environment – Letters To Earth

Poison Hemlock

What’s up!

Back at the Huckleberry Botanical Preserve on a chilly, muddy morning was an experience that combined both hard work and a deep appreciation for nature. My task for the day was to remove poison hemlock, a notorious invasive plant that poses significant risks to local ecosystems and human health. As I pulled the plants from the earth, I couldn’t help but reflect on the historical significance of this species. Poison hemlock is infamously linked to the death of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who was sentenced to drink a concoction containing this toxic plant.

This connection adds a layer of intrigue to my work, reminding me that the natural world is intertwined with human history in profound ways. The presence of poison hemlock in our environment is a pressing concern for conservationists and botanists alike. This plant, with its delicate white flowers and fern-like leaves, may appear innocuous at first glance, but it is highly toxic to both humans and animals. Its invasive nature allows it to spread rapidly, outcompeting native flora and disrupting local ecosystems.

By volunteering to remove this plant, I felt a sense of purpose, contributing to the preservation of the botanical preserve and helping to restore balance to the local environment. Each hemlock I uprooted was a small victory against the encroachment of invasive species that threaten biodiversity. Engaging in this hands-on conservation work not only educated me about the challenges posed by invasive plants but also fostered a deeper connection to the land. The muddy conditions of the morning added a layer of authenticity to the experience, reminding me that environmental stewardship often requires hard work and perseverance. Volunteering in such a capacity is a powerful reminder of our role in protecting the natural world, and I encourage others to seek out similar opportunities to engage with and learn from their local environments.

Live.Laugh.Love

Jessica Ngok

Science or Speculation? The Earth Has a Heartbeat?

Dear Earth,

Recently, scientists have started using the term “Earth’s heartbeat” to describe the natural cycles and patterns our planet goes through—like ocean currents, seasons, and polar ice cycles. These rhythms usually keep the planet stable, almost like how a steady heartbeat keeps a person alive and well. But now, these rhythms are changing—and climate change is a major reason why.

The Arctic, in particular, is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world. This extreme shift in temperature is melting ice caps and glaciers at a rapid rate. That ice used to reflect sunlight back into space, helping to keep the planet cool. But as more ice melts, more heat gets absorbed by the dark ocean water, which causes even more warming—a dangerous feedback loop.

These kinds of dramatic changes are disrupting Earth’s “heartbeat.” Patterns that once repeated reliably—like seasonal sea ice or predictable weather systems—are now becoming irregular or disappearing altogether. Some scientists believe this shift in natural cycles could be a sign that we’re reaching a tipping point, where the damage becomes much harder to reverse.

So when we talk about the Earth’s heartbeat, it’s more than just a metaphor. It’s a way of understanding how deeply climate change is affecting our planet. What’s happening in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctic—it affects global weather, sea levels, and even ecosystems thousands of miles away. It’s a serious reminder that we’re all connected to the planet’s rhythms, and right now, those rhythms are being thrown dangerously off balance.

So when we talk about the Earth’s heartbeat, it’s more than just a metaphor. It’s a way of understanding how deeply climate change is affecting our planet. What’s happening in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctice–it affects global weather, sea levels, and even ecosystems thousands of miles away. It’s a serious reminder that we’re all connected to the planet’s rhythms, and right now, those rhythms are being thrown dangerously off balance.

Love,

Jessica Ngok

Unnecessary Packaging

Dear Earth,

Earth Day has passed, and while it’s always great to see people planting trees, doing clean-ups, and spreading awareness, I can’t help but notice how quickly we go back to our old habits. One thing that really stood out to me recently — especially after cramming for AP Chemistry (shoutout to all the fellow test-takers) — is how much unnecessary packaging we still use, especially in developed countries. Like, why does everything have to come wrapped in three layers of plastic just to make it look “nicer”?

Let’s talk about marketing. Companies LOVE to sell you a product, but they also love to sell you an image. That’s why your shampoo comes in a fancy box inside another box, maybe with a little ribbon or shiny wrapper. All of that is just for appearance — it doesn’t actually make the product better. It’s just more trash we end up tossing.

This is super common in wealthier countries, where people are used to having things look “premium” or “gift-worthy.” It’s a way to make products feel more valuable. But here’s the thing: most of that extra packaging gets thrown away in minutes. And guess what? Most of it isn’t recyclable, even if it looks like it should be.

