Earth Day turns 50: How do you look after your own health and the planet's in a pandemic? Photo / Supplied
Earth Day turns 50: How do you look after your own health and the planet's in a pandemic? Photo / Supplied
Since 1970 every April 22 has been a day for looking at our place on the planet and calling for positive change. A spin-off from the student protests of 1968-69, the "Earth Day" movement called for international unity around environmental causes.
However, as "Earth Day" turns 50, the world hasbeen met by another challenge no one could have foreseen. On top of man-made climate change and plastic pollution we have a global pandemic to contend with.
The coronavirus has smothered the voices and plans of environmentalists looking to mark the half century.
You can't very well have a million-man march AND maintain social distancing.
Last Friday the Earth Day network announced a rapid rerouting of plans which had been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Although many events would have to be cancelled for the health and safety of participants, today will still be marked by a 24-hour call to action.
Earth Day president Kathleen Rogers said: "We find ourselves today in a world facing global threats that demand a unified global response."
To do that, this year Earth Day is going online.
The movement is now encouraging activists to make their voices heard, donate and join online petitions, so that, even during a global lockdown they might be able to match the 20 million participants who registered for the 1970s events.
In spite of the current restriction of movement in many countries, as a global movement Earth Day has been inspiring campaigns around the world. Perhaps the most obvious at the moment is the call for a "clean air movement" in India.
The mountains appear on the Indian skyline, in some places for the first time in 30 years. Photo / Frank Bienewald; Supplied, Twitter TJ Singh
The national shutdown last month has transformed Indian cities and even rural skylines.
Particularly in northern India, smog has been lifting. Photos of the Himalayan peaks appearing for the first time in decades went viral on social media.
New Delhi, the most congested capital in the world, has been celebrating what residents have described as "alpine weather". Just six months ago the city's smog was so bad that politicians called for a ban on Diwali fireworks.
Almost overnight, the effect of 18 million people sheltering in place has turned the sky blue and revealed buildings many New Delhi residents barely knew existed.
"The current crisis has shown us that clear skies and breathable air can be achieved very fast if concrete action is taken to reduce burning of fossil fuels," Sunil Dahiya told reporters at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
Photos of the India Gate memorial in New Delhi, taken weeks apart. Photo / Via AP
Many Indian environmentalists are hopeful that after the lifting of lockdown, a "clean air movement" will encourage residents to protect and cherish the cleaner, breathable air.
Earth Day has taken these examples to show that a response to pollution and man-made climate damage can take place even during these unprecedented times.
"Whether it be coronavirus or our global climate crisis, we cannot shut down," said Kathleen Rogers.
"Instead, we must shift our energies and efforts to new ways to mobilise the world to action"
"We encourage people to rise up but to do so safely and responsibly — in many cases, that means using our voices to drive action online rather than in person"
Ways to participate in Earth Day at home
During a pandemic, looking after the health of others is as important as acting for environmental health.
However you can use the lockdown period to reset and emerge with habits that are better for you and for the planet.
Read a book Sorry Netflix fans, running streaming servers for video and even music is especially energy-inefficient. Instead, limit screen time and try turning over a new leaf with a good book.
Supplement your meat If you're trying to avoid doing too many grocery shops, buying more veg and less fresh meat could help save the planet too. Dried or tinned vegetables and pulses keep for ages as well as adding bulk and variety to meals.
Take up an eco-friendly pastime Earth Day Network offers a range of time-killing and planet saving tool kits to help you do your part. Go online find tool kits for invasive species clean-ups and building bee hotels.
Start a garden exchange While taking care to observe safe social distancing, a food exchange can help minimise waste and enrich your table and gardens. Use neighbourhood apps like Facebook, Nextdoor or OfferUp.
