CHANGE STARTS

IAM a 78-year-old retired teacher. Last week, I welcomed my 18th grandchild, a healthy baby boy weighing 2.87kg, with joy and gratitude. But I can’t help but feel concerned about his future and that of his generation.

On Saturday, the world commemorated International Earth Day 2017, where people in 193 countries showed their support for environmental protection.

Eco-activists intensified their call for policymakers to make decisions that balanced socio-economic needs with environmental ones, and governments made pledges for sustainable development. Events were held to celebrate the day, and brands took the opportunity to hold marketing campaigns to position themselves as “green” and nature-loving.

At my age, I’ve seen a lot and been through a lot more.

With all the eco-friendly talk over the weekend, I wonder if we are doing enough. Yes, agreements have been signed and pledges made by heads of government (the Paris Agreement was signed last year on Earth Day, putting into force the 2015 United Nations climate protection treaty aimed at reducing global warming). That was indeed a historic step towards combating climate change.

While we are undoubtedly

MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2017