From a chem perspective (yes, AP Chem did teach us something!), plastic isn’t just one thing — it’s made of different polymers, often treated with dyes, coatings, and additives. That makes recycling way harder than it sounds. So when you think you’re doing something good by tossing it in the blue bin, it might still end up in a landfill. Or worse, the ocean.

So what can we do about it? For starters, we can stop falling for the “more packaging = better product” trick. If there’s a version of a product with less waste, pick that one. Support brands that actually care about sustainability — not just the ones slapping a green leaf on the label and calling it “eco-friendly.”

Post-Earth Day is the perfect time to reflect and realize that protecting the planet isn’t just a one-day event. It’s about the choices we make every single day, even something as small as the toothpaste we buy or the snacks we bring to school.

The bottom line: we don’t need more plastic to feel like we’re getting our money’s worth. Let’s start demanding less packaging and more real change.

Best Wishes,

Jessica Ngok

When 5 R’s Just Aren’t Enough

Dear Earth,

I abhor. I loathe. I abominate. I detest the fact that a handful of people—men in suits, sipping overpriced lattes—get to pass a policy that quietly slithers into law and somehow ends up telling me what bin to throw my banana peel into.

But… sigh… here’s the brutal paradox: without policy, our economy, our politics, society, even the very air we breathe, would be absolutely drowning in corruption. Like, actual chaos. Wild West. Anarchy. Think Mad Max but with overflowing compost bins.

Recently, I went to the UC Berkeley aNova Hacks event in San Francisco—vibes were unmatched, and the themes? Climate crisis, societal good, design excellence. Basically, my alley. One presentation absolutely fried my brain in the best way. Someone—some actual genius group—announced that there aren’t just 5 R’s in waste management.

No. There are 12.

Yes, twelve.
You heard me.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? Child’s play. Now we have to Rethink, Refuse, Redesign, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recover, and yes, still Recycle—with a sprinkle of Responsibility and Rot on top.

Image adapted from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Strategies-of-12Rs-from-Linear-Economy-to-Circular-Economy-III-NEXUS-BETWEEN-CIRCULAR_fig1_357366438

If you already found it a struggle to separate trash from recyclables, the 12 R’s will make you question every item in your fridge, closet, and soul. Like, are my broken headphones recyclable? Should I repurpose this spaghetti jar? Is this the right moment to “Rethink” my entire life?

Cue: my beloved eco-warrior family member. The type who makes sure every scrap of paper, every veggie stem, every greasy takeout box is going exactly where it belongs—compost, landfill, recycling, you name it. Total green queen. But guess what? They still got fined. Yep. Fined. For trying to do the right thing. Turns out, even good intentions get wrecked without knowing the policy.

Only after the fine did they realize: wow, maybe we should’ve read the trash disposal rules instead of just guessing based on vibes.

And that’s the thing. Policy feels like a cage, until you realize it’s also the one thing keeping the hyenas out. It’s frustrating, it’s annoying, it’s a brain workout. But it’s also… weirdly necessary.

So next time someone tells you to “just recycle,” you can politely (or dramatically) inform them that the R’s have multiplied and we are now playing 4D chess with our leftovers.

Policy sucks. But the planet? Still kinda matters.

Peace. Love. Earth.,

Jessica Ngok 🌎

L.A. Fires: Plants are a Ticking Bomb

Dear Earth,

The wildfires in Los Angeles have become a pressing concern, drawing attention to the complex interplay between climate change and natural vegetation. While climate change undeniably exacerbates the conditions that lead to these devastating fires—such as prolonged droughts, higher temperatures, and erratic weather patterns—the primary culprits behind the flames are the chaparral plants that dominate the region. These hardy, drought-resistant shrubs are well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Southern California, but they also possess a high oil content, making them particularly flammable. When conditions are dry and hot, these plants can ignite easily, leading to rapid fire spread.

Photo is adapted from: https://emsherbals.com/blogs/news/premium-harvest-chaparral

In addition to the inherent flammability of chaparral, the changing climate has created an environment where these fires can thrive. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, coupled with reduced rainfall, have created a perfect storm for wildfires. As the climate continues to warm, the window for fire season expands, allowing for more extended periods of vulnerability. This means that even areas that may have previously been safe from wildfires are now at risk, as the chaparral plants become more susceptible to ignition during these extreme weather events.

Moreover, the impact of human activity cannot be overlooked in this equation. Urban development encroaches on natural landscapes, increasing the likelihood of human-caused ignitions. As more people move into fire-prone areas, the potential for accidental fires rises, further complicating the already challenging situation. The combination of climate change, the natural characteristics of chaparral, and human influence creates a multifaceted problem that requires comprehensive strategies for fire management and prevention. Addressing these issues is crucial for protecting both the environment and the communities that lie in the path of these relentless fires.

