 |
Earth Day--April 22, 2004
"The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and
realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for
destruction."
Rachel Carson, from "The Real World Around Us,"
1954
|
|
Hurricane Linda, located west of Mexico, pictured on September 9, 1997 in an
image captured by a Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite operated
by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and built by
NASA. (Photo by NASA/GSFC/NOAA/USGS)
|
|
- As a result of human activity, the current rate of species extinction is 100
to 1000 times the natural rate.
- Worldwide, wetlands—among our planet's most fragile ecosystems—have been
reduced by 50 percent.
- Annually, illegal trade in plants, animals, and products made from these
species is a $10 billion industry.
- About 4 billion trees are cut down every year. From 1990-95, there was a net
global forest loss of 112,600 square kilometers per year (equal to 33 soccer
fields per minute).
- Rainforests are home to about half the Earth's 5 to 10 million plant and
animal species. 78 million acres of rainforest are destroyed each year—an area
larger than Poland.
- Approximately 40 percent of the world's remaining frontier forest is under
moderate or high threat.
|
Earth Week in Grand Central Terminal
Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal
Mon., April 19-Sun., April 25
This
weeklong festival, featuring art, music, and exhibits, will begin with a
display of giant earth images and messages in Grand Central Terminal. On April
24-25, there will be activities from earth-friendly companies and live
performances.
Earth Day Fair in Central Park
The Great Hill, 106th St. and Central Park West
Sat., April 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the Earth Day Fair with fun and educational
activities, live music, an "Organic Fashions" show, arts and crafts, lawn
games, food, special tours, and more. Call (212) 860-1370 for information.
The Fourth Annual Gowanus Earth Day Flotilla Spring Clean-Up
Historic Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn
Sat., April 24, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Kayakers and canoers will join the urban divers and the Gowanus dredgers for
this annual Earth Day cleanwater action event. See
www.geocities.com/submergefestival/gowanusearthday for more information.
Amazing Bronx River Flotilla
Concrete Plant Park: Westchester Ave. and Edgewater Rd., the Bronx
Sat., April 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Paddle along the Bronx River or watch from the banks. To register for the
flotilla or for further information or more detailed directions, call the
flotilla hotline: (718) 430-4665.
Starbucks Eighth Annual Earth Day in Morningside Park
114th St. and Manhattan Ave.
Sun.,
April 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Come help
green up and clean up the park by painting and planting. Refreshments will be
served. Kids will enjoy a petting zoo and art mural project.
|
|
|
- More than 20 percent of all the carbon dioxide that is being added to the
atmosphere through human activities is the result of deforestation.
- Since 1950, the global use of water has more than tripled. 19 countries in
the world are labeled as "water stressed." More of these countries are in
Africa than in any other region.
- By 2025, it is predicted that 3.5 billion people worldwide will experience
water shortages.
- More than 1 billion people in the world do not have access to safe water.
More than 3 million people in the world die each year as a result of
preventable water-related diseases.
- Rainwater runoff from city streets may contain metals, oil, and other
pollutants. Once these substances contaminate groundwater, it is very
difficult and expensive to clean it up.
- Worldwide, dam construction has displaced between 40 and 80 million people.
SOURCE: Earth Day Network
|
