Proactive action needed to counter climate change

Earth Day 2021’s theme, ‘Restore the Earth,’ encapsulates the need for innovation and transformative climate education.

In the Philippines, the celebration had the theme ‘PINASiglang Mundo,’ which highlighted the ban on single-use plastics

Climate literacy and innovation were at the core of the 2021 Earth Day celebration on 22 April. This debunked the long-standing idea that mitigating and adapting will help solve the problem of climate change. Advancing from its general call for action on its 50th year anniversary in 2020, the largest civic event that started in 1970 specified that a proactive action to counter climate change includes educating the masses on climate situations and promoting innovative green technologies. Earth Day 2021’s theme, “Restore the Earth,” encapsulates the need for innovation and transformative climate education.

This is aligned with the United Nations (UN) declaration of 2011 to 2030 as the “Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.”

Three days of virtual events filled this year’s worldwide observance of Earth Day led by Earth.org.

The programs started with young climate advocates who huddled virtually for Global Youth Summit. This was followed by Hiphop Caucus’ “We Shall Breathe” protest and Education International’s “Teach for the Planet: Global Education Summit” with the participation of 32 million educators around the world.

Completing the programs was an online live event on Earth.org consisting of workshops, performances and calls to action. The topics covered focused on innovative ways to restore the planet’s ecosystem.

In the Philippines, the celebration had the theme “PINASiglang Mundo,” which highlighted the ban on singleuse plastics.

The webcast on the Climate Change Commission’s Facebook page started with “Jam for Earth” led by GMA artist Aicelle Santos.

Filipinos from different sectors also participated on “My Earth Day Pledge” and #WalangPlastikanChallenge.

House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda conducted “Stories for a Better Normal” where lawmakers huddled to discuss effective policy-making to address climate issues.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FOREIGNPOLICY.COM EARTH Day is the world’s largest civic event to call for environmental action.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/BANUU EARTH’S restoration can be achieved through climate education and innovation.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF EARTHDAY.ORG FIRST Earth Day protest.