It’s been 50 years since the first Earth Day. Somehow, even after 50 years of continuing environmental degradation of our planet, the lofty ideals of the environmental movement got mired in the political realities of an increasingly divided nation.
Environmentalists cannot convince opponents of even the most basic facts of climate science. Many in our country simply choose to ignore scientific knowledge or to look away from the growing evidence that the house of creation is — sometimes literally — on fire. Opponents can’t even find a common language to discuss the issues.
We’ve got a solution to propose. On this unusual Earth Day anniversary, let’s find new ways to celebrate our common humanity and work together to solve the world’s most wicked challenges. Perhaps COVID-19 has something to teach us: we cannot afford to stand idly by as the signs of impending calamity move toward our shores. We share this fragile planet, and we simply have to find ways to work together.
