Since 1970, the 22nd April has been designated as World Earth Day, “a movement which gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channelling human energy toward environmental issues.”
This years Earth Day is especially significant, with world leaders and diplomats converging on the United Nations’ New York headquarters to sign the Paris Agreement on climate change – the largest UN signing event in history, with representatives from at least 162 countries, including more than 60 heads of state, on hand to sign the historic COP21 Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Nations of the world have agreed to limit global temperature rises to below 2 degrees and strive for a 1.5 degree limit. According to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, “The world has come together around an agreement that will empower us to chart a new path for our planet, a smart and responsible path, a sustainable path.” To find out more visit the International Mother Earth Day website.
In addition, faith leaders from around the world have come together to issue an interfaith statement on climate change to hold countries to account on the Paris Agreement. They are calling for a transition to renewable energy and for all faith communities to do their part in their own homes, workplaces and centres of worship.
The theme for this World Earth Day is ‘Trees for the Earth’. The World Earth Day Network is calling on the world to plant 7.8 billion treesnand they’re calling on all of us to help. To find out more and get involved visit website of the Earth Day Network.
Finally for a more reflective approach to World Earth Day click here
World Earth Day is about more than just the 22nd April and we hope that some of these actions will help ensure a sustainable future for our world.