Helping Hands
Fifty years ago, in 1970, organizers planned the very first Earth Day. That day sparked a global movement aimed at protecting the health of the planet. Today, we focus on global health and the well-being of the people who depend on its systems.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, the world is rallying around another global effort – to protect the health of citizens from the novel coronavirus.
Amidst this pandemic, we find ourselves grappling with immense economic repercussions, supply shortages, the upending of childcare and education systems, hunger, and a significant emotional toll.
But we are also seeing an enormous outpouring of support for each other – of finding ways to help one another in our communities. From grassroots activities like citizen mask-making and victory gardens to organizations sharing information on how to access business loans, to manufacturers transitioning production lines for needed goods, bearing witness to this level of engagement is truly inspiring. And it illustrates the kind of collective impact we can have when we all work together.
While we continue to adapt and innovate during this disruptive time, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, let us think too to the future, and how our individual actions can result in collective impact.
From climate change to air and water pollution, ensuring the protection of the planetary systems that sustain us is up to all of us. Individual actions are important; and real impact is possible when we work together.