Earth Day 2009!

[awakening2lite]

Happy Earth Day!!!

[awakening2lite]

http://cache.boston.com/images/blog/redesign/news/politicalIntelligence.gif (http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/)
< Back to Front Page (http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/) Text size – +
On Earth Day, Obama stresses clean energy (http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/04/on_earth_day_ob.html)


As President Obama marks Earth Day today by visiting a converted Maytag plant in Iowa to tout his clean energy agenda, his Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis sought to spread the word in an op-ed piece published in a half-dozen regional newspapers.
"This focus on jump-starting the creation of an American clean energy sector will be the foundation of the president’s energy policy," they wrote. "With the depletion of the world’s oil reserves and the growing disruption of our climate, the development of clean, renewable sources of energy is the growth industry of the 21st century.
"As part of this comprehensive policy, we must crack down on the corporations that pollute the water we drink and the air we breathe," they added. "Cracking down on these polluters in a real way will mean that we can finally tackle global warming and its potentially catastrophic effects – because ultimately, our approach to energy policy and combating the effects of global warming are two sides of the same coin."

The full op-ed -- which appeared in the Austin American-Statesman, Buffalo News, Denver Post, Montgomery Advertiser, Omaha World Herald, and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette -- is below.
In his official Earth Day proclamation, Obama stressed the need for action on global warming, as well as preserving America's natural resources. To read the proclamation, click here (http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009earthday.rel.pdf).
Vice President Joe Biden, meanwhile, announced $300 million in funding today from the stimulus package for state and local governments, and transit authorities to expand their fleets of clean, sustainable vehicles.

“For city and state governments across this country, every day is Earth Day thanks to the ambitious commitments they are making to green their vehicles and transit systems. Now it’s time for Washington to help them deliver on those promises,” Biden said in a statement. “From advanced battery cars to hybrid-electric city buses, we’re going put Recovery Act dollars to work deploying cleaner, greener vehicles in cities and towns across the nation that will cut costs, reduce pollution and create the jobs that will drive our economic recovery.”

Building the American Clean Energy Economy
By Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis

On April 22nd, people across the country and around the world will celebrate Earth Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of our natural resources and taking real action to make a difference. For decades, while Americans in towns and cities across the country have worked to make a difference in their communities, politicians in both parties in Washington have ignored the energy crisis, imperiling our economy, our security and our planet. Now, we have a unique and critical opportunity to attack the energy crisis head on and create a comprehensive energy policy that will bolster our economy, end our dependence on foreign oil and reduce the threat of deadly pollution that is devastating our planet.

During his first months in office, President Obama has already taken some important first strides toward those goals as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Recovery Act included billions of dollars to be invested in cities and states across the country to strengthen our clean energy industry and help restore America’s place at the forefront of the 21st century global economy.

Recently, we visited the Community College of Allegheny County in Pennsylvania where workers at the facility are being trained for the types of green jobs those Recovery Act dollars are funding. At the community college, these jobs range from the construction and facility upgrades of green buildings to the installation of energy-efficient street lights to conducting energy audits. In a booming clean energy sector, those jobs will range from research and development to skilled labor jobs like weatherizing to floor shifts at wind and solar facilities. And these are jobs that cannot be shipped overseas.

This focus on jump-starting the creation of an American clean energy sector will be the foundation of the president’s energy policy. With the depletion of the world’s oil reserves and the growing disruption of our climate, the development of clean, renewable sources of energy is the growth industry of the 21st century. Rather than sending billions overseas to pay for these new and developing energy technologies, President Obama believes we should invest those dollars here in American jobs and innovation. By developing a clean energy economy here at home, we will end our dependence on foreign oil and begin to make America truly energy independent. That’s not just an economic and environmental imperative, it’s also a national security imperative.

As part of this comprehensive policy, we must crack down on the corporations that pollute the water we drink and the air we breathe. Cracking down on these polluters in a real way will mean that we can finally tackle global warming and its potentially catastrophic effects – because ultimately, our approach to energy policy and combating the effects of global warming are two sides of the same coin.

