Addressee Alyssum has occupied Elin Kelsey’s mind for years with her contemplation about becoming a mother in a world overshadowed by environmental concerns. In her response, Kelsey reflects on the resilience of nature and the human spirit, drawing parallels between personal struggles and the broader environmental narrative. Elin challenges the notion of environmental despair, urging Alyssum to embrace the possibility of renewal and agency. Using examples of environmental regeneration, from Bikini Atoll to Chernobyl, she highlights the inherent capacity for adaptation in the face of adversity. Kelsey emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life-forms and the importance of nurturing hope and resilience. She concludes with a reminder of Rachel Carson’s dedication to preserving the beauty of the natural world, urging Alyssum not to succumb to the narrative of doom and gloom but to embrace the symphony of life’s resilience.
DOI: