O Earth's Day or World Planet Earth Day is celebrated on the day April 22nd all around the world.
The date represents the struggle to defend the environment, promoting reflection on the importance of the planet and the development of environmental awareness.
With approximately 5 billion years and 6 billion inhabitants, planet Earth is our home. For this reason, we must care for and preserve its natural resources.
Today, we know that the natural resources offered by planet Earth are finite. Therefore, they must be explored in a sustainable way and Earth Day is an opportunity to discuss environmental issues and raise awareness about the importance of conserving the planet.
How did Earth Day come about?
The date was created through an environmental protest that took place in 1970, led by environmental activist and US senator Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005).
The demonstration on ecological themes took place on April 22, 1970 in the cities of Washington, New York and Portland; hence the choice of date for the celebration of Earth Day.
With the help of several educational communities, totaling approximately 20 million people, the activist carried out a great movement with marches and speeches that warned about the issues environmental issues. Some of the topics covered were pollution, environmental destruction, deforestation and the greenhouse effect.
The intention was also to put pressure on the government and thus achieve some of its goals. Eight months after the event, an agency responsible for environmental matters called the Environmental Protection Agency was created (environmentalProtectionagency), several projects were also implemented and executed.
This moment represented a milestone in the history of ecology. Since then, many meetings, conferences, debates have been created around the environmental issue, such as the Stockholm Conference (1972).
However, this date was implemented by the UN almost 4 decades after the movement, that is, in the year 2009. In addition, she was named as International Mother Earth Day.
Earth Day Activities
The school environment should also promote reflection on environmental issues, especially on this very important date. Some examples of activities they are:
- Elaboration of posters on the main actions involving sustainable development;
- Conducting debates on the importance of these actions;
- Invite professionals to discuss the matter with the school community.
Some practical activities can also be included as:
- seedling distribution and planting;
- cleaning of green areas;
- environmental scavenger hunts.
Remember that these awareness actions make a difference for planet Earth and can be discussed with teachers and school representatives. So don't let this day go unnoticed.
To assist you in this activity, below are some of the most important current topics that can be addressed in the classroom and in environmental events:
- Pollution
- Environmental impacts
- Environment
- Sustainable development
- Green Economy
- Sustainability
- Agenda 21
- Recycling
- Selective collect
The Earth Charter
THE Earth Charter is a document that was proposed at the Rio-92 event. After much debate, it was ratified in 2000.
Its basic principles are:
I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE
II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
IV. DEMOCRACY, NON-VIOLENCE AND PEACE
Phrases for Earth Day
Below are some sentences for reflection to celebrate this very important date:
- “Our planet is our home; let's preserve it.” (Amoes Xavier)
- “The essential bond that unites us is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all care about our children's future. and we are all mortal.” (John Kennedy)
- “The biggest challenge in both our century and the next is to save the planet from destruction. This will require a change in the very foundations of modern civilization – the relationship of human beings to nature.” (Mikhail Gorbachev)
- “I don't fear our extinction. What I really fear and fear is that human beings will ruin the planet before their departure.” (Loren Eisley)
- “In order for there not to be the end of the human race, it is not love that must be within a planet called earth; it's the earth that must be inside a planet called love!” (Inácio Dantas)
