“Fifty years ago, 20 million Americans, 10% of the U.S. population at the time, took to the streets at the first Earth Day to demand a better future. Outraged by polluted air and water, by oil spills and the destruction of nature, they changed policies and politics, and sparked the emergence of the modern environmental movement. Within months, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created, and the Clean Air Act passed with bi-partisan support.
Half a century later we are not celebrating this anniversary the way we expected. The year 2020 was supposed to be a critical one to make progress on climate, biodiversity and the ocean, anchored by large, international summits. We looked forward to this Earth Day as an opportunity for citizens from every country in the world to rise up, celebrate nature, and demand change. We envisioned marches, rousing speeches, teach-ins, music, and colorful outfits.
Instead, most of us are confined to our homes, as the world suffers through the worst health and economic crisis in a century. We are living through a human tragedy, especially for those who are sick or have lost loved ones, as well as for the millions who have lost their jobs and are suffering financially. How then should we celebrate the 50th Earth Day? What are the goals we should be fighting for?" Read on to discover five imperatives that we at the World Resources Institute are working toward.