We have an enormous, urgent environmental and economic task ahead of us, and it is one that we have ignored for far too long. If we are going to create clean energy industry jobs in this country, break the stranglehold that foreign oil has on our economy and punish the polluters who are devastating our natural resources, then we’ve got to be honest about the difficult tasks and tough choices ahead. It’s going to mean telling the special interests that their days of dictating energy policy in this country are over. It’s going to mean refusing to settle for the status quo and the same ineffective policies that have held us back for over 30 years, created price shocks and fostered energy dependence. This president is committed to tackling these challenges head on to create a clean energy policy that works for all Americans, so that we can pass on to our children and grandchildren not just a stronger economy, but a cleaner planet.

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/04/on_earth_day_ob.html

[awakening2lite]

Earthhttp://assets.nydailynews.com/img/stars_3.0.gif

New Disney film 'Earth' opens on Earth Day and boasts world-class nature

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/static/columnists/col_hdr_neumaier.jpg (http://www.nydailynews.com/authors/Joe%20Neumaier)
Wednesday, April 22nd 2009, 8:59 AM
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/04/22/alg_lions.jpg Disney/BBC Lions wait for dark to fall before attempting to hunt elephants in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana, in a scene from the nature film, "Earth."

Related News

Articles



Earth Day signals a trend in eco-travel (http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/travel/2009/04/19/2009-04-19_earth_day_signals_a_trend_in_ecotravel.html)
A green diet and a fatter wallet (http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/food/2009/04/19/2009-04-19_get_a_green_diet_and_a_fatter_wallet_in_time_fo r_earth_day.html)



Documentary about various animal species across the planet. At area theaters (1:35). G: Brief predatory violence.

Forget those reality-TV-ish shows about animal cops and monkey island popularity contests.



Disney (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/The+Walt+Disney+Company)'s documentary "Earth" is not only serious-minded, it has newborn chicks that out-cute Zac Efron (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Zac+Efron), whales bigger than old-school Seth Rogen (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Seth+Rogen) and more oddball supporting characters than a Judd Apatow (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Judd+Apatow) comedy.



A gorgeously shot continuation of the big-screen nature movies started by the studio in the 1940s, this new film — the debut feature of the DisneyNature division, which plans to release a green-friendly title every year — is perfect for families, especially those with young movie fans who want to help avoid a "Wall-E" type of future.



But it was 1940's "Bambi" that's acknowledged, in a brief prelude, as the inspiration for Walt Disney (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Walt+Disney)'s original nature series.



That show, which ran from 1948 to 1960, highlighted animal life while a folksy narrator gave a basic story line.



The 2009 version has James Earl Jones (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/James+Earl+Jones) ("The Lion King's" Mufasa, if that bears repeating) chiming in majestically to provide structure.



After some gorgeous shots of the planet (with only a few offhanded but still ominous remarks about how endangered it is), we follow a pair of two-month-old polar bear cubs as they and their mother search for shelter.
Dad, searching for food, encounters one result of warming climates as once-solid ice literally crumbles under his paws.



There are amazing shots of millions of caribou walking across the tundra, mandarin duck chicks jumping from a tree, humpback whales migrating, and tropical birds with mating habits that have as much preening as a high school prom.



"Earth," of course, has suspense.



The first circle-of-life moment is a wolf attack on a vulnerable caribou calf. Directors Alastair Fothergill (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Alastair+Fothergill) and Mark Linfield (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Mark+Linfield) cut away, but as the rhythm of the movie goes on, the tough stuff is shown, including an incredible moment when 30 lions take down an elephant.



