JAI ON EARTH Discovering Our Planet

Today celebrates the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, an annual countrywide demonstration of environmental support founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson. It is easier said than done. Doing your part to safeguard the earth is especially important as a good supporter. For example, don’t litter and turn off the water while brushing your teeth. A special shoutout to those who drive electric vehicles, as we all know how bad gas is for our wallets and the environment. The air is not clean.

I believe we all have a long way to go, but climate change is still having an impact; polar bears are experiencing warmer weather than usual, and weather forecasts are becoming increasingly erratic as Americans estimate temperatures incorrectly. In the Midwest, we waited until the beginning of May for spring-like weather, while it was frigid temps. I encourage all other humans to look for new methods to contribute, no matter how tiny, to save the earth. Being responsive is important.

Yes, polar bears are experiencing the effects of climate change, and they’re considered one of the species most affected by it. Here’s how:

1. Sea Ice Loss: Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt seals, their primary food source. As the Arctic warms due to climate change, sea ice is melting earlier in the spring and forming later in the fall. This shortens the time polar bears can hunt, leading to reduced body weight and lower cub survival rates.
2. Longer Fasting Periods: With less ice, polar bears are spending more time on land, where food is scarce. This leads to longer fasting periods, which affects their health and reproduction.
3. Habitat Fragmentation: As ice retreats, polar bear habitats become more fragmented, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.
4. Human Encounters: Reduced ice also pushes polar bears closer to human settlements in search of food, increasing the risk of conflict and potentially fatal encounters.

Scientists and conservationists view polar bears as a key indicator species for climate change because the changes in their environment are so directly linked to global temperature rises.

Here are five fun facts about Earth Day:

1. It started in 1970: Earth Day began on April 22, 1970, and is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Over 20 million Americans participated in the first one!
2. It’s global now: Earth Day is celebrated by over 1 billion people in more than 190 countries every year, making it one of the largest civic observances in the world.
3. It led to big changes: The first Earth Day helped spark the creation of major U.S. environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
4. Earth Day has a theme each year: Every year, Earth Day has a different theme to focus attention on specific environmental issues. Recent themes have included plastic pollution, climate action, and restoring our Earth.
5. It even went to space: In 2020, NASA invited people to celebrate Earth Day’s 50th anniversary by participating in online activities and viewing Earth from space through satellite imagery and astronaut photos.

Want a fun activity or project idea to go with it?

Awesome! Here’s a fun and easy Earth Day activity idea:

DIY Mini Greenhouse with Recycled Materials

What you need:

• A clear plastic container with a lid (like a rotisserie chicken container or a takeout box)
• Soil
• Seeds (herbs like basil, or fast-growers like beans or sunflowers work great)
• A spray bottle with water
• A sunny window

Steps:

1. Fill the bottom of the container with soil.
2. Plant your seeds according to the packet instructions.
3. Lightly spray with water to moisten the soil.
4. Close the lid to create a greenhouse effect (it’ll trap moisture and warmth).
5. Place it in a sunny spot and watch your little garden grow!

Bonus idea: Decorate the outside of the container with Earth Day-themed drawings or stickers made from old magazines or paper scraps.