Earth Day 2012

Today marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. The first Earth Day celebration was on April 22, 1970 in the United States, exactly 42 years ago and we can say that much has been accomplished in terms of global awareness in the need to protect and save our environment from destruction.

Although there has been a significant increase in environmental awareness on climate change there are still serious problems that need to be addressed. In the Philippines alone, the government has yet to show initiatives in exploring other alternative sources of fuel or energy and there has been no significant effort to cut carbon emissions. There’s also the inadequate muscle in protecting our country’s forests and coral reefs.

Climate change poses a serious threat to our survival. The onslaught of typhoons in the Philippines which triggered devastating floods gave us a taste of what environmental degradation can do to us. We can only hope that we will be spared from these calamities this year. 

Over a billion people in some 192 countries are expected to participate in activities in commemoration of the Earth Day. In the Philippines, there will also be activities lined up for the Earth Week. But beyond the symbolic activities, we must ensure that laws that were passed to conserve our environment are efficiently enforced. 

Each individual must also do his share in protecting the environment. We should strive to understand biodiversity so we can also understand how we should live while respecting the Earth’s finite resources.

Indeed, Earth Day should not only be celebrated for one day or one week, each of us should be committed to living an environment-friendly lifestyle every day. Let’s give the earth a helping hand. 

 Photo Source: examiner.com