Today countries all around the word celebrate Earth Day.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, which was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin.

This day is usually highlighted by events such as tree plantings, land and sea clean ups and awareness seminars educating on the topics of climate change, conservation and the like.

In a statement, Minister of the Environment and Housing Kenred Dorsett expressed the importance of spreading the message of environmental awareness to the people of The Bahamas.

The message he said is not only vital to the preservation of the planet, but it is of the utmost importance to The Bahamas.

“Our environment sustains our lives and livelihoods. In The Bahamas we have created a world class industry based on our sun, sand and seas. In addition to our sun, sand and seas we also have great landscapes, beautiful marine life, coral reefs, blue holes, indigenous trees, flowering plants and wetlands,” Dorsett said.

He explained that Bahamians are blessed and in order for future generations to be fortunate enough to enjoy the environment, Bahamians must change those human habits which harm or aid in the destruction of the environment.

“Recognizing what the environment means to The Bahamas, the government has advanced policies and initiatives aimed at promoting conservation and alternative energy use tariffs have eliminated on inverters for solar panels, solar panels, LED bulbs and LED appliances. We have entered a joint venture agreement to bring remediation and recycling to the New Providence Landfill,” Dorsett said.

He indicated that the government announced the energy sector reform policy which includes the government’s commitment to 30 per cent renewable energy use by 2030 and reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels for energy generation.

“We have also joined organizations aimed at assisting in the deployment of renewable energy use namely, the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Carbon War Room. Most recently legislation was passed allowing for grid tie in for persons and businesses generating energy through solar and wind technologies,” he said.

This year’s theme for the international Earth Day is ‘It’s Our Turn to Lead’.

According to Dorsett the theme represents a call for all citizens around the world to ensure that world leaders do their part to make real commitments and changes to positively affect the fight against climate change.
“Bahamians can and should follow suit, understanding that our beloved country is greatly susceptible to climate change,” Dorsett said.

The first Earth Day which was celebrated in America in 1970 and is said to have “led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passing of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts”.

The aim of Earth Day is to bring awareness to the importance of environmental protection and conservation.

Since its 1970 beginning, the commemoration of Earth Day has spread to more than and 190 countries around the world including our beautiful Bahamas.