Earth Day 2022: "Invest In Our Planet" For A Brighter Future
Language
Reading Level
Listen to Article
On April 22, 2022, over a billion people worldwide will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. The modern environmental movement began on April 22, 1970, when US lawmaker Gaylord Nelson mobilized more than 20 million people to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The Earth Day Network (EDN), which now boasts over 50,000 partners in over 190 countries, has led to the passage of landmark environmental laws both in the United States (US) and globally.
They include the Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in the US, and the Paris Agreement on climate change signed by 193 Parties ( 192 countries plus the European Union) on April 22, 2016. While the various legislative changes have helped, a lot more needs to be done to reverse the impact of human behavior on the environment.
Kathleen Rogers, President of EDN, says this year’s theme — Invest in Our Planet — adds two additional urgent priorities to past campaigns: “The first is to save ourselves from the climate crisis, and the second is to build new green economies in every country so that everyone can share in the benefits from this green revolution. This will only be done if we invest in our planet’s future together."
By "we," Rogers is encouraging everyone — governments, businesses, and citizens — to collectively take action. World leaders can be at the forefront of the change by passing legislation to protect and restore our ecosystems, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and promote the development and use of green energy.
Businesses have immense potential to help reverse global warming. For example, clothing manufacturers can choose fabrics from organic or natural sources or those made from upcycled or recycled materials. Restaurants can do their part by seeking out sustainable food sources.
While it may not seem like it, individuals have tremendous power in instigating change. Even something as simple as writing a letter to local government officials or a business leader can help. One of the reasons why Senator Nelson was urged into taking action in 1970 was the pleas he received from children, most aged between 8 and ten.
We can also help the planet through our daily actions. Pick an everyday item, such as shoes, and make it a goal to buy your next pair from a sustainable business — one that uses recyclable materials or donates a portion of its profit to environmental organizations. Even small steps, such as turning off lights and devices when not in use, biking to school instead of driving, and using reusable water bottles and lunch boxes can make a big difference.
How will you "Invest in Our Planet" on Earth Day — and every day?
Happy Earth Day!
Resources: earthday.org,epa.org, nrdc.org, hbr.org
Get the Workbook for this article!
Workbook contains: Article, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Questions, Vocabulary in Context (+ answers), Multiple Choice Quiz (+ answers), Parts of Speech Quiz (+ answers), Vocabulary Game (+ answers)Cite Article
Learn Keywords in this Article
52 Comments
- dinobabinoover 2 yearsJust throwing your trash can make a tremendous difference!
- infinital_loopover 2 yearsi love to throw my rubbish into the bin
- katqueenover 2 yearsearth day is the best day ever! my classmates are going to clean up around our school
- dinobabinoover 2 yearsJust throwing your trash away can help our plant tremendously!
- alphademon673over 2 yearsThe earth is our home. Let's save it. Even the small things count. <3
- gogleover 2 yearsYA let's do this
- pinkkitty9over 2 yearsWOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!! Earth Day!!!!!!
- andy-mayover 2 yearsDoing something to help the planet should be automatic because if we do nothing the world will burn up in a few years
- dream_beyondover 2 years#ReuseReduce&Recycle! It's teamwork!
- doglover2012over 2 yearsMother Nature needs no more trash. START USING THE THREE R'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (or continue if you have been doing that your whole entire life
- crazygoose1324over 2 yearssave the earth!!!! 1. pick up trash on the streets 2. go magnet fishing 3. visit your local park and pick up anything