50 Years of Earth Day

While the world struggles against a microbial menace, nature itself is under attack from the deliberate and steady overthrow by the Trump administration of environmental regulations, some in place for decades.

People across the world logged onto their computers to follow along with livestreams and join virtual meetings to take part in the annual Earth Day, dedicated to protecting our common planetary home.

Celebrating Earth Day, which fell during the "Easter season of renewal, let us pledge to love and esteem the beautiful gift of the earth, our common home, and to care for all members of our human family," he said during his livestreamed weekly general audience from the Vatican.

"Today is Earth Day and that reminds us.. we need to tackle both the corona pandemic ... at the same time as we tackle climate and environmental emergency."  

Commentary: Thirty years ago, an impatient younger me thought it would take no more than 5 to 10 years to get people to "wake up." With the hindsight of these decades, I weep for the lost opportunities and the destruction already baked into the system.

Commentary: From the first Earth Day in 1970 to the new millennium, Catholic sisters have creatively focused their mission on the ecological justice issues they've encountered in their ministries to God's people.

Commentary: How can we celebrate Earth Day in the midst of all this? How can any of us carry on like normal? We don't have to. In fact, we shouldn't be trying to carry on like normal. Not now. Not later. Not ever.

An estimated 20 million Americans took part in the first Earth Day in 1970. Scattered among them were many Catholics and people of faith, and EarthBeat hears some of their stories, 50 years later.

Just as the present crisis demands foresight and prompt action, climate change demands that we respond now to avert future catastrophe.

Burning Question: How can I participate in Earth Day 2020?