International Mother Earth Day (22 April) at a glance. By Kim, Flint Lab Inc.Updated April 22, 2018 Ⅰ. About Earth Day A woman harvests rice by hand in Timor-Leste. © UN Photo/Martine Perret. Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit. The Earth and its ecosystems are our home. In order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth. International Mother Earth Day is celebrated to remind each of us that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance. This Day also recognizes a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity. International Mother Earth Day provides an opportunity to raise public awareness around the world to the challenges regarding the well-being of the planet and all the life it supports. (Source: http://www.un.org/en/events/motherearthday/) ····· Ⅱ. Earth Day around the Globe Across the globe, millions of people take part in Earth Day. According to the Earth Day Network, one of the largest activist bodies organizing Earth Day events, people celebrate by holding marches, planting trees, meeting with local representatives, and cleaning up their local environments. The theme of 2018's Earth Day celebration is plastics—specifically how to decrease their unwanted impacts on our environment. What was perhaps set in place in the mid-20th century when plastic was manufactured on a large scale has come back to haunt us. (Source: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/04/earth-day-then-now-history-science-spd/) ····· Ⅲ. Earth Day in Korea'The 10th Week of Climate Change' The Ministry of Environment of Korea has declared 'The 10th Week of Climate Change' from April 18th to 24th and held an event for 10 minutes of lights-out from 8 pm on the 22nd. Everyone from 8 pm featuring climate change and the preciousness of the earth was held nationwide on Earth Day. At 8 pm, the lights of N Seoul Tower disappeared for 10 minutes. Seoul, Jamsil Lotte World, Busan Tower, Gwangan Bridge, Busan International Finance Center, etc. The slogan of this year's Earth Day is 'Let's Stop the Plastic Pollution.' The Earth Day Network, responsible for the implementation of the plan, claims that "Plastic waste of up to 300 billion tons per year is polluting the ocean and hurting marine life, which is disturbing human hormones and threatening the survival of our planet." Korea has designated a week before and after Earth Day on April 22, 2009 as a "Climate Change Week", and held national events to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This year, it induced the autonomous participation by turning off the lights of main house lighting, TV, computers as well as major buildings, towers, and bridges. (Source: http://view.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2018042310014630357)
