Earth Day 2021, an Urgent Call for Daily Action

April 22nd marks International Mother Earth Day. It reminds us about the importance of shifting to a more sustainable economy that works for the people and the planet. As the global attention focuses on the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, this is the best time to switch to the path of sustainable development. One of the lessons learned from the pandemic is that COVID-19 recovery and climate action go side-by-side.

On the other hand, the connection between biodiversity loss and health risks. A 2015 publication by the World Health Organization would highlight the following: “Human activities are disturbing both the structure and functions of ecosystems and altering native biodiversity. Such disturbances reduce the abundance of some organisms, cause population growth in others, modify the interactions among organisms, and alter the interactions between organisms and their physical and chemical environments. Patterns of infectious diseases are sensitive to these disturbances. Major processes affecting infectious disease reservoirs and transmission include deforestation; land-use change; water management e.g. through dam construction, irrigation, uncontrolled urbanization or urban sprawl; resistance to pesticide chemicals used to control certain disease vectors; climate variability and change; migration and international travel and trade; and the accidental or intentional human introduction of pathogens.”

The lesson here is that if we don’t stop doing all of the above mentioned, there’s a chance for future pandemics.

“We heedlessly plunder the Earth’s resources, deplete its wildlife, and treat air, land, and seas as dumping grounds. Crucial ecosystems and food chains are being pushed to the brink of collapse”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message to mark International Mother Earth Day.

Meanwhile, the UN debated on Monday how best to build “an equitable and sustainable future” for all, through enhanced education and climate action.
On the other hand, NASA is holding a variety of educational and fun activities to engage people of all ages in matters related to Earth Day. The event that runs until April 24th is available both in English and Spanish.
Currently, there’s a need for making climate issues part of education systems and school curricula and to engage people in taking action towards sustainable development.

The Entrepreneurship Campus supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by empowering learners and innovators of all ages with entrepreneurial skills. The Campus invites all the people from the age of 13 and up who want to contribute to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to consider sustainable entrepreneurship as the path to create a better world. Everyone can have the potential for entrepreneurship. Thus, the sooner one discovers that potential the more time one will have to help achieve the 2030 Agenda and combat climate change. Take action with a simple idea. The Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition welcomes your vision expressed in ideas and projects. Join now.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash
Prince Regent National Park, Australia