April 22, 2019 - Marks the 49th anniversary of the birth of modern environmental movement. 5 decades back, was the time when Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans, industries across the world belched out smoke and air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. The word "Environment" was never seen as a concern. Protecting the planet’s natural resources was not part of the national political agenda.
Until 1969, Gaylord Nelson, US senator witnessed a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. This raised questions on the importance and urgency of environmental safety. Nelson announced the Earth Day concept in the fall of 1969 and invited the entire nation to get involved.
The first Earth Day in 1970, was effective at raising awareness about environmental issues and transforming public attitudes.
The main theme for Earth Day 2019 is "Protect our Species". Nature has shown us her remarkable existence on this planet. Single cell microorganism or the largest species on earth, depths of the ocean or high up in the atmosphere, deserts or polar regions, and many more left to be discovered. This year we dedicate ourselves to protecting millions of plant and animal species from going extinct.
Although extinction is a natural phenomenon, it occurs at a natural 'background' rate of about one to five species per year. Scientists estimate we are now losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the background rate. The current extinction crisis is almost solely caused by human, specifically activities by humans that cause loss of habitat, introduce alien species and contribute to the changing climate.
This decade so far has seen extinction of various species. The Spix’s macaw, a bird species which was made famous in the 2011 animated movie "Rio" – was declared extinct in the wild. Only a few dozen captive Spix's macaws are alive. Beyond birds, other animals such as the Vaquita (a dolphin-like porpoise) and the northern white rhino are near the end. The last male Northern White Rhino died at a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya last March, with just two females surviving before we see the extinction of this species.. AND THE LIST GOES ON...
However, if we do not act now, extinction may be humanity’s most enduring legacy. The good news is that the rate of extinctions can still be slowed, and many of our declining, threatened and endangered species can still recover. It has become important to educate and raise awareness about the accelerating rate of extinction of millions of species and the causes and consequences of this phenomenon. Recycling and embracing sustainable products, reducing activities that lead to global warming are among the small changes from humans that would make greater difference in sustaining our planet and all the species living in it.
HAPPY EARTH DAY 2019
very well written and beautiful clicks! keep posting!