Earth Day: 50 years of caring for the Earth

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Today we are celebrating a very special day on the environmental calendar: It is Earth Day. Today marks 50 years of Earth Day. It is annually celebrated all over the world on 22 April to show support for environmental protection. The first Earth Day in 1970 launched a wave of positive environmental action.

Source: Programming Librarian

This year the theme is Climate Action. The challenge of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Climate change undeniably represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

Join the Earth Day community for 24 hours of action in a global digital mobilization that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and the planet. Earth Day’s goal is to mobilize the world to take the most meaningful actions to make a difference.

No matter where you are, you can make a difference. And you’re not alone, because together, we can save the Earth.

Learn more about Earth Day by clicking on the following link: https://www.earthday.org/

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day

https://www.earthday.org/

https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2020/

Earth Day

Earth Day is annually celebrated on the 22^nd of April. It is observed all over the world and several events are held to support Mother Nature. This day commenced in 1970 and is coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. Rallies, conferences, outdoor activities, and service projects occur. It places the spotlight on the threats the planet face as well as what an individual and communities can do to protect our beautiful Earth. On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United States, China, as well as 120 other countries, and it was a key requirement for the entry into force of the historic draft climate protection treaty adopted by consensus of the 195 nations present at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.

A march of science will take place and several communities celebrate Earth Week, comprising of an entire week of activities focused on the environmental issues that the world currently faces.

The essence of this critical environment day is to encourage people across the world to be more environmentally friendly.

So, what can you do?

·         Promote understanding of important environmental issues so that more people are aware of the critical actions we need to take to protect our environment.

·         Commit yourself to service on or around Earth Day by planting trees, participating in a beach clean-up, or help your local community garden.

·         Or simply take a walk in nature

·         Participate in recycling activities

·         Appreciate Mother Nature and all she does for us!

References 

http://www.livescience.com/50556-earth-day-facts-history.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/science/happy-earth-day-2017-what-10268507?service=responsive

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day

Theme for Earth Day 2016: Trees for the Earth

The theme of this year's Earth Day is: Trees for the Earth. 

Earth Day is annually celebrated on 22 April. It marks an important environmental day that is celebrated all over the world. The Earth Day Network aims to plant 7.8 billion trees. The organisation notes that "trees will be the first of five major goals we are undertaking in honor of the five-year countdown to our 50th anniversary". These positive initiatives will impact the environment which will ultimately lead to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all.

There are several reasons why trees were chosen, mainly because (Earth Day Organisation 2016):

• Trees help combat climate change. They absorb excess and harmful CO2 from our atmosphere. In fact, in a single year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced by driving the average car 26,000 miles.
• Trees help us breathe clean air. Trees absorb odours and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.
• Trees help communities. Trees help communities achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability and provide food, energy and income.

Source: www.lynchburgparksandrec.com

Reference
The Earth Day Network. Available from: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day/earth-day-theme/#sthash.o31ffYg6.dpuf

Why support Earth Day?

Earth Day Badge

There are several reasons why it is important to participate in such a day and show your support:

·       The current global warming trend is of particular significance because the majority of it is most likely to be caused by humans. It is proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented in the past 1,300 years.

·       Climate change causes coastal flooding and displacement of people. Floods also help spread deadly diseases by transmitting infection and vector-borne diseases.

·        The world's average surface temperature has increased by around 0.6 degrees Celsius over last 100 years.

·        The Golden Toad is the first species to go extinct due to climate change.

·       Climate change enhances the spread of pests that causes life-threatening diseases such as malaria.

·       Climate change could push food prices up by 50% to 60% by 2030.

·       Scientists predicted that due to ongoing activities contributing to global warming, the average global temperature could increase between 1.4 and 6 degrees Celsius in the 21st century.

·       The United States constitutes 5% of the world population and contributes to 22% of world's carbon emission.

·       Hurricanes and droughts are some of the natural disasters caused by climate change.

(Source: International Business Times).