Worldwatch Calls for Environmental Protection Before Earth DayThe recent decision by the U.S. government to favor fossil fuel interests over the need to protect a healthy environment will turn Earth Day on Sunday, April 22 into a day of mourning, says a Worldwatch researcher.Worldwatch Institute President Christopher Flavin says the question facing the world on Earth Day is whether in the face of failed U.S. leadership, the global community can nonetheless band together to forge a healthier, sustainable future. The alternative is to risk a downward spiral of ecological and economic decline. "If the world is to avoid even darker Earth Days in the future, we must use this year's event to make a new commitment to achieving a healthy and sustainable world." says Flavin. The president of Worldwatch, a Washington, DC-based environmental research organization, says that countries other than the U.S. will have to seize the mantle of leadership on environmental issues. Europe, Japan, and others will need to adopt and ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, accelerating efforts to build an efficient energy system based on renewable fuels like solar energy and wind power. And individuals should take responsibility for reducing their own environmental "footprint" by eating less meat, driving less, and conserving energy at home. "We must all take responsibility for turning the tide before it's too late." says Flavin. |
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