A UAE newspaper has said that when the first Earth Day was declared in 1970, it was widely regarded as the beginning of a trendy activist-movement that sought to thwart industries and corporate economies with the pledge of an environmental agenda. It was former United States Senator Gaylord Nelson who felt the need to initiate such a movement, following the devastating effects of the Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969.

"But that trendy movement has now evolved into something far more wide and mature in its appeal, it has become the largest day of observance to help foster a better future for humanity and draws more than one billion participants from 192 countries, including the UAE," said Gulf News in an editorial on Friday.

The paper went on to say, "This year, the day couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time. It comes barely days after climate scientists announced that last month was the hottest March in 137 years of tracking, making it 11 straight months that the Earth hit record highs in average temperature. If that was not sizzling enough, they have more ominous predictions for the rest of this year: A string of reports have warned that global warming because of man-made factors has been accelerating in recent years and its effects could be felt quicker and at a far bigger impact than originally thought.

"The effects of climate change also manifest themselves elsewhere around us every day,from strings of earthquakes along the Pacific Ring of Fire to killer droughts in India to unexpected floods in Houston. Alongside this swiftly unfolding prospect of climate change are allied concerns, ranging from fracking to coal-fired power plants to deforestation to genetically modified crops to industrial pollution, and the search for solutions, which span from recycling, conservation of natural resources, sustainable farming practices and promoting the use of clean energy.

"The UAE has been at the forefront of finding some of these solutions, whether it’s in developing the unique Masdar City or advocating the peaceful adoption of nuclear energy or investing in the infrastructure for charging electric and hybrid vehicles. By pursuing these initiatives, the UAE has successfully demonstrated that the inevitable economic implications of building and sustaining a clean future can be tackled within a realistic framework for everyone, from the engaged public to responsible corporates and a proactive government.

"It is therefore imperative for all of us to wake up to the real challenges facing the inhabitants of our planet and make this Earth Day meaningful: It is no longer about a fancy day, but about adopting a perpetual lifestyle that takes care of the Earth," concluded the Dubai-based daily.

Source :WAM