On the recordApril 21, 2010
Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the annual global celebration of the bounty and natural wonders of our planet and a reminder of our individual and collective obligation to be good stewards of it. Managing our natural resources and minimizing the impact of human activity on the environment are both profound and fundamental responsibilities. The very survival of the human race depends upon our ability to effectively fulfill these responsibilities. Since April 22, 1970, people have gathered on this day to renew their commitment to making our planet greener and healthier, and to encourage their leaders to take action on critical environmental policy issues. We have made substantial progress since that first Earth Day, when twenty million eco-pioneers brought environmental protection to the forefront of the national consciousness. Their advocacy gave birth to the green movement and a green generation that has been critical in shaping our society. The green generation spearheaded community support for passage of the laws that we still rely on to improve the quality of the air we breathe, ensure the availability of clean drinking water, and protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems. But this struggle is not over. We continue to face significant environmental challenges, and as a nation, we must pursue policies that promote responsible stewardship here at home and provide leadership in the global arena as well.