But the film's you-are-there drama is less dangerous than the manmade threats "Earth" alludes to. As a virtual tour of what Earth Day is about, kids ought to be entranced. If it helps them get greener, even better.


http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2009/04/22/2009-04-22_new_disney_film_earth_boasts_worldclass.html

[awakening2lite]

10 Things You Should Know About Earth Day

April 22, 2009 11:47 AM ET | Maura Judkis (http://www.usnews.com/Topics/tag/Author/m/maura_judkis/index.html) | Permanent Link (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/4/22/10-things-you-should-know-about-earth-day.html) | Print (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/4/22/10-things-you-should-know-about-earth-day_print.htm)

Today is the 39th year of environmentalism and activism for Earth Day (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/4/22/10-things-you-should-know-about-earth-day.html#). Here's what you should know about the green holiday.


Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, is responsible for the first official Earth Day in 1970. He was inspired by the the anti-Vietnam War "teach-ins" that were taking place on college campuses across the country.
The idea, though, was first proposed by a businessman in the plastic industry, John McConnell (http://www.earthsite.org/john.htm). He became a lifelong activist.
Conspiracy theorists claim that Earth Day is held on April 22 because it is Lenin's birthday. Not true. According to Kathleen Rogers of the Earth Day Network, the day was selected because it fell on a Wednesday in 1970, as it does today. The organizers figured they would get the most participation on a weekday. It was also a day when students would be on campuses, so the youth-driven movement could have more participation.
Twenty million people participated in the first Earth Day, and their gatherings embodied the zeitgeist of the 70s. Theatrical protest was used then (check out this photo (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/photogalleries/first-earth-day-1970-pictures/) of a student in a gas mask sniffing a magnolia) and now (Greenpeace's (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/4/22/10-things-you-should-know-about-earth-day.html#) polar bear (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/photogalleries/earth-day-stunts-pictures/photo6.html) costumes) to get the message across.
Since 1970, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in America has increased 75 percent. We also have more than twice as many cars on the road (but those cars have gotten more efficient).
Earth Day isn't just an American designation. It's celebrated by 175 countries worldwide.
The first Earth Day kicked off a decade filled with environmental (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/4/22/10-things-you-should-know-about-earth-day.html#) action. Later that year, the EPA was founded. Many important pieces of environmental legislation were passed that year, among them: Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.
Arbor Day, which celebrates the planting of trees, falls on the last Friday of every April, which happens to be the same week as Earth Day this year. Despite this, many famous people will plant trees on the more visible Earth Day instead. Check out this gallery of celebs planting trees (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/20/famous-people-planting-tr_n_185366.html). (Who knew President Bush planted so many?)
Earth Day is a day of service, and a great opportunity to get involved in community clean-up projects. Are you looking for an Earth Day event? Check out the Earth Day Network's directory here (http://earthday.net/search/location).
Many environmentalists, for whom every day is Earth Day, scoff at the holiday. They claim that the mostly symbolic day encourages people to think green (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/4/22/10-things-you-should-know-about-earth-day.html#) for 24 hours, but then return to their wasteful ways on April 23. For more info, check out Grist's "Screw Earth Day (http://www.grist.org/screwearthday)" campaign.

Sources: National Geographic (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090421-earth-day-facts.html), Mother Nature Network (http://www.mnn.com/family/holiday/stories/love-to-your-mother-earth-day-facts-and-figures), History Channel (http://www.history.com/states.do?action=detail&state=Earth%20Day&contentType=State_Generic&contentId=58114&parentId=earth)


http://www.usnews.com/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/4/22/10-things-you-should-know-about-earth-day.html

[awakening2lite]

updated 8:02 a.m. EDT, Wed April 22, 2009




http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/2.0/global/story_tools/print_btn.gif (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/22/earth.day2009/#)



One billion expected to celebrate Earth Day





http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/2.0/mosaic/tabs/photos.gifhttp://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/2.0/mosaic/tabs/active/photos.gif PHOTOS (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/22/earth.day2009/#cnnSTCPhoto)


http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/2.0/mosaic/base_skins/baseplate/corner_dg_TL.gif
By Anouk Lorie
For CNN


LONDON, England -- More than one billion people are expected to mark Earth Day Wednesday. Since its creation by United States senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day's reach has spread around the world and is now marked in about 175 countries.
Earth Day Network (http://www.cnn.com/http://www.earthday.net/), the organizers of Earth Day, are launching the "Green Generation" campaign.


