Change is hard. When the automobile was invented, people who manufactured buggies and horse collars didn’t want to change. When the computer was invented, the typewriter companies didn’t want to change. But they had to.
Human beings are going to HAVE to change, whether we want to or not. It’s just a question of whether we change NOW, when we still have time, or if we change LATER, when it may be too late.
Did you see the movie Titanic? The ship slammed into the iceberg because the lookouts didn’t see it until they were almost upon it. If they had seen the iceberg in the distance, the captain could have steered the ship around it. Earth is on a collision course with environmental disaster right now, and we are running out of time to steer around it. Each day that we delay will make it more difficult.
For years, scientists have been warning that we are like the passengers of the Titanic. But little was done. When Hurricane Katrina just about wiped out New Orleans in 2005, people started to pay attention. But even THAT has not motivated our political leaders to do what needs to be done–begin a crash program to switch to alternative sources of energy. What’s it going to take?
It’s going to take you and your generation.
All your life grownups have been telling you that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Here’s your chance to prove it.
Here are some places you can go to get involved or get more information…
Greenpeace Fighting to save the planet since 1971.
The Sierra Club“Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet.” Founded in 1892.
Environmental Defense Founded in 1967 as the Environmental Defense Fund, they look for innovative, practical ways to solve the most urgent environmental problems.
Tree Musketeers An organization dedicated to empowering young people to lead environmental improvement movements.
EarthPulse National Geographic’s home for conservation.
Natural Resources Defense Council
PIRG It stands for “Public Interest Research Group” and acts as a watchdog for the public interest.
www.earthday.net Measure your impact on the Earth’s resources.
EPA Global Warming Kids Site Learn about the greenhouse effect and how we change the climate.
What’s Up With the Weather This PBS site looks at global warming. Find out how much fossil fuel you use.
The Green Squad Kids taking action for greener, healthier schools.
Earth Day in Your Neighborhood How to do an Earth Day on your block.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Kids Lots of information about the environment here.
Environmental Kids Club A club for kids interested in learning more about the environment, and getting involved in environmental activities.
Today, April 22nd… celebrate Earth Day!
Dan Gutman is the author of nearly 100 popular books for kids. He also edited Recycle This Book: 100 Top Children’s Authors Tell You How to Go Green. Learn more at www.dangutman.com.