Invest In Our Planet

“Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”- Dolores Huerta. There is a huge void regarding advocacy surrounding our planet Earth. Many of us take our planet for granted. Then there are those who are oblivious to matters concerning the environment. It is often said that the environment is not a sexy topic for decision. Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Nature is suffering. The plant’s oceans are filling with plastic and turning more acidic. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods, have affected millions of people. Many of us have experienced more severe hurricanes and flooding. Recently, we saw images of death and destruction in South Africa due to flooding. Regrettably, in the midst of the havoc created by climate change and global warming there are still those who continue to spread conspiracy theories regarding climate change and global warming. Climate change, man-made changes to nature as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can and will accelerate the speed of destruction of the planet. We need to press our reset button regarding the environment. The planet is losing 4.7 million hectares of forests every year which is an area larger than Denmark. It is estimated that around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. International Earth Day is the largest secular observance in the world. It is held annually on 22nd April. Earth Day started in 1970 when 20 million people took to the streets in the United States to protest the destruction of the planet by human activities. This first event sparked a new generation of environmental activists from around the world to promote caring for the Earth. On this day, communities come together to raise awareness of environmental issues such as climate change, sea level rise, species extinction, pollution, deforestation and habitat fragmentation. The Earth Day 2022 Theme is Invest In Our Planet. Undoubtedly, when it comes to climate change it is critical that the resources are available to make the desired changes. Governments through regulations, incentives, and public/private partnerships, hold the keys to transform and build the green economy. As with the industrial and information revolutions, governments must incentivize their citizens, businesses, and institutions to build a resilient future. Ultimately, governments will empower green business practices as not only the ethical option but also the lucrative one. As the international community commemorates Earth Day we are reminded that today is the day for all of us to take a proactive approach to save planet earth; not just because you care about the natural world, but because we all live on it. Earth is home. We are all responsible. We all have a role to play in eliminating the negative impact of plastic pollution on the environment by engaging in recycling our plastics where possible. There are those who might only be able to plant a few trees; and that is okay. Do not discount the impact you can have in preserving the environment. The education system is a good a place to begin to stress the importance of protecting our planet. Each school should have an environmental club to assist in this national effort. All hands are needed on deck. Every one of us needs a healthy Earth to support our jobs, livelihoods, health & survival, and happiness. The Earth is worth fighting for; join the advocacy. Happy Earth Day. In the words of Wendell Berry, the earth is what we all have in common. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #InvestInOurPlanet #EarthDay2022 #RestoreOurEarth