Earth Day 2017: Let Humanity Be Our Saving Grace

On this day, let’s take a moment and reflect on the brutal truths that pose a threat to our very existence. April 22 marks the Earth Day, tracing its roots back to the ’70s. It was introduced for the first time at a UNESCO Conference in 1969 by peace activist John McConnell, to be celebrated on March 21, 1970 (the first day of spring in northern hemisphere). But, a separate Earth Day was founded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970. Later, Denis Hayes, the original national coordinator in 1970, organized events in as many as 141 countries, making it a global movement. The day brings to the fore the reckless disregard of humanity towards its habitat. Observing Earth Day means invoking that self-consciousness, to be aware of the potential dangers to the environment, and being able to contribute towards the natural balance.

From 5oo million cars fueling the fire to a plastic trash “continent” in the Pacific Ocean; from deadly oil spills to electronic waste; from noise to light pollution, this dire scheme-of-things raises several questions. While America is only 5 per cent of world’s pollution, it consumes 25 per cent of world’s resources and produces 30 per cent of world’s waste alone. China, on the other hand, falls in the category of countries with highest air pollution, so much so, that it’s to be blamed for a third of pollution in San Francisco. The problem of water pollution is worse in India. About 80 per cent of the urban waste is dumped into rivers, mostly the Ganges, and a thousand children die in a single day here due to diseases caused by water pollution. For those of you who don’t know, world’s most polluted spot is Lake Karachay in western Russia, a site for radioactive waste for the former Soviet Union.

We all are aware how these grim facts and figures conspire against ecology, or let’s say inspire us towards making this world a better place. Let humanity rise above all needs, let’s hold ourselves accountable for our doings, and we shall surely succeed.

Watch this video as it manages to send across a clear message, that is of self-consciousness and humanity, in a fun way.