Gaurav Singh

It will be 40 years tomorrow since the day April 22 was devoted to create awareness, restoration and appreciation of the abused planet.

It all started in 1970 by the contributions of Gaylord Nelson, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, and David Hayes, national coordinator of the first Earth Day, along with 20 million Americans. The grassroots effort included activists, students and ordinary people who stood up against exploitation of the planet and pollution of its natural resources. Pre-1970 contributions of environmentalists and activists, such as Ralph Nader, William Douglas, and Rachel Carson, led to the “uprising” resulting in such ramification on the first Earth Day.

The date of April 22 was chosen for various reasons but mainly for its convinience because by April 22, Spring has already set in with warmer and comfortable weather for maximum participation and maximum impact. This day also falls on or around birthdays of famous environmentalists: St. Francis of Assisi, John Muir, and Julius Sterling Morton.

The effect of Earth Day since its birth has resonated through various changes in our everyday life. People are better educated on environmental preservation; recycling and waste reduction has increased; governments are preserving open spaces, wilderness, and ecosystems; corporations are promoting greener images through use of renewable energy, garbage recycling and using newer technology to reduce industrial pollutants from the factories. Over billion people in 190 countries take part in Earth Day activities “making it the largest secular civic event in the world.” [Earth Day Network]

“The Power of Earth Day in America” by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)

written by admin \\ tags: 1970, April 22, Arbor Day, David Hayes, Earth Day, Earth Day Network, ecosystem, environment, Gaylord Nelson, green, industrial waste, John Muir, Julius Sterling Morton, planet, pollution, Preservation, Rachel Carson, Ralph Nader, recycling, renewable energy, Saint Francis of Assisi, Sierra Club, Silent Spring, sustainability, toxic, William Douglas

While the rest of the world will be celebrating the Valentine’s Day, the few remaining tigers in the wild and preserves will be fighting for their survival as the Year of the Tiger begins on Sunday.

Estimated number is 3,000 wild tigers around the world, but the actual number might be lesser than that. Tigers are disappearing rapidly from their habitats in Asia due to poaching and diminishing forest cover, especially in China and India. India has 37 tiger reserves across the country but poaching is ever increasing because of strong demand of tiger body parts such as bones, hide and paws in China. The Chinese government banned the trade on tiger body parts way back in 1993, but the appetite for tiger parts has been on the rise, especially now for the year of the tiger.

The suppliers and consumers of the products made with tiger parts believe that tiger bones have the power to heal problems of old age and increase sexual performance. Business is booming and the prices soar up to $1,000 for a tiger paw and $20,000 for the hide.

The majestic animal might disappear altogether if poaching keeps increasing to supply such superstitious demands; the people linked with the heinous trade need to be educated. The government needs to adopt zero policy on tiger trade and use of body parts with stricter force, but the culture of using tiger parts for human consumption needs to be changed.

Did you know?
“Siberian (or Amur) Tigers, one of just five remaining tiger subspecies, are the world’s largest cats. They can grow up to 11 feet (3.5 meters) long and weigh up to 660 pounds (300 kilograms).” — National Geographic

Read more at The New York Times and other related articles.

written by admin \\ tags: Asia, ban, breeding, China, endangered, extinct, forest, hunting, India, parks, paws, poaching, reserves, superstitious, survival, tiger, trade, Valentine's Day, wild