EARTH DAY 2017

What Should We Do

The April 22 Earth Day is usually celebrated with outdoor performances, where individuals or groups (RHFC) perform acts of service to earth. Typical ways of observing Earth Day include planting trees, picking up roadside trash, conducting various programs for recycling and conservation, using recyclable containers for snacks and lunches. Some people are encouraged to sign petitions to governments, calling for stronger or immediate action to stop global warming and to reverse environmental destruction. Television stations frequently air programs dealing with environmental issues.

Photo credit: Bunyui J

Background

The April 22 Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.

Some people prefer to observe Earth Day around the time of the March equinox. In 1978, American anthropologist Margaret Mead added her support for the equinox Earth Day, founded by John McConnell. She stated that the selection of the March Equinox for Earth Day made planetary observance of a shared event possible.

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Photo credit: Bunyui J

This year theme is Environmental & Climate Literacy

Education is the foundation for progress. We need to build a Worldwide platform fluent in the concepts of climate change and aware of its unprecedented threat to our planet. We need to empower everyone with the knowledge to inspire action in defense of environmental protection.

Environmental and climate literacy is the engine not only for creating green advocates and advancing environmental and climate laws and policies but also for accelerating green technologies and green jobs.

Photo credit: Bunyui J

As part of activities to commemorate the World Earth Day 2017, Rising Hope Foundation for Change (RHFC),Pro Climate International ,Eco Relief, Green Earth Foundation Cameroon (GrEFCam), RECESD Bomaka in collaboration with the ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development together with other Civil Society Organisations planted two exhortic tree species (maesopsis eminii and Senna spectabilis) around the Maumu water catchment (about 25Km from Buea) that was really exposed to pollution and human encroachment. Later, there was a talk with the villagers at the Maumu palace where discussions dwelled on the year’s theme ‘Environment and climate literacy’ The day culminated at GBHS MUEA where students were drilled on climate change literacy using a power point presentation and the planting of some trees at the main entrance into the college campus. Together we can make it better next year 2018.