As we approach Earth Day 2016, it is a point of pride for Americans to know that the seed that grew into this celebratory day began in the U.S. Democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson (WI) decided, after witnessing a savage oil spill in California in 1969, that we should implement a day of celebration for the environment. Nelson chose conservative Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey as his co-chair. Together, these men assembled what they called a “national teach-in on the environment.” Their efforts led 20 million American citizens to gather in streets nationwide. The day was April 22, 1970. It was the largest organized celebration the world had ever seen. The Mayor of New York City closed down 5th Avenue for it. In 1990, Earth Day went global, with over 170 nations participating worldwide.
Photo credit: http://www.splitshire.com/
But don’t puff up your feathers too much, America. Except for China, the U.S. is still the world’s leading contributor of CO2 in the atmosphere. And the U.S. is only 4.4% of the world’s population! For being the primary nation that founded Earth Day, you’d think the U.S. would be leading the ranks in environmental innovation. But it’s still one of the world’s biggest polluters.
Our planet is not all-forgiving, and she is going to start kicking back. NASA indicates that the melting of the Arctic and Antarctic glaciers now “appears unstoppable.” Say goodbye to the Big Apple, the Big Easy and Magic City, because they all stand to be largely underwater within 50 years. 3.1 million in the U.S. alone will live to see their homes underwater. 150-220 million worldwide. Are we worried yet?
Truth is, there are myriad technologies being developed worldwide that will change our habits for the better. We have the working, financially viable technology RIGHT NOW to make those changes. But Americans are loath to change. We need to admit that changes—even sacrifices—HAVE to be made. It is not optional. On April 22, 1970, our political system—Democrat and Republican— came together to push for large-scale movement toward sustainable practice. Isn’t it about time we saw some?
Photo credit: Summertime Grass Landscape Free Photo By splitshire
Climate Change Awareness and Action 