What are you doing for Earth Day 2020?
We can celebrate Earth Day by respecting and appreciating our planet. Enjoy the lovely smell of fresh air, clean up some trash, plant a tree or simply enjoy friendship with nature! Go outside, walk through the woods in search of growing wildflowers or beautiful green moss, no matter the weather.
This year is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day since the event was founded in 1970. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to understanding our planet’s interconnected systems and to protect it for our future generations. Usually, Earth Day is assigned a specific theme. This year’s theme is climate action. It represents the biggest future challenge of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world liveable.
The scientific signs are clear and undisputable – human activity is leading to an alarming rate of global warming. International scientists have warned us that we have just over a decade to halve our emissions to prevent the most disturbing impacts of climate change. There is simply no time to waste!
Have you ever wondered how Earth Day began?
On April 22nd 1970, the first Earth Day was held with the aim of raising awareness of human action in protecting our nature. Around 20 million Americans went outside to demonstrate for a more eco-conscious society. This includes a healthy and sustainable environment and requires action against the deterioration of the planetary ecosystem.
It is hard to believe, but at that time many people were not aware of significant environmental problems. These comprise, for instance, air pollution, loss of wilderness or the toxic effects of pesticides.
In 1990, the idea of Earth Day went global – mobilizing around 200 million people all over the world and taking environmental issues onto the world stage.
Earth Day originally started as a political movement. Today, more than a billion people participate worldwide every year and make this day one of action to change human behaviour and initiate policy changes.
2020 – A Key Global Turning Point for Our Planet and Our Society
Our planet needs serious and sustained action at every level. Whether they are a government, a private industry leader or simply an individual citizen, everyone should use their individual influence to make the first move towards change. Moreover, to make an impact on solving environmental problems.
Just as people can do better, so can companies. Everyone can play their part in our fight against climate change and we can always do better. The planet needs you and your actions, not just on April 22nd, but on all 365 (or 366) days of the year because every day is Earth Day!
Together We Can Build a Better Future
The current pandemic will not silence our voices. Instead, it has reminded us of what is at stake for the planet. To protect our planet and the people who live on it is our top priority.
We see plastic on our beaches and in our oceans; it is in our clothes and even in our food. Although the current situation is keeping us apart, it is also bringing us together to take on the fight for our common home. We are all in this together and we are all on this planet together. The world was not prepared for the novel Coronavirus, but we still have time to prepare – in every part of the world – for the climate crisis.
No matter where you are in the world, we are connected by our challenges and a fierce and urgent determination to overcome them. Social distancing does not have to mean collective disengagement. Together we can build a better future even when we cannot be together in person. Let’s show some serious love to the only place we all call home.
Leave a Comment