Dear Friend,
I am thrilled to be writing to you during this season which is also the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. As you know it is also almost 40 years since the world gathered in Stockholm to discuss the state of what was then known as the Human Environment. So much has happened since and a lot of information has been accumulated. As a result we are no less concerned about the fate of our planet as we were then. Perhaps even more so.
Now we have new challenges, especially the issue of climate change and rapid loss of forests and other biodiversity.
As I write, I am in Europe where virtually the entire airspace was, until earlier this week, shut down due to the forces of mother nature. Such events remind us that we live on a very vulnerable and fragile environment and that we are only but a small part of it.
On this occasion of Earth Day, I send you greetings and best wishes. It is also appropriate for us to call ourselves to action wherever we are and whatever we are engaged in. Each one of us can make small changes in our lives to better the Earth. Together we can make a huge impact!
I am particularly reminded of the campaign to Reuse, Reduce and Recycle. I am working with partners in Japan to promote this concept globally. When expanded to include respect and gratitude, it is known as Mottainai. We all have a lot to be grateful for and we are deeply indebted to your support and encouragement.
At the Green Belt Movement, we continue to raise awareness, plant trees and protect those trees already standing.
We thank our partners in this journey and welcome our new friends to join in supporting our work.
With warmest regards,
Wangari Maathai
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