Earth Day reminds us of the biggest environmental issues and their drivers. Here are 5 interesting Earth Day facts and how we can all do our part to help and support the environment.
Earth is home to more than 8 billion people, 300,000 plant species, over 600,000 species of fungi, and about 10 million animal species. Ecosystems around the world provide precious services and resources to sustain all life on Earth, yet humanity continues to take them for granted. Anthropogenicclimate change is threatening the planet, and we need to do everything we can to conserve and protect our home.
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental protection and sustainability. Keep reading to learn about fascinating Earth Day facts and discover actionable ways to get involved in preserving our planet for future generations.
1. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970
Prior to the first Earth Day, Americans were guzzling up vast amounts of leaded petrol – the global use of which has since been eradicated. Deadly smog and polluting smoke were also accepted daily occurrences. However, following a series of oil spills and emerging public consciousness about the detrimental impacts of air and water pollution, people’s attitude changed.
Inspired by the energetic student-led, anti-Vietnam war protest movement, US Senator Gaylord Nelson introduced a teach-in on college campuses on environmental awareness, which eventually snowballed into the global movement know today as Earth Day.
2. Earth Day is the largest secular observance in the world
Despite being celebrated almost exclusively in the US for almost 20 years, Earth Day has now become an internationally recognized day and is celebrated across more than 192 countries. Every year, one billion individuals across the globe are united and mobilised for the same cause – greater environmental awareness and climate action.
How You Can Get Involved
Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest environmental issue we face today, and we are running out of time to reverse it. The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that global temperatures will very likely rise 1.5C above pre-industrial levels by 2040, and it is “now or never” to limit global warming.
We have all the tools and options to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is time we make use of them.
1. Civil action
Public pressure and civil society mobilization are the greatest tool in global shed to drive institutional and systemic changes. Hold politicians, governments and companies across sectors accountable for their actions – target organisations and businesses that are linked to fossil fuel industries, deforestation, and harmful activities to the environment that could lead to the loss of habitats and biodiversity.
Whether it is the fast fashion industrythat is generating millions tonnes of textile waste and wastewater, or the companies that recklessly generate emissions and pollute the environment, you can use your voice and make a difference. From local petitions and advocacy to large-scale boycotts and protests, there is no action too small.
2. Individual action
We can achieve a sustainable future for us with our combined efforts, if every individual in the world make changes to their lifestyles. You can make it a habit to join in community reforestation efforts or beach cleanups.
On an individual level, simple switches to plant-based diets (or at least reduce meat consumption) can alleviate significant stress on deforestation and emissions in the agricultural sector; eliminating single-use plastics and replace them with reusable and recyclable materials; giving up fast fashion in support of sustainable fashion; opting for public transportation and low-emission means of transport such as biking and electric cars can all go a long way.
Don’t forget, daily acts of composting and recycling are not to be underestimated in reducing your carbon footprint.
3. Support independent journalism
In the current climate of denial and climate retreat, independent, factual journalism is the only way to hold power to account. With more than 4,000 stories published since our inception, annual readership surpassing 8 million last year, and new voices joining our global network every week, authentic storytelling remains the heartbeat of our mission.
Independent journalism is a public good, but it is not free to produce. While we remain free from corporate and political influence, we rely on readers like you to keep our reporting accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Source : Earth.org
