What are the cries of nature you can hear?

The sound of the overflowing Magat Dam in Cagayan, is loud and clear during a typhoon or rainy day. The dam was constructed for hydroelectricity and irrigation, but silt and mud deposits cause the dam to overflow. Now the authorities warn the people nearby to leave the vicinity for safety. People evacuate elsewhere, and volunteer workers prepare for rescue operations. During these catastrophic events, the worst affected are the farmers, whose products are destroyed. Life is really difficult for us, but people seem used to it and have learned to be resilient and robust in facing these chaotic situations. — Marieta Binarao

Now we suffer from scorching temperatures because of our irresponsible behaviours. And, the worst thing is, our health is affected, too. Our environment does not look good and is far different from how God created us. —Miel Gianne Dizon

We need nature, and nature needs us. However, there are many destructive and selfish behaviours of human beings. For example, nuclear power plants and factories have released radioactive waste into the water and poisoned the earth. It affects our lives and the life of others.  — Flora Diolazo

As a student, I can say that one of the crucial problems that we are facing is unscientific waste disposal. A simple act of throwing your plastic onto the river or improper segregation of waste in school canteens or classrooms can cause much damage not only to our environment but also to the community. It may cause diseases and can produce another environmental problem. This environmental problem will not be worsened if we are disciplined enough. — Franchesca Domanico

Using natural resources is undeniably our world’s way of sustaining life. However, It can also cause irreversible problems; ozone depletion, acid rain and climate change, just to name a few. These cries of nature can be heard and seen but not often addressed.  — Angela Nagar

Construction companies and business establishments produce gravel and sand. The deafening blast and the pieces of rock cracked and dumped into the river banks are disturbing. Erosion from the hills and mountains has destroyed the nearby vegetable and rice fields. The river is dense with crude oil and stinks of gasoline. The purity of our river and the freshness of fish, fruits, and vegetables are now just a memory. — Lucia Natocyad

What is really bothersome is the pandemic which has already affected us all for almost three years. The economic condition all over the world has fluctuated because of the pandemic. Moreover, our climate has gradually changed because we do not care much about nature. Natural disasters happen because men have destroyed nature, for instance, by illegal logging, deforestation, and other destructive activities. There is pollution everywhere we go. — Mary Jane Rigos

Our mother nature and we are vastly affected by pollution, deforestation and technological advancement resulting in the climate change we are now experiencing. Maybe God allowed this pandemic to happen for us to pause and ponder, not only about our own lives but also to look around us, to see what we have done to mother nature and how these changes have been affecting our lives. — Charissa May Rafanan