Join the Movement: Unleash Your Power on Earth Action Day to Protect Our Planet!

April 22 marks an important day each year—Earth Day. This year, we celebrate 55 years since that first massive gathering where 20 million voices rose up for environmental protection. Those actions pushed the U.S. to create the Environmental Protection Agency and introduce crucial laws for clean air, water, and combating pollution.

Today, Earth Day is rallying again under the theme “Our Power. Our Planet.” The organization earthday.org invites people globally to join “Earth Action Day.” This year, the focus is on uniting efforts against present environmental challenges, which seem more daunting than ever.

Recent claims by NASA highlight an alarming trend: 2024 marked the warmest year on record since 1880. For the U.S., there were 27 weather-related disasters causing at least a billion dollars in damages—just a few less than 2023’s record. Research indicates that human-induced climate change intensifies certain extreme weather patterns, leading to droughts and longer wildfire seasons.

Plastic pollution adds to the grim picture. On September 5, dubbed Plastic Overshoot Day, the world created more plastic waste than current systems could manage. Estimates for 2024 suggested 220 million tons of plastic waste, with 66% of people living in areas overwhelmed by it. Negotiations for a global treaty on plastic in Korea fell short, leaving many issues unresolved.

Health concerns about plastic are staggering. The World Wildlife Federation reports that humans may ingest up to 5 grams of plastic each week—about the weight of a credit card. Plastics are connected to health risks—from cancer to reproductive issues. Wildlife suffers too, with many animals affected by plastic ingestion and entanglement.

For years, industries told us recycling could solve our plastic problems. However, recycling rates are low due to issues like contamination and declining material quality. This creates a continuous cycle of plastic reliance, which is often sourced from fossil fuels.

Yet, there’s hope. The solutions to our planet’s problems lie with us. Our collective action can protect the Earth and improve lives. The link between human activity and climate change is clear and supported by scientific evidence. Fossil fuels contribute to a staggering 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. The good news? By 2050, the International Renewable Energy Agency says 90% of our electricity could come from renewable sources.

Switching to renewables is beneficial for various reasons. Compared to fossil fuels, renewable energy costs are dropping, making them the cheaper option in many regions. Beyond cost savings, this shift can lead to cleaner air and create up to 30 million jobs focused on energy security.

As individuals, we can make choices that support a shift towards sustainable practices. Opting for plastic-free products, advocating for reduced plastic use, and pressuring governments to enhance waste management are steps forward.

So on Earth Action Day, let’s demonstrate our commitment to holding leaders accountable for their environmental decisions. Together, we have the power to make a difference for our planet and its inhabitants.

For a deeper dive into environmental impact and policies, check out the United Nations resources on climate change.

Source link

climate change, renewable energy, earth day, plastic, greenhouse gas emissions, recycling, fossil fuel, plastic pollution, greenhouse gas, earth sciences, global environmental issues, environmental impact, climate variability and change, environmental impact of fossil fuels, nature, societal collapse, environment, natural environment, environmental issues, human impact on the environment, environmental social science, waste, change, environmental science, extreme weather, physical geography, earth, pollution, energy, fuel, wildfire