Matters concerning the environment are not given the same attention as non-environmental matters

Apr 24, 2025 Letters

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Dear Editor,

“The Earth is God’s gift to us, full of beauty and wonder, where the fruits of the Earth belong to everyone.” – Pope Francis.

One of the most disquieting issues associated with international days is their inability to galvanise support beyond their niche audience. The same is also true for Earth Day, which is commemorated annually on April 22. Of course, there will always be the official functions, where the media is invited and the speeches are on target. However, in some instances, after the media returns to their respective media houses, the passion and work also fades.

Regrettably, matters concerning the environment are not given the same attention as non-environmental matters. Oftentimes, some of the biggest abusers of the environment are state agencies. Unfortunately, in circumstances like these, the sanctions are often lukewarm, and this message reverberates within and outside environmental circles. In other words, the sanctions do not serve as a deterrent. In many quarters, the burning of garbage has been normalized. Many of us do not see the connection between our own practices and the impact they have on the environment.  Environmental abuses are pervasive and permissible in many quarters.

History of Earth Day  

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when a United States senator, Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, Earth Day was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe.

Nelson was concerned about the deteriorating environment in the United States. Consequently, in January 1969, he and many others witnessed the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, Senator Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 April as International Mother Earth Day through a resolution adopted in 2009. The Day recognizes the Earth and its ecosystems as humanity’s common home and the need to protect her to enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.

Climate change, man-made changes to nature, as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can accelerate the speed of destruction of the planet.

Each year on April 22, the international community observes Earth Day.  This year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet.  This theme encourages people to take action around renewable energy and demands rapid deployment of renewable energy sources from governments, industries, and businesses. The campaign also aims to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.

Climate Crisis and Gender-Based Violence

Oftentimes, there is a tendency to discount the impact of the climate crisis on gender-based violence.  The UN Spotlight Initiative has reported that climate change is intensifying the social and economic stresses that are fuelling increased levels of violence against women and girls.

The report finds that extreme weather, displacement, food insecurity, and economic instability are key factors increasing the prevalence and severity of gender-based violence.

These impacts hit hardest in fragile communities, where women already face ingrained inequalities and are more vulnerable to assault.

The Spotlight Initiative, a global partnership between the European Union and the United Nations, works to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. The most recent findings of the Spotlight Initiative emphasise that climate solutions must address rights, safety, and justice if they are to be effective or sustainable. In order for this to succeed, women must also be part of the decision-making process.

The Way Forward

Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Nature is suffering. Our oceans are being polluted with plastic and are becoming more acidic. Additionally, extreme heat, wildfires and floods have affected and continue to impact millions of people.

International Mother Earth Day is set aside to encourage education and stewardship of the planet’s natural resources. On the point of education, much more needs to be done in this area.

Every school should have an environmental club. In fact, environmental studies should be a timetabled subject at both the primary and secondary levels. How can society be expected to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) yet our students are not afforded the opportunity to see the linkages with STEM and the environment?

Undoubtedly, limited access to environmental education can hinder the development of sustainable practices. Governments can and should do more.  Governments should implement policies and monitor programmes that promote sustainable practices, reduce pollution, and address social inequalities.

Oftentimes, the abuse of the environment is rooted in the socio-economic conditions of the experiences of individuals. Environmental problems like pollution and climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, creating social and economic challenges. Conversely, socioeconomic factors like poverty and inequality can exacerbate environmental problems through unsustainable practices. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a holistic approach that considers both social equity and environmental sustainability. Poverty frequently leads to reliance on resource-intensive practices, like deforestation for fuel or unsustainable agriculture, to meet basic needs. Additionally, rapid urbanization and industrialization can lead to increased pollution, waste, and resource depletion.  Raising public awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable behaviours are crucial tools in ensuring that the next generation can have a better world.

The issues concerning Earth Day require a collaborative approach to fix. It is only when this is done that we will witness the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

May this year’s Earth Day be one of soul-searching, action and heightened environmental awareness for everyone. It is indeed our planet, and we have the power to sustain Mother Earth.

Join the global movement to restore our world!

In the words of António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mother Earth is running a fever. Last year was the hottest ever recorded (…).  We know the cure:  rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and turbocharging adaptation to protect ourselves and nature from climate disasters. Getting on the road to recovery is a win-win.

(Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.)

Sincerely,

Wayne Campbell

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