Climate Corner: The solstice and our fragile balance

Dec 21, 2024

Jean Ambrose

editorial@newsandsentinel.com

This morning at 4:21 a.m., as most of us in West Virginia were still in bed, the Earth paused. Today marks the winter solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. At this precise moment, our planet, wobbling on its 23-degree axial tilt, stopped leaning away from the sun and began tilting back toward it. The term “solstice” originates from the Latin solstitium, meaning “sun standing still,” symbolizing this fleeting moment of stillness before the Earth shifts its course.

This axial tilt is vital for life, shaping our seasons and moderating Earth’s temperatures to sustain an extraordinary diversity of organisms, including humans. Ancient cultures, deeply attuned to the seasons, built structures like Stonehenge in England, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Cahokia mounds in Illinois to track celestial events. These monuments testify to humanity’s deep reliance on nature’s cycles and the celebration of the solstice as a time of balance and renewal.

The winter solstice signifies both an ending and a beginning. While the cold and darkness prevail, Earth’s subtle tilt triggers the first signs of change. Plants and animals begin to respond to the lengthening days, setting the stage for spring’s rebirth. For centuries, cultures have commemorated this turning point with rituals and feasts, emphasizing themes of renewal, community, and the enduring promise of light. These traditions serve as reminders of our shared humanity and connection to the rhythms of nature.

Yet, in our modern lives, we have grown distant from these cycles. This detachment not only weakens our sense of belonging but also harms our stewardship of the planet. While ancient peoples found comfort in the predictability of seasonal patterns, today, human activities are disrupting these natural rhythms. The climate crisis–fueled by deforestation, fossil fuel consumption, and unchecked industrialization–is destabilizing the very cycles we once depended on. Seasons are shifting, temperatures are rising, and ecosystems are under mounting stress.

In its resilience, Earth is attempting to rebalance itself, but the strain caused by humanity’s thoughtless greed is unprecedented. Unchecked pollution, exploitation of natural resources, and rampant greenhouse gas emissions have pushed the planet’s climate systems into disarray. The natural cycles that once ensured stability can no longer be trusted in the same way. This unsettling reality underscores the consequences of prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. By pushing Earth beyond its limits, we endanger not just the environment but our own future.

The solstice invites us to reflect on the balance between darkness and light, not just in nature but in our relationship with the planet. Reconnecting with the natural world–whether by eating local foods according to the seasons, reducing our carbon footprint, or simply observing the beauty around us — offers a pathway to restore harmony. It reminds us of the intricate web of life we belong to and the responsibility we share to protect it.

As we celebrate the return of the sun, let us also pledge to safeguard the cycles that sustain life. The solstice is more than a moment in time; it is a call to action. Even in the darkest moments, there is potential for renewal and growth. By confronting the climate crisis, we honor the wisdom of the natural world and help secure a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

So when you hang a wreath, let it remind you of the wheel of life. Shut off the electricity and light candles as you feast with friends and family. Appreciate the sun and soil and water that were essential to the food on your table and the contributions of immigrants and marginalized communities who make this abundance possible. Finally, as we gather in our communities, be strengthened in the sure knowledge that we cannot protect our families, our futures, or our planet alone — we will always need each other.

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Jean Ambrose lives on a ridge near Mountwood Park.