With deep azure skies, bountiful sunshine, and a crisp but mild breeze today, spring is by far my favorite season in Washington. Today marks the 40th year since the advent of Earth Day, an occasion to create awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s environment that we all share in and enjoy. The event is now celebrated around the world as resources are increasingly stretched and environmental issues becoming more pertinent in our everyday lives.
I wanted to give an overview of some Earth Day related events happening in South Asia to mark the occasion.
Afghanistan:
National Saplings in Kabul: Green coverage has been reduced from 14 million hectares to 1 million hectare in Afghanistan.
"One tree for myself, one for Afghanistan.” the Greening of Afghanistan Campaign, is a five year annual campaign to restore green zones of Afghanistan and encourage citizens for saving environment. Every single Afghan citizen participates and plants two trees. One for themselves and one for Afghanistan.
A single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. That means two mature trees can supply enough oxygen annually to support a family of four.
India:
The Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN) will be screening the movie "Home" at multiple places in Hyderabad in partnership with the American Consulate in Hyderabad.The screenings are scheduled from April 12th to April 22nd and for exact dates and timings of a screening near you; please contact NS Prasad at 09866586613 or nsp_nsp29@yahoo.co.in
Folk instrumental artists from rural West Bengal, Kendrika a Kolkata based band, violinist Sabina Rakcheyeva and Oudh musician Haddad will come together to celebrate Earth Day in Kolkata. The Concerts will be held at Rotary Sadan, 94/2 Chowringhee Road.
Maldives:
The Kurmathi Island Resort will be hosting events from today through next Thursday. Events include Aquatic and Terrestrial Cleanup, Tree Planting, and Botanic Walks.
Nepal:
A Zero Waste Concert will be held today in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square that brings public awareness and support for the environmental movement.
Pakistan:
Leonardo DiCaprio's "The 11th Hour" is a documentary concerning the environmental crises caused by human actions and calls for restorative action will be screened at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) in Karachi.
The Pakistan Youth Climate Network in Islamabad is holding a poster competition on the theme "The Green Generation". The competition entries will be divided into two age categories with the top three winners from each category receiving Sony Cameras.
Sri Lanka:
Medicinal Plant Program: More than 100 medicinal plants belonging to different families will be planted in Kalutara to create habitats for different fauna species in the forest and enhance bio-diversity.
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