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Taking a stand: Earth Day 40 years later

Posted by CaribShout on April 23, 2010 at 12:33pm

It’s been 40 years since the first Earth Day and now more than ever, the challenges we face confirm that there is a greater need for the preservation of our environment. With the ominous climate change hanging over our collective heads, not only are we experiencing one of the greatest tests of our time, but we are also presented with perhaps the greatest chance to turn this crisis into clean, green opportunity. This is the time to create clean and renewable energy, and lessen our dependence on oil and other energy sources that are detrimental to our environment. Earth Day 2010 is an opportune time match policy with reality and prepare ourselves to move into the future with bold and creative ideas that will facilitate energy efficiency, bring about renewable energy and jobs in the clean energy sector. While some people are still iffy about climate change, the number of natural disasters that we have seen especially earthquakes since the beginning of this year, should point naysayers to the fact that is climate change. With record highs and lows and melting glaciers, to deny the very existence of this phenomenon is not only irresponsible but detrimental to the future of the planet. But Earth Day should not be limited to the issues of global warming or climate change and the creation of clean energy – it should extend to include the rebuilding of battered nations like Haiti and bringing something as simple, but important, as clean water to the world’s population. Unfortunately, too many people, especially children die from waterborne diseases because they are unable to access clean water – while others die from thirst because they have no water at all. According to the official Earth Day Campaign website, “Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy.” Highlighting core issues such as climate change, conservation and biodiversity, energy, food and agriculture along with recycling and waste reduction, sustainable development and water – the Earth Day Campaign stresses the need to address all these concerns, which affect people around the world, in one way or another. With the myriad problems facing us today, shrinking back into denial is not an option. The only sensible action is to take a step into the right direction, individually and hopefully collectively to ensure that we do all we can to preserve ourselves and our earth. Written by Sonia Morgan
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Tags: 40, day, earth, taking, a, caribbean, climate, later, stand:, years

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