APRIL 22, the world celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Over one billion people worldwide took part in grassroots activities to direct attention to the crises of our environment. Now, more than ever, international collaboration is needed to combat the vast climate and environmental issues that threaten our planet. Although the 2010 Earth Day primarily focused on the issue of climate change, many core issues also need our immediate attention. Earth Day 2010 should be a stepping stone for further engagement in the diverse range of issues that often get neglected by government in light of other concerns such as health care and the economy. Individuals around the world can find the opportunity to save our planet by locating their interest in core environmental matters such as conservation, education, sustainable development, biodiversity, energy conservation, recycling and waste management.
On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans joined together in what would be the world's first Earth Day. The original Earth Day was launched by Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson, who wished to "force [the] issue onto the national agenda." In the planning of Earth Day, Nelson insisted that "if we could tap into the environmental concerns of the general public and infuse the student anti-war energy into the environmental cause, we could generate a demonstration that would force the issue onto the national political agenda." The original Earth Day was characterized by political protests, marches and national teach-ins. It was founded as a grassroots movement to force the government to deal with the environmental crisis of the time. It spurred a national discourse, which to this day remains vibrant amidst pressing issues of climate change and energy management. During the course of 40 years, Earth Day has changed from political protests to community collaboration. Nonetheless, the spirit and enthusiasm to save the planet remains unhampered.
Although Earth Day should be recognized for its worldwide success, April 22 cannot be the end of our efforts to press government for solutions to environmental problems. The current administration must be pressured to devote more attention to environmental concerns beyond climate change and energy. If every individual begins by focusing attention on issues of personal importance, we can more effectively seek solutions to the wide range of environmental problems that face our nation. For example, one issue in particular that has received little attention from the Obama administration and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is the preservation of biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
Many hoped that President Obama would advocate for increased environmental protections. Unfortunately, his administration has failed the environment on many fronts. One example is the wolf hunt controversy that has been ongoing since 2009, when the Obama administration endorsed a move initiated by Bush to reduce wolf protections. Over 1,600 wolves make their home in the Northern Rockies region, which envelops the Yellowstone ecosystem. This population represents the largest wolf population in Western United States. The wolf population has gradually increased thanks to the recovery efforts of conservationists and environmentalists after almost being eliminated in the 20th century. In 2009, Salazar and the Obama administration approved a Bush administration plan to de-list the American Gray wolf from the Endangered Species list, thus lifting former protections that had been in place for 30 years for wolves in the Northern Rockies region. Defenders of Wildlife and other conservation groups confirmed that the removal of this wolf from the endangered species list was unwarranted and filed suit. Since hunting of the gray wolf was legalized, over 500 wolves have been killed. After being removed from the endangered species list, these wolves are being slaughtered without repercussion. Wolves are an important part of the larger ecosystem, maintaining native biodiversity by preventing overpopulation of other species such as elk and deer. We are in danger of losing these magnificent creatures as a result of failed environmental policy. Therefore, Earth Day and climate change must only be the beginning of a continued dialogue on environmental protection and conservation.
It is also obvious our nation has a long way to come in environmental education. One example is the television contract offered by Discovery Communications to former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Palin will star in a Discovery reality series on Alaska to air on the TLC network. In truth, there could not be a more perverse choice for a show on Alaska's wilderness. Palin, who supported the aerial wolf slaughter campaign, widespread drilling in Alaskan waters and decreased protections for polar bears and beluga whales, hardly represents an appropriate spokesman for the Alaskan environment. The American public must take a stand against such egregious actions by politicians and media representatives.
While the environmental crisis remains one of our world's most pressing issues, the Earth Day celebration can be a source of hope and optimism. As yesterday proved, the world does care about the environment. Every individual must focus their attention on issues of personal importance so that we can collectively seek solutions to the wide range of environmental problems that face our nation. Earth Day must be the beginning of enhanced efforts in the new decade.
Ashley Chappo's column usually appears Fridays. She can be reached at a.chappo@cavalierdaily.com.
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