Earth Day 2020: We believe we can build back better
Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day — a day dedicated to positive change for our planet. At a time when the world of just last month could barely recognise the world of today, Earth Day’s focus on hope and optimism has perhaps never been needed more. This year it is more important than ever to come together and use our voices to call for the world we want to see.
We asked you to put green hearts in windows for Earth Day so that communities across the UK could show support for a cleaner, greener future. Seeing these images pop up on streets and on social media has been an uplifting moment at a difficult time, thanks to all of you that have taken part. These hearts are a symbol of hope and resilience; a belief that we can build back better.
We are at a critical point in the fight against climate change. Our government needs to cut our emissions and invest in the solutions that get us on track to net zero as soon as possible. Right now, our politicians should focus on saving lives and tackling COVID-19, but any plans to boost the economy must not be done with the goal of simply going back to the status quo.
We have an opportunity to build back a better world. We can clean up the air we breathe and build a transport system that is fit for the future, better for our health and our environment. We can have homes that don’t leak heat, and are powered by cleaner, cheaper energy. We can create clean electricity through the sunlight that lights our days, the wind that blows and the tides that surround our island nation. We can protect our country’s iconic natural landscapes and restore nature. We can make it easier for Brits to live in a cleaner, greener world that future generations can enjoy. These solutions are at our fingertips, and they need to be at the heart of any plans to rebuild our economy. Together we can build back better.
If our government builds back a more resilient, cleaner, greener economy that is fit not just for now, but for generations to come, these changes will be felt across the world. In 2021, the UK should be hosting both COP26 and the G7, perhaps the two most important international summits of the year. We will therefore have a historic opportunity to influence leaders from across the world and demonstrate global leadership on tackling climate change.
When we use our voices to call for change, we can make a powerful difference. We want to show politicians that people up and down the UK are hopeful for a future where we no longer contribute to climate change.
Will you join us? Put a green heart in your window today to show that you believe in a cleaner, greener, fairer future.
