Facing the Climate Crisis: An Afternoon Wake-Up Call for Our Future

“Climate change will hit closer to home until you’re the one recording it.” I felt that truth deeply on July 6, 2025, when a quiet afternoon turned into a nightmare as a flood swept through my home.

It all started with a neighbor shouting, “Flood is coming! Be ready!” Suddenly, muddy water rushed in, filling our house almost to the ceiling. My parents built this home over 40 years ago, filled with memories and cherished belongings. But that day, nature took it all away.

My mother pleaded, “Oh, dear Lord, please stop the water,” as she frantically wrapped important documents in plastic. Water engulfed our furniture, appliances, and even my cats’ toys. This was no longer just a story we watched on our screens; it was happening to us.

Mataram, the city in Lombok where I live, had never faced a flood like this. According to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, on that day, 4.2 billion liters of rain poured down, affecting over 34,000 people. Development in the area has taken up green spaces, leaving the city vulnerable.

Unusually heavy rain struck throughout Indonesia in July 2025, a month usually marked by dry weather. Floods occurred in Bali, and landslides in West Java resulted in deaths. These events highlight a worrying trend of extreme weather and environmental disruption.

I remember a recent discussion on climate action where Iqbal Damanik of Greenpeace Indonesia stated that restoring nature is essential. A well-known scholar questioned him, claiming that exploiting resources is vital for people’s welfare. However, as I witnessed the destruction in my home, I realized that ignoring nature’s needs leads to disasters. True welfare will mean nothing if the land retaliates against us.

Throughout history, humanity has seen that neglecting nature can lead to catastrophic consequences. For example, in places like Jakarta, flooding has become a regular occurrence due to poor urban planning and environmental degradation. Climate experts warn that if we continue on this path, we may face regular disasters that disrupt our lives.

As I reflect on the shocking flood, I recognize that nature isn’t the enemy. The real issue lies in human actions—deforestation, waste dumping, and industrial developments contribute to the worsening climate crisis. Major corporations benefit while local communities bear the brunt. According to Greenpeace, billions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans yearly, worsening flooding and damaging the environment.

Climate change is real and needs urgent attention. Individual efforts like reducing plastic use or composting are important, but they can’t replace systemic change. Policymakers must account for climate factors in development plans, or we will face ongoing disasters—crop failures, droughts, and unpredictable weather.

The book *Nomad Century: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World* by Gaia Vince points out a significant shift in global migration trends due to climate change. Regions once thriving on agriculture now suffer from severe droughts. Coastal areas are slowly disappearing under rising sea levels. Vince warns that planned migration may be necessary as safe living conditions shrink.

After the flood, I wondered, “Will I have to leave my home because of climate change?” With every unusual weather pattern, it feels like a possibility. As I sat in the attic, half-drenched and exhausted, I told my parents, “We’ve done our best, but we cannot fight nature.”

“This is the climate crisis,” I said. “Flooding in July, during the dry season? If the government ignores this, we must prepare for more natural disasters. We need to speak up and hold those in power accountable for their actions.”

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