one that has given us life and so much more. And yet we are. The Earth, the thing that created us, hurts by our very own hand. The Earth is like Doctor Frankenstein and we are the monster he built.
Fortunately, in the wake of the Earth, we are powerless and insignificant; ants on an anthill or single cells in a petri dish. Species and civilisations before us have been wiped out and still the Earth lives on. We are a mere fleck on time in the life of our planet. Once our damage is done, we will be forgotten, forgiven. Perhaps a time capsule that future species will look back on and learn valuable lessons from.
The climate crisis does seem to be gaining traction finally, with activists helping us to understand that the changes we need to make are not only necessary but actually achievable.
Many of my most treasured memories have been provided to me by the wonders of our planet - holidays have been centred around it and for many years it inspired a career in travel too, giving me many ‘pinch-me’ moments. I have every intention of making the most of my time left on Earth and doing my bit to protect it at the same time. Future generations have every right to continue to be inspired by the Earth and enjoy the playground it provides us with, and who are we to stop them?
Written by Nikki Trailor
Nikki is a London-based, freelance copywriter who focuses on helping small businesses and travel companies. When not glued to her keyboard, writing for work or pleasure, Nikki is a keen dancer, climber and outdoor enthusiast who loves to escape the city crowds.