April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day but if the recent past is any proof, it seems Mother Earth has had just about enough of human destruction and is striking back. 100-year floods are coming every few years. Record-shattering hurricanes. Unprecedented wildfires. Droughts. Locusts have attacked East Africa consuming whole fields of crops. And now the much-feared Novel Coronavirus pandemic.
It is truly ironic that a global pandemic has demonstrated the impact of human activity by suddenly shutting down the human actions that have produced a pall in the atmosphere, trapping heat that has caused climate disasters and ecological change of such proportion as to change the habitability and sustainability of population centers.
The coronavirus pandemic that has forced a sudden halt to the economy actually poses an opportunity. We now know we can change the patterns of work – we must in fact because other pandemics and crises are just around another corner. We now know we can do without a large portion of oil, gas and coal. Also, that we now have the technology can develop what we need for a clean, renewable energy infrastructure and a sustainable society.
We have the opportunity to build back after the coronavirus crisis passes sustainably – we already know how to build sustainable buildings, cities, mass transit; how to do agriculture sustainably and how to produce clean, renewable energy; how to use technology to cut down on carbon emissions. That’s how the stimulus money should be spent.
Although this year marks an important day in the history of the earth day network, we won’t be able to come out and stand together in numbers.
But like so many important events, celebrations and political campaigning these days, the 50th anniversary Earth Day will be celebrated virtually.
Greenpeace is sponsoring 72-hour Earth Day Live mobilization to bring lessons learned for the climate movement from the COVID-19 crisis to a national stage. (Sign up to join Earth Day Live stream, from April 22-24, https://www.earthdaylive2020.org/.)
“The COVID-19 crisis marks a turning point. We can choose to go back to a broken status quo, or we can choose to protect working people and frontline communities from this crisis and the climate emergency, not just a wealthy few. We can’t sit this one out,” writes Avery Raines, Digital Strategist for Greenpeace USA.
“The enormous challenges — but also the vast opportunities — of acting on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable,” the site states. “As the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day approaches, the time is long overdue for a global outpouring of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to create a new plan of action for our planet.”
While in isolation apart from joining the Greenpeace live stream here are 2 ways you can celebrate:
- Earth Challenge 2020: Earth Challenge 2020 is the world’s largest coordinated citizen science project. Through the Earth Challenge app, anyone with a smartphone can contribute to a global database of information on environmental issues such as air quality and plastic pollution. The app empowers people from all over the world to monitor and mitigate environmental issues in their communities. Simply download the app and get started! Learn more about Earth Challenge 2020.
- Save the Earth from Home: There are many easy lifestyle changes that you can make to help conserve the Earth for future generations. Check out these small things you can start today to make your home and your life a little greener. Learn more.
We at Hiranandani Communities wish you a very happy Earth Day 2020! Whatever you decide to do, make sure this day is not missed on your calendar!