Dear Humans,
I just wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to you all. News has reached me that Heathrow Airport has been temporarily closed due to a fire at an electricity substation, and I must say, what a breath of fresh air—quite literally.
For too long, I have endured the relentless assault of your aeroplanes belching carbon dioxide and all manner of pollutants into my once-pristine skies. Your charming habit of jetting off for weekend breaks, hen dos, and business meetings that could have been emails has left me gasping for breath. But now, at least for a short while, I can feel the difference. The air is lighter, the noise is softer, and the climate crisis is, just for a fleeting moment, not being fuelled by Heathrow’s usual 1,300 daily flights.
Do you know what a single long-haul flight does to my delicate atmosphere? Of course, you do, but let me remind you anyway. Each plane spews out tonnes of carbon dioxide, helping to warm me up faster than a sunburnt Brit in Benidorm. And those contrails you admire so much? They trap heat, ensuring that my carefully balanced climate system continues its delightful descent into chaos.
And let’s not forget the other gifts you bestow upon me through your love of aviation. The deforestation required to make way for runways, the ever-growing demand for fuel extraction, and the ceaseless expansion projects cutting through my green spaces. Oh, and the noise! Nothing soothes the soul quite like the sound of a jumbo jet roaring overhead at 3 am, drowning out the gentle whisper of the wind and the songs of my birds.
But today, thanks to a simple electrical failure, I can breathe. The skies are a little less choked with exhaust, and those unfortunate enough to have their flights cancelled may even discover the joys of a slower, less carbon-heavy existence. Perhaps a train journey, or—dare I dream—a staycation?
So thank you, Heathrow, for this unexpected but much-needed respite. I won’t get too attached, of course. I know you humans are nothing if not determined to get back to business as usual. But while the silence lasts, I’ll be enjoying every moment of it.
With love (and a little exasperation),
Mother Nature
