The Machine Stops--A modern twist

"The Machine Stops" by E.M. Forester is a story about the downfall of humankind. Humanity disappears into the ground to escape the manmade destruction and uninhabitability of the earth. I believe our current timeline is at a prefixal point to our own version of this story. Therefore, "The Machine Stops" can only help us in understanding our own situation. First and for most, it can help us visualize where our society is heading. Without taking the coronavirus into account, our world is in a downward spiral by constantly holding money higher than the quality and problems of the earth. For example, oil and plastic companies continue to profit off of destruction and put nonbiodegradable contaminants into the soil and waters where nonhumans continue to suffer at the hands of such contaminants. Since the coronavirus, the economy has seen a great downfall as people are forced inside. I find this ironic because the very thing that the people of earlier generations held above the world's (including humanity) future is, in my opinion, becoming almost obsolete. The earth is benefitting in this time when people aren't allowed outside, and it's sad to think how fast the improvements can occur if we allow them. These developments are important to see because humanity can see that it is not too late for us. We are at a pivotal moment and our choice is either to be better for the planet or fall into an E.M. Forester storyline--specifically, "The Machine Stops."
Although "The Machine Stops" doesn't outright explain what happened that coerced humanity into the ground, however, I think it would look something like this (where our reality is heading). Current events help us understand this story fuller because it is coming closer and closer to be a version of reality. One might look at this story, and think "wow, that's disgusting. I can't believe they let it get that far;" however, no matter how much we deny it, the "they" is us. At least it could be if we don't work to salvage and reverse the damage inflicted on the earth by humanity. Putting oneself in the shoes of the people in the story, it is much easier to see how they got where they did. In the end, "The Machine Stops" seems like a prediction from our point in time, and can be understood easier in this way. Also, just because the people of older generations failed to care about the planet and our future, that doesn't mean we have to. It is not too late... yet.