The campaign will last two years and Earth Day's organizers hope it will raise awareness on how to reverse dangerous environmental trends.
As the day unfolds, CNN brings you the best pictures from around the globe.
[/URL]







http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/images/1.gif
http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/.element/img/2.0/mosaic/base_skins/baseplate/corner_wire_BL.gif

The story

More than one billion people are expected to mark Earth Day Wednesday.
Since its creation by United States senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day's reach has spread around the world and is now marked in about 175 countries.
Earth Day Network, the organizers of Earth Day, are launching the "Green Generation" campaign. http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/2.0/mosaic/tabs/art_icn.gif Read full article » (http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/22/earth.day2009/#)


LONDON, England -- More than one billion people are expected to mark Earth Day Wednesday.
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/WORLD/europe/04/22/earth.day2009/art.getty.earthday.jpgDebates on climate change have played a large role in increasing awareness of the environment.


more photos » (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:CNN_changeMosaicTab%28%27cnnPhotoCmpnt%27,%27 photos.html%27%29;)

http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/2.0/mosaic/base_skins/baseplate/corner_wire_BL.gif




[URL]http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/04/22/earth.day2009/#cnnSTCText

[awakening2lite]

Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 11:23am CDT
Bredesen touts alternative energy on Earth Day



Gov. Phil Bredesen is celebrating Earth Day by touting the development of clean energy technology that could help the state become a mecca for producing solar energy and electric powered vehicles.


The governor appeared with representatives of Nissan (http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/related_content.html?topic=Nissan), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/related_content.html?topic=Oak%20Ridge%20National% 20Laboratory) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/related_content.html?topic=Tennessee%20Valley%20Au thority) in Franklin, Tenn., this morning, test-driving a Nissan all-electric car built in Japan and reiterating his support for green technology development in the state.





The carmaker, which has its U.S. headquarters in Middle Tennessee, said it plans to introduce electric vehicles for commercial and government fleets next year.


Bredesen wants to create public-private partnerships to develop solar-powered charging stations around the state. He has proposed developing a Solar Institute to advance the technology. The state already has been successful in attracting solar-related businesses to the state, including suppliers Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. (http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/related_content.html?topic=Hemlock%20Semiconductor %20Corp) and Wacker Chemie AG (http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/related_content.html?topic=Wacker%20Chemie%20AG), which have both pledged major investments and the addition of jobs in Tennessee.


http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2009/04/20/daily22.html

[awakening2lite]

On evening of Earth Day, Dish Network debuts channel with live views of Earth

By Associated Press1:28 PM EDT, April 22, 2009 ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Planet Earth, you're on the air.

Beginning Wednesday evening, a new channel on Dish Network Corp.'s satellite TV service will give subscribers live views of Earth, 24 hours a day.

The channel Dish Earth gets its feed from a camera installed on Dish Network's EchoStar (http://www.newsday.com/topic/economy-business-finance/echostar-communications-corp.-ORCRP004925.topic) 11 satellite, which launched last year. Images from the camera also are for sale through Give the World, a service offered jointly with Houston-based Space Services Inc.

The camera was developed by the EchoStar Spacecraft Operations Team, Ecliptic Enterprises Corp. of Pasadena (http://www.newsday.com/topic/us/california/los-angeles-county/pasadena-%28los-angeles-california%29-PLGEO100100102480000.topic), Calif., and Space Systems/Loral of Palo Alto, Calif. It is operated under a license from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (http://www.newsday.com/topic/weather/national-oceanic-atmospheric-administration-ORGOV0000102.topic).




Dish Network is based in Englewood (http://www.newsday.com/topic/us/illinois/cook-county/chicago/englewood-PLGEO100100501252700.topic), Colo.

http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/wire/sns-ap-tv-watching-earth,0,6136723.story

[awakening2lite]

Don't forget it's Earth Day! Woohoo!!!!:hifive::s1gyahoo: