Every April 22nd, the world celebrates Earth Day, a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility towards the planet we inhabit. This year, the celebration takes on special significance in light of the alarming warnings from the UN.
The “crimes against biodiversity,” as described by the organization, are dangerously accelerating the destruction of our environment.
The origin of this date dates back to the late 1960s in the United States, when a growing ecologist movement began to raise awareness about environmental deterioration. In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson promoted a national day of reflection that mobilized thousands of citizens, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the enactment of key environmental laws. The UN formally recognized Earth Day on 2009.
Earth Day: UN Warns
Earth Day seeks to raise global awareness about the environmental challenges we face, ranging from global warming to species extinction and pollution. This year, the UN has focused on the urgency of addressing climate change and taking concrete actions to protect our planet.
The UN’s statements are clear: “Mother Earth clearly calls on us to act.” The oceans are saturated with plastic and becoming more acidic, while extreme weather events wreak havoc worldwide.
Human activities such as deforestation and intensive agriculture exacerbate the problem, threatening the health of ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
The UN emphasizes the need to restore damaged ecosystems, an action that would not only benefit the environment, but also contribute to eradicating poverty, combating climate change, and preventing mass species extinction.
On this Earth Day, we are reminded that we need a more sustainable economy that works in harmony with nature and ensures a prosperous future for both people and the planet.
