The date of Earth Day, April 22, stems from an earlier observance, Arbor Day. Arbor Day (or Arbour; from the Latin arbor, meaning tree) is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. The most common practice on Arbor Day was the planting of trees. Today, to celebrate Earth Day is still to plant new trees.
On April 22, 2016 – the U.S. and China will both sign and join the global agreement to combat climate change. President Obama and President Xi Jinping announced that they will both sign the Paris Agreement.
Earth’s Day Global 2016 Theme: Trees for the Earth.
Why Trees?
- Trees help to fight climate change and pollution.
- Trees help to protect biodiversity.
- Trees help to support communities, their local economies and their way of life.
Coincidentally, I was born on Earth Day. I am indeed honoured to share my birthday with Earth Day.
How should I celebrate?
- Go paperless.
- Care for trees, plants and animals.
- Learn more about the environment.
- Grow your own food (or buy local, seasonal and environmentally friendly food).
- Stop drinking bottled water.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle.
- Save energy and water.
On Earth Day, I wish that the beauty of the earth brings joy to your heart. Let us strive together to make our earth more beautiful. You don’t have to wait for Earth Day to show your love for Mother Earth we call home. May we treat her with more kindness, respect and love. Remember that every day is Earth Day. You can make a difference. You can plant a tree today.
Here’s wishing you a Happy Earth Day!
“The cultivation of flowers and trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful and the ennobling in man, and for one, I wish to see this culture become universal.”
– Julius Sterling Morton – Founder of Arbor Day (April 22, 1832 – April 27, 1902)