22 April: Earth Day
Every year Earth Day is being observed on the 22nd April to build support for environmental protection around the world. This year is 46th anniversary of Earth Day.
Significance of the Day: It recognises that Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also aims to raise awareness that humans have a collective responsibility to promote harmony with nature and to balance the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations.
2016 Theme: ‘Trees for the Earth!’. The theme signifies that trees are crucial for combating climate change as they absorb harmful levels of Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
This year’s Earth Day coincides with the signing of the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The agreement is a legally binding on signatory countries to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
On this day more than one billion people participate in Earth Day campaigns from all around the globe of all nationalities, faiths and backgrounds.
Background
- The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Since then it is being observed in more than 192 countries.
- The concept of observing Earth Day was formally proposed by John McConnell at a UNESCO conference on Environment in 1969 as a global holiday.
- Later in 1971, a proclamation was signed to observe international Earth Day annually on the Vernal Equinox by UN Secretary-General U Thant.
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Month: Current Affairs - April, 2016