Images from nature artist - Oliver Barnett

For centuries, human cultures have built defences to silence mortality from daily awareness. This “death denial” not only severs us from our own finitude, it makes us take life for granted, assuming we have infinite time.

Our world moves at breakneck speed, with every second accounted for and every moment planned. We've built skyscrapers that touch the clouds and machines that do our bidding. Yet, in this relentless pursuit of progress, we've gradually lost touch with the earth beneath our feet, the very essence of nature that sustains us. This detachment isn't just physical; it's a deep-seated estrangement from the source of life that every living being on this planet is made of, and returns to.

Even in death, we maintain this separation, using coffins to shut our bodies off from the soil, even though all other creatures die naturally into the Earth. This physical and symbolic barrier between ourselves and nature exemplifies our broader rejection of natural cycles, including death itself.

By failing to acknowledge our mortality, by pretending we will live forever, we place ourselves above and beyond the natural world. We start to believe the illusion of our invincibility, in our eternal dominion over earth's resources.

In short, we take life for granted.

This hubris leads to a dangerous disconnect, where the environment is seen not as a living, breathing entity to be respected and preserved, but as a commodity to be exploited for immediate gain.

The consequences of this mindset are catastrophic and accelerating. The melting ice caps, disappearing forests, and species vanishing at an alarming rate serve as stark reminders of our impact. Our disconnection from nature and our denial of mortality don't just endanger the planet; they impoverish our souls, leaving us craving for something authentic, something eternal, in a world of temporary pleasures.

At the heart of many environmental issues lies the fear of death and the longing to outsmart it. This fear pushes us toward a "live for today" mindset, prioritising immediate gratification over the well-being of our future selves and our world. It's like we're at an all-you-can-eat buffet, loading our plates without a thought for those in line behind us.

This craving for instant satisfaction manifests in various destructive behaviours. Fast fashion fills our closets while single-use plastics pollute our oceans. The endless cycle of buying and discarding is driven by a desire to secure happiness, comfort, and, subconsciously, our own survival against the ticking clock of life. This behaviour contributes significantly to climate change, habitat destruction, and the depletion of vital ecosystems.

The irony is painful: in our scramble to outwit death, to secure resources and comfort for ourselves, we’re accelerating the very environmental crises that threaten our survival and that of future generations. It's as if we're sawing off the branch we're sitting on, blissfully unaware of the fall to come.

However, this crisis also presents an opportunity for transformation. By facing our mortality, by acknowledging that our time here is limited, we can begin to shift our focus from consuming to conserving. Understanding the preciousness of life can inspire us to adopt more sustainable lifestyles, to invest in our communities, and to work together towards a healthier planet.

The connection between mortality awareness and environmental stewardship runs deep. When we acknowledge our own finite nature, we're more likely to consider the legacy we leave behind. This awareness can lead to more thoughtful consumption, greater investment in renewable resources, and stronger support for conservation efforts.

This shift in perspective could revolutionise our approach to environmental challenges. Imagine a world where instead of competing for resources, we share them. Where corporations prioritise eco-friendly practices not just for PR but because it's the right thing to do. Where individuals make choices that enrich their lives today without robbing future generations of a planet to call home.

Traditional and indigenous cultures often demonstrate this connection between death acceptance and environmental harmony. Their practices and beliefs typically recognise death as part of natural cycles, leading to more sustainable relationships with the environment. These cultural models offer valuable lessons for developing more balanced approaches to both mortality and environmental stewardship.

Right now, the Earth needs us to come together more than ever. We must reconnect with our communities, tackle existential challenges as a united front, and pave the way for a future where prosperity doesn't come at the expense of our planet's health. This requires not just technological solutions or policy changes, but a fundamental shift in how we understand our place in the natural world and our relationship with mortality.

The environmental crisis thus becomes a mirror, reflecting our broader struggle with mortality. By acknowledging and accepting our place within natural cycles, including death, we might find the wisdom and motivation to create a more sustainable future.

This acceptance doesn't mean giving up on progress or innovation; rather, it means pursuing development in harmony with natural systems instead of in opposition to them.

When we remember we will die, we remember we belong. Death humbles us, roots us back in the soil of life, and reminds us that our true legacy isn’t in what we take, but what we return.

- - - - -

John Hopkins is the founder of Dying to Live With Purpose, a newsletter that delivers essays, videos and tools to help reduce the fear of death and unlock human potential through the wisdom of mortality.

Read it here: livepurpose.co