Is the planet unhappy on ‘Happy' Earth Day?

Will it be foolhardy to assert that Mother Earth will be ecstatic and merry when the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22? Victimised, bruised and mauled by the unsustainable and reckless ways of mankind, the earth is languishing in a pitiable state. Will ‘Happy Earth Day’ greetings relieve her pain?

Climate change, deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of natural resources are just some of the critical illnesses the planet is battling with. It is ironic that she has been infected by the same human species to whom she has provided safe habitat for thousands of years.

Where is the proof?

• According to NASA, the average global temperature has increased by around 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) since the late 19th century, with most of the warming occurring in the past few decades. This is causing a rise in sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and other serious consequences.
• Deforestation, driven by agriculture, logging and other human activities, is a major contributor to climate change, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion. The World Wildlife Fund reports that about 17% of the Amazon rainforest has been lost in the past 50 years, and deforestation in other regions continues at an alarming rate.
• Pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, is a significant problem in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 7 million people die every year from exposure to air pollution, while water pollution affects over 1 billion people globally.
• Loss of biodiversity is a growing concern, with many species facing extinction due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that around 32,000 species are threatened with extinction.

The list of torture inflicted on Mother Earth by us seems endless. Moved by the planet's plight, many good souls have got together to heal her wounds. The more worldly-wise have joined the fray simply to keep their habitat and vocations intact.   

Enter Earth Day which is celebrated worldwide every year on April 22nd.

January 28, 1969, had witnessed an oil well blowing off near the coast of Santa Barbara in California. The spillage of over three million gallons of oil killed more than 10,000 seabirds, dolphins, seals and sea lions. Activists began promoting regulation and education related to the environment. Among others, Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin led the move to institutionalise the first Earth Day after he saw an 800 square-mile oil slick from an airplane.

The first Earth Day celebration happened on April 22, 1970. It is reported that over 20 million Americans participated in various events and rallies to raise awareness about environmental issues.  

Earth Day has become a global event, with people from all over the world participating in various activities and events to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts. The movement played a key role in the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change, 2016, by restricting global temperature rise during the century below 2 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The goal is to bring down the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The European Union and 194 countries have agreed to reduce greenhouse emissions.

The theme and goal of Earth Day this year is 'Invest in Our Planet'. The aim is to persuade businesses, governments and people to invest in our planet and give our descendants a better and safer future. Over a billion people from 150 countries take part in planting trees, garbage cleaning, and other eco-friendly activities on this day. The overarching goal of Earth Day remains to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living practices.

Let’s make Mother Earth smile!