“We must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and existential threat of climate disruption.” [1]
– UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
The world celebrates the International Mother Earth Day on April 22 of every year, the origins of this day go back to 1969; which witnessed massive destruction and damage caused by the oil spill in Santa Barbara, more than 20 million people took it to the streets in a peaceful procession in support for the earth and the environment.
Following this incident, 22 of April has marked the International Mother Earth Day to refocus the world’s attention on the need to protect the environment in order to keep it healthy for current and future generations. [2]
Although more than 190 countries agree to mark the International Mother Earth Day, harmful practices against the environment and the atmosphere continue to threaten the safety and stability of the planet. [2] [3]
This has led to consequences such as global warming and climate change that caused damage to the living organisms, thereby adversely affecting the temperatures of the seas, oceans, and the Earth’s interior; all of which portend environmental disasters we might not be able to bear in the future, such as the spread of viruses and the emergence of new species.
Perhaps the best way to keep the earth safe and guarantee a better future for the upcoming generations is to encourage positive behaviors and promote awareness-raising and environmental education. In order to achieve that, we need to inspire people to defend and protect the environment, by highlighting the importance of human biodiversity and its significant role in preventing the rapid spread of many diseases.
However, in spite of the efforts to achieve that, biodiversity continues to deteriorate throughout the world, and at unprecedented rates in human history. It is estimated that more than one million species of animals and plants are threatened with extinction.
In conclusion:
Countries must protect their ecosystems, which support all forms of life on earth; the healthier our ecosystems, the healthier the earth and its population, as restoring our affected ecosystems help end poverty, combat climate change, and prevent mass extinction. [3]
Through our initiative and on this special day, let us all remember the importance of our role in protecting the earth from all damage to its safety and stability, and that we urgently need to transform into a more sustainable economy that works for the benefit of society and the planet.
♀️ Uplifting Syrian Women Initiative aims at sustainable peace building in Syria through targeting women and providing them with free online courses, workshops, discussion sessions and trainings, with a view to achieving the goals of Gender Equality, Quality Education and Decent Work and Economic Growth, which all fall into the interest of society as a whole and serve the purpose of rebuilding it.