The empty envelopes

In a small village, the effects of climate change were becoming more and more visible. Summers were hotter, water levels were dropping, and crop failures were common. People constantly complained about the heat and drought. “Someone should really do something about this,” they said. But… who? The mayor decided to act. He gathered the villagers and announced: “We can make our village greener and cooler together. If each of you contributes five euros, we can buy young trees. Everyone will receive a tree to plant in front of their house. These trees will help lower the temperature and make our surroundings more pleasant. Together, we’ll create a better future.” “But that’s not all,” he added. “To save energy, we’ll also turn off the village lights a little earlier each night.” Five euros? Of course, that seemed fair. Planting a tree? That sounded good. Turning lights off earlier? No problem.

Everyone agreed enthusiastically. “Come to the town hall between 10 and midnight tonight,” the mayor concluded. “Bring an envelope with your five-euro contribution and pick up your tree to plant. By morning, our village will look greener.” That night, the mailbox at the town hall was busy. People came, dropped their envelopes, and walked away. But in the dark, many had the same thought: “If everyone else gives five euros, it won’t matter if I don’t.” And: “I’m tired. I’ll plant the tree tomorrow.”The next morning, the mayor opened the envelopes. They were all empty. Outside, the young trees were still there. Their roots had already begun to dry out in the scorching sun. No one had taken responsibility.At the next council meeting, the mayor looked at the villagers and said: “This,” he said, holding up the empty envelopes, “is exactly why the Earth is warming. 

We know what we need to do but we wait for someone else to do it.” Using less energy, flying less, driving less, wasting less it all comes down to personal choice. But as long as we expect others to solve the problem, nothing will change. The villagers fell silent, ashamed. They realized that their empty envelopes and unplanted trees weren’t just symbols of one night, but of their entire attitude toward the climate crisis. From that day on, they began to change their habits not because someone told them to, but because they finally understood that every action counts.

Food for tought

Climate change isn’t waiting for a hero.
It’s waiting for each of us to stop waiting.