Each year, on Mother Earth Day, we reflect on our relationship with the planet that supports us. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that grows our food are part of a delicate global ecosystem that is increasingly under pressure from human activities. From tropical deforestation to depleted ocean fisheries, from growing freshwater shortages to the rapid decline of biodiversity and increasingly polluted skies and seas in many parts of the world, we see the heavy hand of humankind.
As our population grows we have to recognize that our consumption of the planet’s resources is unsustainable. We need a global transformation of attitude and practice. It is especially urgent to address how we generate the energy that drives our progress. Burning fossil fuels is the principal cause of climate change, which increasingly threatens prosperity and stability in all regions. That is why world leaders have pledged to reach a global legal climate agreement in 2015.
Action on climate change presents multiple opportunities to reset our relationship with Mother Earth and improve human well-being, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable. Sustainable energy for all can increase health, wealth and opportunity for billions of people, as can climate-smart agriculture, more efficient cities and better managed and protected forests.
To generate ambitious action on the ground and raise momentum for a new climate treaty in 2015, I am convening a Climate Summit in New York on 23 September this year. I am inviting Heads of State and Government along with private sector and civil society leaders to showcase initiatives and forge alliances that can help launch a sustainable future. But they need support and encouragement, for change is never easy. So today, on International Mother Earth Day, I appeal to all people everywhere to raise their voices. Speak out on behalf of this planet, our only home. Let us care for Mother Earth so she can continue to care for us as she has done for millennia.
Ban Ki-moon
Each year on April 22, the global community comes together to celebrate the earth. This year on International Mother Earth Day, I call on the United Nations family to promote sustainable development and the use of renewable energy sources throughout our cities and communities.
As we look to promote the Post-2015 Development Agenda, I call on Member States, civil society and other stakeholders to answer the call put forth in the 2009 UN resolution by the General Assembly to invest more in sustainable technology and to promote our ecosystems through global environmental public policies.
In December 2013, the General Assembly made another positive step toward the achievement of this agenda and requested an interactive dialogue on the Harmony with Nature to be held on this day. I look forward to the discussions today and will encourage Member States to work toward promoting a new holistic paradigm, one that underscores the supreme importance of the natural world, while also acknowledging its limits.
As we confront the unique sustainable development challenges of our time; our understanding of the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations must be rooted in the most up to date scientific information. Our global strategy must promote sound environmental ethics, and continually emphasize humanity's interconnectedness with nature.
Earth Day 2014: Green Cities
It’s time for us to invest in efficiency and renewable energy, rebuild our cities and towns, and begin to solve the climate crisis. Over the next two years, with a focus on Earth Day 2014, the Green Cities campaign will mobilize a global movement to accelerate this transition. Join us in calling for a new era of green cities.
Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet Earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet. For instance, Bolivians call Mother Earth Pachamama and Nicaraguans refer to her as Tonantzin.
Recognizing that Mother Earth reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit, the General Assembly declared 22 April as International Mother Earth Day (A/RES/63/278).
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| Green Cities Campaign |
The Green Cities Campaign
The Green Cities Campaign helps cities and communities around
the world accelerate their transition to a more sustainable future. More information.
Get involved with Earth Day!
Like Earth Days of the past, Earth Day 2014 will focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world’s population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever. Earth Day 2014 will seek to do just that through its global theme: Green Cities. With smart investments in sustainable technology, forward-thinking public policy, and an educated and active public, we can transform our cities and forge a sustainable future. Nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people.
As the global organizer behind Earth Day, Earth Day Network creates tools and resources for you to get involved with Earth Day in your community. Here’s how you can participate.
Join the Forum : International Mother Earth Day, April 22, April 22nd is Earth Day.
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| Improve Building Codes - Online Activism. |
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| Ban New Coal Power Plants - Online Activism |
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| Bring Bike Share to your city - Online Activism |
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| Decouple Utility Profits - Online Activism |
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| Demand Renewable Energy - Online Activism |
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| Impove Emission Standards - Online Activism |
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| Improve Solar Permitting Process - Online Activism |
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| Increase MPG Standards - Online Activism |
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| Support PACE Financing - Online Activism |
La campaña «Ciudades verdes» ayuda a las ciudades y las comunidades del
mundo a acelerar su transición hacia un futuro más sostenible.
2014年世界地球日关注绿色城市，动员百万人绿化世界各地的社区，创造健康、可持续的环境。
22 апреля жители всех стран мира проводят акции в поддержку
Международного дня «Матери-Земли». В этом году в центре внимания —
стремительная урбанизация планеты. По данным ООН, в ближайшие 20 лет
60% населения земного шара будут жить в городах.
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| Earth Day 2014 T-Shirt |
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