India takes action to fight climate change

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 every year to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment.

On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the Earth Day Network is helping organize and support many programs throughout India.

These programs are part of a worldwide effort involving citizens in more than 190 countries around the globe who are taking action for Earth Day to fight climate change and build a global green economy.  Events all over the world range from tree plantings and school greenings to environmental rallies, performances by known artists and community dialogues with elected officials. 

More than one billion people are taking action for Earth Day to fight climate change and build a global green economy. 

"Forty years after the first Earth Day, we are galvanizing people across the globe around this milestone to take action for the environment and find solutions to climate change," said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network. "Citizens around the world aim to bring the issue of climate change to the forefront of the global consciousness," she added.

Karuna Singh, Country Director - India, Earth Day Network, said, "This is the first time that Earth Day Network is helping organize activities in India at such a large scale.  It is heartening to see how many people as well as organizations have readily come forward to do something for Planet Earth.  Earth Day Network looks forward to continuing to work with them to build on the momentum already created by the 40th Anniversary celebrations."

Through the Global Day of Conversation program, Earth Day Network is working with more than 200 mayors and locally-elected officials and their constituents in more than 39 countries to discuss and exchange ideas on the issues of climate change and community sustainability. Spotlight countries hosting a Global Day of Conversation include Morocco, Iceland, Mexico and Armenia. 

For the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, Earth Day Network is coordinating several educational and awareness building programs in various parts of India.

Today, on April 22, 2010, nature walks for children will be organized by WWF in 14 cities of India. In each city there will be a Nature Trail followed by an activity for marginalized children to sensitize children to the wealth of biodiversity around them and connecting them to the planet is the objective.  Key cities where these will be held are Guwahati, Assam; Kolkata, West Bengal; Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh; Bhubaneswar, Orissa; Shimla, Himachal Pradesh; Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Bangalore, Karnataka; Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is organizing nationwide Paper Bag making campaign.  TERI will be distributing the paper bags in markets and the shop owners will be encouraged to use these and not plastic bags.  School children too will take part in this campaign and one class period across India will be designated when schools will encourage their children to make the bags. 

Apart from this, TERI will also be organizing Climate Change Quiz, Story Telling Competition on environmental wisdom, painting competition on saving Yamuna, Inter-school dance competition on spirit of life in consonance and harmony with five natural elements.

This Earth Day, Sanctuary and the program Kids for Tigers plan to remind elders across all Indian cities that they join hands to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of kids and not foist environmental nightmares on them. 

In Mumbai, Sanctuary Asia will host a "Birthday Party for Mother Earth" and children will attend fun-filled events that provide enjoyment, and at the same time, help them focus on the necessity to protect planet Earth. 

At New Delhi, in partnership with the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, Development Alternatives, the Earth Day grand finale will see hundreds of teachers and students participating in various activities.  including nature walks, bird watching, ecosystem walks, simple biodiversity mapping, music, theatre, painting, photography, etc.