What are the most romantic moments of your life? The sweet song of the larks on a spring afternoon? Or the wild camels moving on the horizon under the million stars in the desert? Or maybe the smooth lights of the fireflies surrounding you on a midnight summer walk? If none of these have happened to you yet, I’m sorry, and you are definitely missing out. These moments cannot be replaced by a “romantic” degustation dinner in a 5-star gourmet restaurant or a first kiss in a VIP lounge, or a marriage proposal while skydiving. The latter ones can be bought for money, the rest are free. However, you need to hurry to still enjoy the free romantic stuff.

Why? Nearly half of the world’s bird species are in decline, with many experiencing significant population losses. Two lark species are critically endangered, two are endangered, and four are vulnerable. Several other lark species are also in decline, with some populations experiencing dramatic population losses. Wild camels (Camelus ferus) are also critically endangered, with a population of less than 1,000. (Of course, you can still pay for the tour operator to bring some domestic ones, but let’s be honest: that’s lame). So what about those cute little flying lanterns, the fireflies? 

A recent study suggests that today’s generations are the last ones to experience the midsummer dance of these magical creatures. While not all firefly species are endangered, there’s a growing concern about their decreasing numbers and the threats they face. Most of the species are considered threatened, some fireflies are at the brink of extinction, because of habitat loss and degradation, light pollution, pesticide use, poor water quality, invasive species, over-collection, and climate change. These are all human-induced causes. 

We are killing off what we love. Not just animals, plants, but romance itself too, and at the end, we are going to kill ourselves by destroying all beauty in life. You will not remember the third course of that fab gourmet dinner when you said “I love you” to your loved one; you won’t remember the bodybeat remix of that song played in the VIP lounge where you kissed for the first time, and let’s be honest: most of the people will think that your marriage proposal in the sky is stupid. 

I promise you that you will remember the dance of the fireflies while kissing that special someone forever. Romance is not dead yet. Let’s save it!