Peace. Love. Earth.,

Jessica Ngok 🌎

What to Expect (And Not Expect) in Trump’s 2024 America

Dear Earth,

With Donald Trump back in the White House, we’re already seeing some major shifts in climate policy. In classic Trump fashion, it’s shaping up to be a big “Thank you, next” to recent environmental efforts. Instead of pushing for renewable energy, get ready for a renewed love affair with fossil fuels. There may be an oil rig pop-up in every backyard if things go the way the fossil fuel industry hopes. Environmentalists are shaking their heads and saying, “Didn’t we just go through this?”

The U.S. pulling back from international climate agreements could feel like that one friend who bails on plans last minute. As one of the world’s largest carbon emitters, the U.S. plays a crucial role in global emissions reduction. So if America decides to step back, other countries might throw their hands up too, thinking, “If they’re not in, why should we be?” Agreements like the Paris Accord, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, could start feeling more like wishful thinking than a real plan.

Here at home, it might be up to state and local governments to take up the environmental slack. States like California and New York, who’ve been paving the way in green energy, could become the “cool parents” of climate action, handing out solar panels and reusable bags while the federal government doubles down on coal. Localized climate goals could keep some progress alive, but it might also lead to a confusing patchwork of rules where, depending on the state, you’re either a climate warrior or an “anything-goes” energy user.

Economically, it’s a mixed bag. Rolling back federal incentives for clean energy could slow down job growth in wind, solar, and other renewable industries, impacting communities that rely on these sectors. But here’s the twist: companies and the general public are more eco-conscious than ever. Even if federal policy pulls back, popular support and business interest in sustainability could create a quirky, resilient counterculture of climate action, driven by green-minded folks determined to keep us moving forward, one compost bin at a time.

Sincerely,

Jessica N.

Building Careers in the Shadow of Climate Change

Dear Earth,

There’s a question we’ve all been asked a hundred times—“What do you want to be when you grow up?” For some, it might spark excitement, a chance to imagine a life as a doctor, scientist, or engineer. But for many of us, the answer is more complicated. When I think about the future, my mind doesn’t just drift to the career path or the dream job I’d like to pursue. Instead, a deeper fear rises up: Will there even be a future for me to build a career in?

Climate change isn’t a distant problem and it wasn’t to begin with. It’s here, and it’s reshaping everything. Natural disasters once considered rare and extreme are becoming the norm. Take, for instance, hurricanes like Milton and Helene that struck with a ferocity unimaginable only a decade ago. They wiped out communities, displaced families, and caused billions in damage. Thousands of people had to rebuild their lives from scratch, and for many, it wasn’t just homes that were lost—it was jobs, businesses, entire industries that had to start over or disappear altogether. Imagine working toward a career, only to see the very foundation of that career wiped out by a storm.

Image is adapted from: AP News Hurricane Milton

And it’s not just hurricanes. We’re seeing floods in places where they never happened before. Just think about the Sahara Desert—once a symbol of dryness, sand, and relentless heat, now experiencing unprecedented flooding. The irony of one of the driest places on Earth being submerged is like a warning bell ringing for us all. It tells us that climate change is a global force, ignoring boundaries, affecting places we thought were immune.

Photo is adapted from: CNN News Sahara Desert

This kind of instability creates uncertainty for everyone, especially for young people who are preparing to build their lives, careers, and futures. We’re constantly told to dream big and to reach for careers that will allow us to make an impact, to build something meaningful. But it’s hard to make plans when the world we’ll inherit feels so fragile.

In the past, ambition was encouraged with the promise that the future was ours to shape. But now, the future doesn’t feel as guaranteed. We’re told that to make a difference, we need to become engineers, scientists, environmental activists—but even these roles face unique pressures in a world that may need to spend more time managing disasters than innovating. Even if we choose careers aimed at solving these problems, we still have to wonder if we’ll be equipped for what lies ahead.

Facing the fear of an uncertain future isn’t easy, and sometimes it feels like an overwhelming weight. But perhaps in that fear, we’ll find the motivation to build a career with purpose, not just for ourselves but for the generations that follow. Maybe the question isn’t so much “What do you want to be when you grow up?” but rather, “How can you shape the future we all deserve?”

Sincerely,

Jessica Ngok