Earth Day, April 22, is the annual U.S. celebration of the environment and a time for Americans to assess the work still needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet. Earth Day has no central organizing force behind it, though several nongovernmental organizations work to keep track of the thousands of local events in schools and parks that mark the day. It affirms that environmental awareness is part of the country's consciousness and that the idea of protecting the environment -- once the province of a few conservationists -- has moved from the extreme to the mainstream of American thought.          (complete text)

NEWS ARTICLES

• Celebrate Earth Day!
• Introduction; Origin of Earth Day; Activities on Earth Day
• State Department’s 2008 Earth Day Commemoration
• Timeline of Environmental Progess

  

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2007 EARTH DAY REVIEW

• President Bush Commemorates Earth Day 2007, Calls for Good Stewardship of Land and Oceans
• Remarks at 2007 Earth Day International Art Contest Awards Ceremony
• Fact Sheet: Earth Day 2007
• Small Environmental Groups Can Make a Big Difference
• Canada Joins Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking

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PHOTO GALLERY

Sustaining Natural Wealth Natural resources are the land, water, flora and fauna (biota), minerals and energy resources that make up the Earth’s interactive biosphere. These abundant natural resources require good management to ensure they remain for future generations, especially today, when human population is the largest in history.

The Greening of U.S. Colleges and Universities

Almost 500 U.S. college and university presidents have signed pledges to develop comprehensive plans for their institutions to achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible. In the meantime, they are taking tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gases. Student demand has led more universities to develop “green” academic programs and to become more mindful of the environmental effects of their actions, from their food purchases to the way they manage their endowments. 

Climate Change and Clean Energy

The Earth's climate system is a complex, interactive process made up of the atmosphere, land, snow and ice, oceans and living things. Two factors change the atmosphere -- natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and human-induced increases in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

    

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POSTER

• Earth Day 2008 Poster   (PDF)

 

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PUBLICATIONS

The Greening of Corporations This issue of eJournal USA delves into what those familiar with the history of the environmental movement in the United States might see as a surprising trend — the way U.S. corporations in recent years have embraced environmentally friendly ways of doing business. What prompts a corporation to “go green”?

Shared Oceans, Shared Future

Humankind has explored, mapped, developed, or settled all but the most hostile corners of Earth's landmass. But our understanding of the oceans —more than 70 percent of Earth's surface— remains highly limited. We know more about the contours of Mars than those of the oceans' floors.

Protecting the Environment

The United States has made remarkable progress over the past 30 years in reducing pollution and protecting the environment within its borders. Statistics help tell the story. During this time, the U.S. economy grew by 187 percent, population grew by 39 percent, and energy consumption increased by 47 percent, yet air pollution decreased by 48 percent. In 2002, 94 percent of Americans were served by community water systems that met all health-based standards, up from 79 percent of the population in 1993.

Growing in Courage: Stories for Young Readers

What is children’s or young adult literature? The answer is: Any story or characters created for an audience under adult age. Usually, members of this audience are beginning to face choices and issues that will determine their future — their work, their relationships, their standing in the community. These young readers also are developing the skills and traits that will turn them into responsible, productive adults. The best of young adult literature deals with these concerns.

Rachel Carson: Pen Against Poison

Rachel Carson was a quiet woman who stirred extraordinary controversy that persists decades after her death. Her 1962 book Silent Spring brought worldwide attention to the harm to human health and the environment wrought by mishandling of a powerful pesticide, fomenting the environmental movement. In the 100th anniversary year of Carson's birth, this publication examines how occasionally in history a book with a powerful idea can bring about peaceful but dramatic change in a democratic society.

   

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USEFUL LINKS

• World Wildlife Fund
• Earth Day Network
• EarthDay.gov
• America.gov: Protecting our Natural Resources
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Army 
• Natural Resources Conservation Service 
• Climate Change: The Kyoto Protocol and International Actions, January 24, 2007, 17 pages.