What did you do for Earth Day?

Earth Day

In 1954, the late Rachel Carson wrote, "The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction." She wrote a great deal about science and the environment. In 1962, she wrote "Silent Spring", a very influential book about chemicals, particular DDT, used in agriculture, and their effect on nature. DDT was later banned in the USA and much of the world.

Today (April 22) is Earth Day. If you hadn't heard about it in the news, you may have spotted today's Google logo (http://www.google.com - if you aren't reading this on the day, try http://www.google.com/holidaylogos.html)

The world has changed a lot in the past 35 or so years. We have learnt a lot about the harmful effects of the chemicals that we use, and the many ways that we interfere with nature. We have learnt how complex the Earth's systems are, and yet how interdependent, with pollution spreading all around the world, for example. Our population has grown from an estimated 3 billion in 1960 to 4 billion in 1975 to 6.45 billion in 2005. The energy, food and material demands of the developed world have increased considerably in that time, as has the amount of pollution.

Attitudes have changed too, from ignorance to concern to action. There have been some successes; some progress. Legislation has been introduced, and some international treaties. And yet, still many people and countries have other priorities and do not pay attention to the serious damage being done to spaceship Earth, and look down on those who do. There are more details in the article below (click on the heading which is a link). There is still much to be done. Fortunately we do not have to wait for governments and international treaties to act, there are many steps we can take ourselves to clean up our environment and wean ourselves off our unsustainable way of life - often without giving up our comfort or losing money - in fact, many lifestyle changes could save us money.

There is a list of things that you can do for Earth Day at http://www.earthday.net/, or you can look at local sites (such as http://www.solv.org/ in Oregon, which was founded 36 years ago) to see what you can get involved in this weekend or summer.

President Bush was scheduled to visit the polluted Great Smoky Mountains National Park for Earth Day, but cancelled because of bad weather. Speaking briefly instead at a Tennessee airport, he said "it would sure be helpful" for Congress to pass the "Clear Skies" legislation. This legislation would give power plants, factories and refineries longer to carry on polluting than the current legislation, and would not limit carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) emissions, but a Senate committee rejected it.

Environmentalists Mull Future of Movement

Today (April 22) is Earth Day. It is 35 years since the first Earth Day, and environmentalists are taking stock. They are concerned about global warming and their lack of progress in America, generally because other issues take precedence with people, and the strength of the Bush administration which has tried to weaken some environmental legislation, rolling back some of the gains and the 70s and 80s. Others blame a failure to communicate effectively.

Bush Urges Congress to Pass Proposal

Stopping briefly at a Tennessee airport because bad weather caused hi to cancel an Earth Day trip to the polluted Great Smoky Mountains National Park, President Bush urged Congress to pass his Clear Skies Initiative. He spoke of progress since last year's Earth Day. Many environmentalists are skeptical.

House Approves Far-Reaching Energy Bill

The House approved the bill by 249-183. It will be several weeks before Senate votes on its bill. 41 Democrats voted for it. It includes billions in tax breaks and subsidies for fossil fuel companies, including protection from lawsuits for those making the gasoline additive MTBE which pollutes water. Also included is drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Other measures should also prove controversial.

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