For over 50 years, April 22nd has served as Earth Day, the first being celebrated on April 22nd, 1970. It has grown into a worldwide celebration with national and international events held throughout the week in over 190 countries. More than a billion people every year take time to increase awareness of environmental concerns; with digital technology added to the mix, messages can spread globally. Earthday.org leads the coordination of events relating to Earth Week.
This year’s theme for Earth Day is Restore Our Earth, which is meant to focus not only on reducing the impact we have on the planet as we begin to recover from the impact of Covid-19 but also on how we can repair the damage we have already done.
“We must look at natural processes, green technologies, and innovative thinking that can make a lasting and transformative impact to restore our Earth,” - Kathleen Rogers, president of EarthDay.org.
Let’s take a look at some events that took place during the celebration of Earth Week 2021.
Leaders Summit on Climate – April 22nd – 23rd 2021
President Joe Biden of the United States held a virtual Leaders Summit that was lived streamed for public viewing over two days. Those in attendance included leaders and representatives from international organizations, businesses, subnational government, indigenous communities, and heads of state and government. Discussions were held on tackling the climate crisis, with the United States aiming to reduce emissions by 50-52 percent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
Times Higher Education: Impact Rankings 2021
The only global performance tables that assess a university's level of contribution to meeting the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The rankings are based on research, outreach, teaching, and stewardship. The University of Sydney was ranked 2nd at the global level and 1st at the national level, achieving best scores in goals 9, 11, 12, and 17. Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where our current social impact intern is pursuing her studies ranked 85th at the global level and in the top 10 at the national level, achieving best scores in goals 2, 6, 11, and 17.
The Return of the Jaguars in Argentina
Kristine Tompkins, president, and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation, has led rewilding and conservation efforts for over 25 years. This month, Juruna, a jaguar who was left orphaned at the hand of poachers in Brazil, was released along with her two cubs to enjoy the rest of their lives in the Iberá Wetlands in Corrientes, Argentina. The jaguar is symbolic of the local heritage, and Kris and her team have worked alongside local and national authorities to bring them back to the region. The species was driving to almost local extinction through hunting and habitat loss. Still, the release of Juruna and her cubs marks a step forward in the efforts to restore the jaguar population in the region.
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Author: Francesca Savino is a graduate student from Owasso, Oklahoma, studying at the School of Global Studies and Partnerships at Oklahoma State University. She is passionate about international trade and global supply chain management. Francesca is currently acting as a social impact intern at One10.