Our View | Action needs to start now to save our planet

Every year on April 22, people around the world host different events to remember the Earth. But one must keep in mind that Earth Day is not just about appreciating the environment; it is about preserving it as well. 

The first ever Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, as a result of the efforts of Democratic Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. Nelson actively proposed several reforms/changes to draw politicians’ attentions to protect the planet, for he was worried that industrialized countries like the United States were too careless with the environment. 

The first ever Earth Day was celebrated with over 20 million Americans; concerts in major cities honored the day. Students from across the nation took part in workshops and seminars to learn about the environment while discussing ways to preserve the natural beauties of Earth. 

Just within weeks after the event, congress had already passed three laws: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act as a result of the demand put in place by the American people.

Today, the only significance of this day appears to be a day in which people have a higher tolerance toward those who pretend to be caring for the environment by posting photos on Instagram with the caption, “I love our Earth.”

The purpose of this day has almost shifted from one acknowledging the harm they cause to this planet and making a change for the better, to justifying the use of single-use plastic for 364 days of the year just because they went plastic-free for the sake of Earth Day.

Unfortunately, this utter and sad truth of humankind is becoming too much for the Earth to handle. The issue doesn’t stop with plastic taking the place of fish in the seas, nor does it stop with ice melting in dramatic rates. Every single organism on this planet is affected by the harms caused on Earth, by us. Everything on this planet is interconnected, and the tiniest shift of climate in the desert results with corals dying in the midst of oceans.

This existing balance of our home is disappearing beneath our feet, yet we think we can solve this issue by posing in front of flowers. 

The Earth is suffering, and we have a very limited time ahead of us, of which our actions will determine the future of our home.

Now. Tomorrow is too late.