Biology's Grief: A Student's Call for Change and Hope
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Understanding Grief in Biology
Biology has increasingly become a field entwined with grief. It examines the life of a cherished individual through the lens of the cancer cells that threaten them. This exploration is a desperate attempt to pause the relentless tumor growth long enough to grasp the workings of vital organs before they succumb.
As cells in our bodies relentlessly multiply, so do we, unable to halt the devastation we inflict. It is human instinct to expand and dominate, which makes biology a study of what remains before we obliterate everything.
The current rate of extinction we witness in nature is alarming. We find ourselves amidst one of only six mass extinction events in Earth's history. The evidence of our direct impact on the environment is irrefutable. Scientists often refer to this epoch as the “Anthropocene” extinction, underscoring our role in it.
The irreversible consequences of our actions on our survival are becoming alarmingly clear. We are assaulting our planet from various fronts, all while expecting boundless growth without repercussions. This approach is unsustainable. We are ravaging habitats, inundating the atmosphere with carbon dioxide, overexploiting species, polluting our waterways, and neglecting the economically disadvantaged, who are forced to choose between making sustainable choices and facing starvation.
The Challenge of Sustainable Living
I anticipated that engaging with this system would be challenging. Evaluating the pros and cons of sustainable options and strategizing new methods to live in harmony with Earth is no trivial endeavor. Any viable solution must be thoughtfully crafted, taking into account diverse cultures, economic conditions, and political preferences. In our multifaceted species, there is no universal answer to the global environmental crisis.
However, rather than directing our focus toward solutions, my degree has equipped me and countless others with the burden of defending every piece of knowledge we have acquired. We are often treated like the alarmed scientists in disaster films, warning of impending doom while many dismiss our concerns as exaggerated.
The Weight of Biological Knowledge
Biology has transformed into a field steeped in trauma. It has become common among students to express, “I can’t engage with marine science; it’s too disheartening.” When I once voiced this sentiment to a graduate student, they responded with a heavy heart, “What aspect of biology isn’t?”
Biology has become exhausting. Scientific journals frequently highlight the mental health struggles faced by professionals who must constantly advocate for their beliefs. More than half of my undergraduate biology courses featured professors drained from defending fundamental concepts such as evolution, climate change, and even the safety of vaccines.
As a biologist, I cannot help but mourn for what lies ahead. The window of hope is closing, and we teeter on the edge of ecological catastrophe. The prevailing discourse has shifted from “prevention” to “mitigation,” as some of the adverse effects of our actions are now unavoidable.
A Call to Action
I implore you to care. Recognize that the collapse of biodiversity poses a significant threat to the future of human civilization. If we remain indifferent and refuse to learn, we risk sacrificing a future filled with progress, discovery, well-nourished children, clean air, and a habitable climate.
Biology is a discipline marked by grief, but it doesn’t have to remain so. By focusing our efforts on enhancing education, inspiring our learners, and safeguarding our planet, we can shift it into a realm of recovery, resilience, and survival.
The first video, "The Science & Process of Healing from Grief," delves into the intricate relationship between grief and healing, shedding light on the emotional processes involved.
The second video, "Science of Grief," explores the scientific understanding of grief, providing insights into its effects on mental health and well-being.