It’s hard to believe that 40 years have gone by since the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. It was a moment in which Democrats and Republicans joined together in an effort to show respect for our glorious, yet fragile planet.
And what a day it was, as 20 million Americans stood tall and supported the creation of a healthy, sustainable environment. Colleges and universities from coast to coast organized protests highlighting the continuous deterioration of the planet’s ecology, and lending their voices to topics such as offshore oil spills, industrial pollution, toxic waste dumps, pesticides, loss of natural habitat, and the extinction of species.
“For over 40 years, Earth Day—April 22—has inspired and mobilized individuals and organizations worldwide to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.”
In the four decades since that first celebration of the planet there has been amazing progress on so many fronts as millions around the world have taken up the cause for promoting sustainable systems as the only way to accommodate an increasing global population that is simultaneously increasing its level of affluence and consumption of raw materials and energy – a pattern that is clearly unsustainable.
“The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day and help write many more victories and successes into our history.”
But all is not well with our vision of a vibrant planet that can support its human and animal population in health. The sad truth is that there are powerful forces at work placing Profit ahead of Planet and People. Millions of dollars are handed to lobbyists and donated to political campaigns in an effort to brainwash the general population into accepting pollution and climate change as the price of having a job.
Yet there’s still hope. Despite efforts to gut the Environmental Protection Agency and limit vital research on climate change, new generations are answering the call and seeking sustainability education from colleges and universities, as well as high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. While each of us must continue to do our part in pressing for a clean and healthy planet, in the end it may very well be the children and young adults of today that come to the rescue.
On Earth Day 2011, here’s to the youth of today, Global Patriots of tomorrow!