As Earth Day approaches, climate scientist Dr. Shepherd reflects on the significance of the day and its focus on protecting our planet. Earth Day, celebrated on April 22nd, was first established in 1970 and has since become the largest civic event on Earth, mobilizing billions of people across 192 countries to fight for a brighter future. This year, the theme is “Planet vs. Plastics,” with a goal of reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040. Plastics are just one of many planet-harming agents, joining the likes of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and pollutants.
Despite the importance of Earth Day and its goals, Dr. Shepherd expresses some cynicism towards the culture, fanfare, and optics of the climate movement. He acknowledges that while awareness and engagement around Earth Day are positive, it is crucial for these efforts to extend beyond just one day in April. Climate change is an “all hands on deck” crisis that requires transformative, policy-driven solutions. While policy changes play a critical role, individuals can also take incremental actions such as educating themselves, composting, gardening, reducing their carbon footprint, and advocating for climate-friendly policies.
Dr. Shepherd stresses that the impacts of climate change are far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also our economy, public health, infrastructure, national security, water supply, and more. Everyone is at risk, with certain communities facing disproportionate impacts. Rising temperatures are projected to drive up food inflation, impacting grocery bills and highlighting the interconnectedness of global issues. The cascading effects of our actions on the planet are undeniable, making it crucial for individuals to take responsibility and make a positive impact.
As the song “Planet Earth” by Duran Duran reminds us, Earth is the only planet available to humanity, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and preserve our home. While Earth Day serves as a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about environmental issues, Dr. Shepherd hopes that it will inspire a greater commitment to sustainability beyond just one day. He envisions Earth Day 2024 as a catalyst for individuals to embrace a mindset of Earth Month, Earth Year, Earth Decade, and Earth Lifetime, emphasizing the importance of ongoing, everyday actions to protect our planet for future generations.
