International Mother Earth Day ‎

As representatives of more than 170 countries gathered at the United Nations in New York on April 22 to sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the world body marked International Mother Earth Day on the theme “Trees for the Earth”, launching a project to plant 7.8 billion trees over the next five years for a healthy planet for future generations. 

In a message for the annual observance, UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon noted that the Paris Climate Change Agreement, in conjunction with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, holds the power to transform our world, bringing hope of a better future for all.   “The momentum achieved by so many signatures on one day sends a clear signal of solidarity and resolve,” Ban said, urging the world to “unleash the full force of human ingenuity and ensure low-emission growth and improved climate resilience.”   He noted that small actions, such as making energy-efficient choices, stopping food wastage, reducing our carbon footprints and increasing our sustainable investments, multiplied by billions, will bring about dramatic change, bolstering the Paris Agreement and setting us on a trajectory to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Commenting on planting 7.8 billion trees over the next 5 years, the UN chief said each tree will help absorb harmful CO2 from the atmosphere, store water and filter pollutants for the benefit of all humanity.  As each tree plays its part in the biosphere, so should we as individuals who care about our planet and every living creature on it. A new future can be ours if we respect and invest in Mother Earth, Ban added.  (Source: UN)