Go for greener cities!
Countries around the world celebrated Earth Day 2014 with the theme ‘Green Cities’ which calls for urban communities to adhere to greener and clean-fuel run public transportation systems.
The celebrations of the 44th edition of Earth Day encouraged urban cities to resort to more eco-friendly vehicles. In this way, the world is making an effort to address the pressing effects of climate change.
Earth Day was first advocated by US senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 after an oil spill incident in California which made worldwide awareness on the importance of conserving the world’s natural resources.
Earth Day is celebrated in more than 192 countries each year.
US Calls For Greener Cities Around The World
Projecting that 5.2 billion people will live in the world’s urban communities by 2050, the US highlighted the need for cities to address the effects of climate change.
US Secretary John Kerry said this year’s Earth Day focus is cities.
“How the world’s cities respond to our climate change challenge will make a huge difference.” – Secretary Kerry
Secretary Kerry noted that the Department of State is committed to doing its part to help bring about greener cities around the world.
The US is working to deploy renewable energy technologies; build recycling infrastructure; safeguard wildlife, forests and wetlands; and help communities better protect their water resources.
Mankind Experiencing Effects Of Change In Climate
Secretary Kerry said the impacts of climate change are here and now.
There are undeniable and increased events like those that scientists have long predicted, particularly extreme droughts, that hammer crop production, forcing farmers out of business and driving up grocery bills.
In addition, countries have suffered gravely because of more intense floods and storm surges, causing billions in property damage. He said the coasts are swiftly eroding, rendering home after home uninhabitable or uninsurable as well.