In my younger years, during elementary school, I remember watching fireflies illuminate the darkness as the sun set. My family, like many others in the Philippines, didn’t have a television. So, as twilight descended, we would spend hours in our garden, marveling at those enchanting fireflies lighting up the high trees. This memory resurfaced vividly as I watched Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s documentary HOME.

FASTER and FASTER. Things have changed rapidly. Now, I own my own house and land, and my parents live with me, but I no longer see fireflies. This shift is a minor yet poignant example of the broader changes brought about by climate change.

As I watched the video, my heart raced, FASTER and FASTER.  The scenes, reminiscent of a sci-fi movie, were a stark reminder of our real-time reality. The documentary offers a sobering examination of human impact on the environment. It highlights how Homo sapiens, unlike any other species, have dramatically altered the planet. The expansion of cities, industrialization, and the exploitation of natural resources such as coal, gas, and oil are reshaping our world. The contrast between rapidly urbanizing cities like Shenzhen and the historical symbolism of New York underscores the extent of human transformation.

The video provides alarming statistics that reveal the depth of our impact:

• 20% of the world’s population consumes 80% of its resources.

• The world spends twelve times more on military expenditures than on aid to developing countries.

• 5,000 people die each day from dirty drinking water.

• 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water.

• Nearly 1 billion people are hungry.

• Over 50% of globally traded grain is used for animal feed or biofuels.

• 40% of arable land has suffered long-term damage.

• Each year, 13 million hectares of forest are lost.

• One in four mammals, one in eight birds, and one in three amphibians are threatened with extinction.

• Species are disappearing at a rate 1,000 times faster than the natural rate.

• Three-quarters of fishing grounds are exhausted, depleted, or in decline.

• The average temperature over the past 15 years has been the highest ever recorded.

• The ice cap is 40% thinner than it was 40 years ago.

• By 2050, there could be at least 200 million climate refugees.

These figures illustrate the urgent need for change. Climate change poses a serious threat to our survival, a crisis for which we, as humans, are responsible. Reflecting on my childhood, I now understand why my parents planted shrubs and vegetables in our front yard. This simple act was a way to mitigate the warmth of our surroundings and improve air quality. If such practices were adopted more widely across Filipino homes, we could live in harmony with nature while progressing FASTER and FASTER.

Despite the grim portrayal of environmental degradation, the documentary concludes with a hopeful call to action. It emphasizes the potential for positive change through responsible consumption, sustainable practices, and the use of renewable energy sources like solar power. The message is clear: while humanity has significantly exploited natural resources, we have the opportunity and responsibility to shift our efforts toward sustainability.

The video urges everyone, regardless of wealth or status, to take responsibility for addressing climate change. It advocates for equitable solutions and highlights the role of NGOs and global solidarity in promoting environmental stewardship.

True to the video's message, everyone—from the wealthiest to the poorest—can contribute to combating climate change. We must be responsible consumers and consider our purchases. As long as the Earth exists, the sun’s energy will be inexhaustible. We simply need to stop drilling the Earth and start harnessing solar energy. As viewers, we are left with a sense of responsibility and a call to action, reminding us that although the challenges are immense, our collective efforts can shape a more hopeful future for our planet.

It is up to us to write what happens next—together, FASTER and FASTER! Soon, I will be able to witness and enjoy again the beauty of the fireflies.