Celebrating Earth Day: Historic Steps & Humane Efforts
By Rumal Siriwardena –April 22, 2016
Rumal Siriwardena
April 22, 2016 marks the 44th anniversary of International Earth Day. Earth Day’s origins lie in two individuals. Peace Activist John McConnell who at a UNESCO Conference in 1969, put forth the idea that there should be a day to celebrate the Earth, and US Senator Gaylord Nelson, on April 22nd. In 1990, the organization Earth Day made the event a truly global celebration, with 141 states participating. In 2009 the UN General Assembly decided that April 22 should be celebrated as International Mother Earth Day, with the resolution A/RES/63/278.
Earth Day’s essence is the interconnected nature of the relationship between human beings, other living species and the planet, and how best to protect our planet. It is a day for all those who care about the environment – whether concerned about oil spills, or pollutions, or the oceans, pesticide use, protection of wildlife, conservation of forests etc. to unite under a common theme and platform.
The theme for 2016 Earth day is : Trees for Earth.The Earth Day Network has set a target of planting 7.8 million trees around the world, within the next 5 years. Trees are essential to combating climate change as they are valuable carbon sinks. Trees also help to conserve species and their habitats, as well as providing economic and other environmental benefits – by way of food and income.
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