If Earth Had a Voice, It Would Speak in Rainbows: Why Nature’s Diversity is Our Greatest Teacher

When it comes to protecting the planet, we all carry our own reasons. Some of us are driven by science. Others by justice. Some fight for the future of their children, or for the animals who can’t speak for themselves.

For me, it’s our planet’s beauty & diversity.
Raw, wild, untamed beauty. And stunning diversity offering contrast and interest.

As someone who grew up in a small village in France, far from bustling cities and far from the noise of the world, I saw the whole planet not just as my home — but as the most incredible playground imaginable. Earth felt like full of wonders and promises to be explored. And the more I explored, the more I was stunned by its sheer diversity.

When you think about it, the Earth is the advocate for diversity. From the wild brilliance of biodiversity and the intricate dance of ecosystems, to the breathtaking variety of landscapes, natural wonders, languages, and cultures — our planet is a living rainbow of life in all its forms.

So today, let’s look at the actual rainbows Earth has to offer. Natural marvels that remind us why this world is so worth protecting, not just for survival, but for sheer wonder.

Meet the Indian Giant Rainbow Squirrel: Nature’s Living Painting

Hidden high in the lush forests of India lives a creature that looks too magical to be real — the Indian giant squirrel, also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel. Its fur is an unexpected splash of purples, maroons, deep oranges, and golds—almost as if painted by hand.

This arboreal acrobat can grow up to three feet long, leaping over 6 meters between trees. But it’s not just its athleticism that stuns—it’s the realization that such vibrant life exists in our treetops, barely known to the wider world.

Why it matters: This squirrel reminds us of the hidden gems tucked away in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats—many of which are under threat due to deforestation.

The Rainbow Eucalyptus: A Tree That Wears the Sky

Imagine walking through a forest where the trees look like they’ve been painted by street artists. That’s what it feels like when you encounter the rainbow eucalyptus.

Native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, this tree sheds its bark in strips throughout the year, revealing layers of green, blue, orange, maroon, and purple. No two trunks look alike — each is a vertical rainbow in constant transformation.

Why it matters: Beyond its visual appeal, this fast-growing tree is used in reforestation and pulpwood industries—proving that beauty and utility can coexist.

Rainbow Mountains of Peru: Geology in Full Color

Tucked in the Andes, near Cusco, the Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain is an Instagram-famous geological wonder—but its colors are very real. The striped hues of red, yellow, turquoise, and lavender come from layers of mineral deposits built over millions of years.

Reaching over 5,000 meters above sea level, it’s not just a feast for the eyes, it’s a lesson in time, pressure, and the power of Earth’s slow, magical transformation.

Why it matters: These mountains are sacred to local Indigenous communities and are part of a fragile ecosystem that’s increasingly impacted by mass tourism and climate change.

The Rainbow Wrasse: Coral Reefs’ Flash of Color

Let’s dive into the ocean for a moment. The Rainbow Wrasse—a small reef fish—shimmers in electric greens, blues, and pinks, changing shades as it matures. Found in tropical waters across the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, this species plays a vital role in cleaning other fish and maintaining reef health.

Why it matters: Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems on Earth. Protecting species like the wrasse means protecting the entire underwater rainbow.

The Sunset Moth of Madagascar: Wings Like Stained Glass

Often mistaken for a butterfly, the Madagascan Sunset Moth is one of the most colorful moths in the world. Its iridescent wings flash greens, blues, and oranges, but here’s the kicker: its colors don’t come from pigment—they come from light interference in microscopic wing scales.

Why it matters: Madagascar is home to thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth. Its biodiversity is a global treasure — and a global responsibility.

Earth’s Message: Diversity is Not Just Beautiful — It’s Essential

When we talk about protecting nature, we often focus on what we might lose. But what if we looked more at what we get to keep?

The kaleidoscope of life on Earth doesn’t just serve ecosystems, it nourishes our spirits, fuels our imagination, and reminds us how interconnected we are with everything else. These rainbows — furry, leafy, rocky, or winged — are more than spectacles. They are stories. They are science. They are sacred.

So whether your reason to protect this planet is grounded in data or rooted in awe, whether it’s driven by fear or fueled by beauty, what matters is that you feel it. And act on it.

For me, Earth is the greatest artist. And I want to make sure its gallery remains open.