International Mother Earth Day: let’s celebrate life
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On April 22 we commemorate that the planet and ecosystems give us life. Today is a day to reflect on how we act with the mother who gives us everything
For 49 years, that is to say, since April 22, 1970, Earth Day is celebrated. A day to recognize and reflect on our actions in our home, the planet. This commemoration aims to "achieve a fair balance between the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the planet", according to the UN.
Leer en español: Día internacional de la madre Tierra: celebremos la vida
Although this day also marks the birth of Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Soviet Union and an ardent defender of eradicating private property, the International Day of Mother Earth was established to raise awareness among the human population about our way of inhabiting the planet and how it ends up affecting the survival of other forms of life.
What you didn't know about International Mother Earth Day
The first time a march was called to claim for the care of the planet, was on April 22, 1970. On that first occasion, more than 20 million people in the United States went out to protest to demand that the indexes of pollution.
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The idea came from the Wisconsin senator, Gaylord Nelson, who, outraged at the exclusion of the environment in the North American political agenda, was inspired by the marches that had been made years ago against the Vietnam War. According to National Geographic, "Nelson recruited activist Denis Hayes to organize that first April 22, in 1970. Today, Hayer is recognized as the forerunner of the modern environmental movement".
The march was a success and since then the Earth is commemorated. In fact, two years later, the first environmental summit took place: The Stockholm Conference. Today, more than 180 countries participate in the celebration and advocate the mitigation of environmental problems that afflict the planet. Unfortunately, from 1970 to the present, enthusiasm for defending the planet has diminished and environmental problems have increased.
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Climate change has caused endless negative impacts such as polar melting, rising tide, acidification of seas and oceans, the accelerated disappearance of flora and fauna species, air pollution, the appearance of garbage islands, among many others.
What I can do?
To try to reverse the situation, the UN promotes education and public access to information on climate change to foster international cooperation and raise awareness of the current and real situation on Earth. Education becomes a fundamental tool for citizens to participate in the necessary changes that will ensure the well-being of future generations.
If you want to participate in this day and contribute to improving environmental conditions, you can start by taking care of the resources that you use. For example, reduce the amount of water you use, turn off the light when you do not need it, buy products made with sustainable materials, recycle and reuse materials such as plastic, etc.
As a citizen, you can support and demand initiatives and public policies that protect the environment. Learn with reliable sources and distribute this information to your family, friends, and acquaintances so that more and more people are aware of the situation.
If you have more ideas, let us know in the comments of our social networks.
LatinAmerican Post | Marcela Peñaloza
Translated from "Día Internacional de la madre Tierra: celebremos la vida"
