Earth Day 2019

On April 22nd, America celebrates Earth Day and reminds us to observe and protect the environment.

Before 1970, there were few regulations protecting the environment. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that "on January 28, 1969, an oil rig leaked millions of gallons of oil off the coast of Santa Barbara." Then on June 22, 1969, the Cuyahoga River caught on fire due to chemicals and oil being leaked into the water, In the same year, the bald eagles were dying due to the pesticide DDT and whales were being hunted to extinction.

The Cuyahoga River caught on fire on June 22, 1969.
Photo courtesy of  NOAA

In light of these events, Senator Gaylord Nelson saw a need to protect the earth from being damaged. According to the Library of Congress, Nelson was so disturbed about the lack of concern for the environment, that he established the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. NOAA reports that Nelson "organized a teach-in about environmental issues, where more than 2,000 colleges and universities, 10,000 public schools, and 20 million citizens participated." Almost forty years later, and his legacy lives on. In the fall of 1970, Congress established the Environmental Protection Agency. The Environmental Protection Agency has a mission to provide "clean air, land and water; reduce environmental risks; and enforce federal laws that protect human health and the environment."

"NASA has used the vantage point of space to better understand our home planet and improve lives." NASA developed an interactive program, Space for U.S., that informs individuals about animals, disasters, energy, health, land, and water issues in specific states. This program encourages individuals to be more aware of the environmental challenges in their community. Furthermore, NASA is encouraging people to post pictures on social media about your "favorite natural features" with the hashtag #PictureEarth. The pictures below are images of Earth from satellites and astronauts in space.

Top Left: Space Station Flyover of the Everglades
Top Right: The California Current System
Bottom Left: Views of Earth at Night
Bottom Right: The Heart of Madagascar
Photos courtesy of NASA

On the OSU Campus

On April 22nd, the Student Government Association Sustainability Committee held an Earth Fest to celebrate Earth Day. This event was at the Student Union Plaza from 3pm-6pm. Student organizations, campus departments, and local businesses came together to provide the community with an evening of games, prizes, and food. SGA seeks to educate the public about environmental issues and remind students of the importance of protecting the environment.

In the Edmon Low Library, there are bookmarks hidden around the building. This bookmarks have a little pin to promote Earth Day. Students are free to take these bookmarks. In addition, they are made from seed paper, so you can plant the bookmarks to grow wildflowers.

The Library has many publications from the EPA and can help you locate the regulations in place to protect the environment including the The Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

For More Information

Photo Courtesy of NOAA
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/earth-day.html

Photos courtesy of NASA
https://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/images/index.html

~Emily Hancz