Making Every Day Earth Day
By Alyssa Jairam
Our World, Our Future: Making Every Day Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22nd April and is dedicated to recognizing environmental protection and conservation efforts worldwide. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement that resonates with diverse communities across different continents. Stressing the urgency and responsibility we share in safeguarding our planet, it serves as a poignant reminder of our collective duty to foster sustainable practices and mitigate environmental degradation. Each year, Earth Day revolves around a central theme chosen to highlight significant environmental issues such as climate change, air pollution, water scarcity and the loss of biodiversity that underscore the interconnectedness of human and ecological health.
The importance of this day cannot be overstated as it acts as a catalyst for ongoing environmental activism, education and legislation. The original Earth Day has led to a wave of actions resulting in various laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. Globally, it has helped raise awareness about the critical need for sustainable development while encouraging individuals, communities, and governments to come together to explore renewable energy solutions, reduce waste through recycling and conservation and halt the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
One significant fact about Earth Day is its widespread impact and adoption. The United Nations renamed it as ‘International Mother Earth Day’ in 2009 which emphasizes the global unity needed for meaningful change. Since then, each event involves over 1 billion people in more than 193 countries, making it one of the largest civic observances worldwide.
The significance of Earth Day also lies in its ability to adapt and address contemporary environmental challenges. For instance, the 2024 theme is ‘Planet vs Plastics’ which aims at highlighting the fact that 380 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year while only 9% is being recycled. Campaigners are now calling for a 60% reduction in plastic by 2040.
In conclusion, Earth Day is not only a day of celebration but also a critical moment of introspection and action. It provides an essential platform for raising awareness, driving environmental change and fostering a sustainable world. By celebrating it, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship and embrace the challenge of creating a healthy, sustainable environment for all generations. The ongoing success of Earth Day will depend largely on the continuous engagement of global citizens and leaders in pursuing aggressive environmental policies and innovative green technologies. As we look towards the future, Earth Day 2024 reminds us that every action counts and it is incumbent upon us all to act boldly and urgently to protect our planet, Earth.
As we embrace the 2024 theme of ‘Planet vs. Plastics’, it’s crucial to understand the extensive harm caused by plastics to our environment, human health, and wildlife. These insightful videos shed light on the urgent need for actions to mitigate plastic pollution and advance our commitment to environmental sustainability.
- An Earth Day Perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DQeFmWUyd8
- Earth Day 2024 – Planet vs Plastics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP-iIilHQsU
- Plastic is Killing the Planet & Our Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByTVyiQZilE
- Plastic Pollution is Killing Wildlife: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y3T6T12CK8
Curious about how Kenson Group is promoting a greener environment? Discover some of the key activities through our Carbon Net Zero Capability Portfolio here: https://bit.ly/3v5K9pk