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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Today countries around that world will observe April 22nd as Earth Day.
This year marks the 46th anniversary of Earth Day which was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a former US Senator from Wisconsin. The first Earth Day which was celebrated in America in 1970 and is said to have “led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passing of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts”. The aim of Earth Day is to bring awareness to the importance of environmental protection and conservation. Since its 1970 beginning, the commemoration of Earth Day has spread to over one hundred and ninety (190) countries around the world including our beautiful Bahamas.
The theme for Earth Day 2016 is 'Trees For The Earth'. We all should be aware of the important role that trees play in the process of life. Trees provide human beings with the oxygen we need to survive while absorbing carbon dioxide from the earth. They can also provide food, beauty and better our psychological well being. This past March, to commemorate Forestry Week, a tree was planted at the Anatol Rodgers High School. I encourage other schools, businesses and homeowners around the country to follow suit for Earth Day in an effort to do their part to save the earth from the adverse impact of green house gas emissions and climate change.
Although our contribution to global emissions is negligible, we are amongst the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change. Therefore, we must do what is necessary to ensure that we can collectively strike a blow in the fight to save our planet.
Our environment sustains our lives and livelihoods. In The Bahamas we have been blessed with the most picturesque landscapes and useful natural resources. They must be zealously safeguarded for the sustainable development of our country and the enjoyment of our grandchildren and their children.
Recognizing what the environment means to the future of The Bahamas and Bahamians the government has pass legislation, advanced policies and initiatives aimed at promoting conservation and alternative energy use tariffs have eliminated on inverters for solar panels, solar panels, LED bulbs and LED appliances. Recycling is now a reality in the country on a large scale. We announced the energy sector reform policy included in which is the government's commitment to 30% renewable energy use by 2030 and reducing our country's dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation. We have also joined organizations aimed at assisting in the deployment of renewable energy use namely: the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Carbon War Room. Legislation has been passed allowing for grid tie in for persons and businesses generating energy through solar and wind technologies. We have also entered into an agreement with Power Secure for the management of BEC now BPL with a view to reduce the cost of electricity and lessen our carbon footprint among other things. The Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority was established to expand and maintain the public parks of the country and the Government has agreed the declaration of the National Forest Estate. In 2015, it was also announced that the Government has designated 7.5 million acres of near shore marine environment as Marine Protected Areas.
This Earth Day, let us all reflect on how we can better serve the Earth. Let us all curb those human habits that hinder its preservation. This is one endeavour which requires all of us to do whatever we can starting with the planting of one tree.
Happy Earth Day!
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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