Earth Day 2019: The planet implores collective human action to be saved
The impacts of human activities are far-reaching and devastating. However, there's a ray of hope. Collective action by all the stakeholders of society can prevent the worst before it is too late.
April 22 marks Earth Day — an annual event observed globally to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First observed in 1970, Earth Day includes events held in more than 193 countries which are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. This network of countries works year round to solve climate change, end plastic pollution, protect endangered species, and broaden, educate and activate the environmental movement across the globe.
To a seaturtle, a #plasticbag under water looks a lot like a jellyfish – one of their favorite foods. Reducing the amount of plastic we use can have a positive impact on sea turtles & other endangered species. https://t.co/XhuM6ug7Wk#BeatPollution #EarthDay2019 #WildforLife pic.twitter.com/2ykOBwHXUs
— UN Environment (@UNEnvironment) April 22, 2019
April 22, 2016, also marks the day when the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by 175 countries across the world.
When we come together, the impact can be monumental. Commit to earth-friendly acts by taking part in our month-long #EarthDay challenge. #Connect2Earth. https://t.co/3diXsJViw7 pic.twitter.com/TpBuwq42OD
— WWF ???? (@WWF) April 22, 2019
Millions of species co-inhabit the earth with humans.
We know of many — and many more remain to be discovered. The species come together to form a balance in nature for the ecological systems to be in stable equilibrium or homeostasis. However, this equilibrium has been disturbed in the past years, and the role of humans in irrevocably upsetting the balance of nature is irrefutable.
As a result, the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction since we lost the dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago.
The only difference since the dinosaur extinction and now is that the rapid extinction of species today is the result of human activity.
Climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides are some of the activities that barely form the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Today on #EarthDay, we bow in reverence to Mother Earth. For years, this great planet has been home to phenomenal diversity. Today we also reiterate our commitment to work towards the well-being of our planet, focus on sustainable development and mitigating climate change.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2019
The impacts of the human activities are far-reaching and irreversibly damaging.
For starters, the world is facing mass extinction of species. All species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, arthropods (insects and arachnids), fish, crustaceans, corals and other cnidarians, and plants have declined — in many cases, severely.
Most of these — bees, coral reefs, elephants, giraffes, insects and whales to name a few more — have gone extinct in recent centuries due to anthropological activities — especially since the industrial revolution.
In 1930, there were close to 10 million elephants in Africa. Now, only 500,000 of these self-aware creatures remain. We need to protect them from poaching and habitat loss. Learn more from @theGEF's work to #ProtectOurSpecies ???? https://t.co/a1gpldnEI3#EarthDay #WildforLife pic.twitter.com/gOIiOcZUSB
— UN Environment (@UNEnvironment) April 22, 2019
Needless to emphasise any further, human civilisation has had a negative impact on most living things.
Earth Day 2019 focuses on the theme of protecting these species — in a great ray of hope, research has established that the rate of extinctions can still be slowed, and many of our declining, threatened and endangered species can still recover. However, this demands various arms of society work together and build a united global movement of consumers, voters, educators, faith leaders, and scientists to demand immediate action.
The Earth Day movement states that the biggest lesson from the first Earth Day is that when the stakeholders come together, the impact can be monumental.
Oceans are by far the largest carbon sink on the planet, storing some 30 % of carbon dioxide & 93 % of all greenhouse gases. Through human activity they are struggling to keep up. That is why we must work together to cut back on pollutants. #CleanSeas ????https://t.co/vrULqdE49h pic.twitter.com/wmO8xrSfb2
— UN Environment (@UNEnvironment) April 22, 2019
Many of the world’s most challenging environmental issues require solutions informed by the local circumstances of each community.
Making cities biodiversity-friendly
For instance, the cities which are growing at a rapid pace place a massive strain on the earth’s resources. It is estimated that by 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population will be living in urban areas. With increasing urbanisation — that comes without responsible regulation — there is a threat to local flora and fauna.
Week 183.#BeatPlasticPollutionEarly morning with a bunch of energetic kids. Ocean loves us all. We should love and protect back.Mother Nature requires a tight hug - protection and care is how you do it. Doing our bit every week. pic.twitter.com/83kAAyxO0Q
— Afroz shah???? (@AfrozShah1) April 20, 2019
However, it is challenges like these that offer an opportunity to change our approach to urban living, to embrace the biodiversity that is an essential part of urban living, so that communities and species can thrive in unity.
In honor of Earth Day, we celebrated our new partnership with the United Nations as we signed onto the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. We were joined today by UN Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the New York Office at UN Environment Satya Tripathi. pic.twitter.com/GZkryIjZOf
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 21, 2019
Cities around the world are leading the way and developing innovative plans to expand and protect urban ecosystems.
As a stakeholder, here are some initiatives that the network advice citizens to advocate for and follow:
- Green infrastructure and green spaces can include parks, trails, gardens, urban farms, waterfront revitalisation, and green roofs — in fact, planting native species should be a priority for all green space projects as they are best suited to host and feed native wildlife.
- Urban forest programs and vacant lot conversion projects are also initiatives that have key benefits for both ecosystem and community health.
- Green corridor plans enable the movement of species throughout the city and to surrounding areas by linking together green spaces — these links can be green roofs, tree- and plant-lined streets, and new parks or gardens.
- Communities and the private sector can get engaged by partnering with the city on specific projects or by following city guidelines when developing or renovating privately-owned land and buildings.
The volume of sewage in the world is set to rise in line with population growth. Our wastewater, including sewage, contains increasing amounts of dangerous chemicals, toxic substances & debris associated with modern consumer lifestyles. #BeatPollution https://t.co/XYTtrsRPx9
— UN Environment (@UNEnvironment) April 20, 2019
It takes that one tiny step collectively, by all of us that can cause the leap of change that would preserve at least a part of the dying planet for generations to come.