On vacation, the sad question arises

As summer unfolds, a somber question arises: what parts of this cherished season can truly be passed on to future generations? Ida Ölmedal reflects on the growing environmental threats that cast a shadow over familiar summer experiences, prompting a deeper consideration of loss and resilience.

Visiting family on the heights of Corsica, the author observes a friend's father tending to his garden. While tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants thrive, and oranges and peaches ripen on the trees, the cultivation of green beans has ceased. The reason is simple: the land has become too dry.

This personal anecdote serves as a microcosm of broader environmental concerns, particularly the "red-listing" of childhood treasures and the alarming fires burning across Europe. Ölmedal questions whether the essence of summer, as we know it, can endure these changes. The piece delves into the emotional and existential challenge of finding meaning when faced with the potential loss of cherished natural elements and traditions.