Please read the following statement from Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, recognising Earth Day:
“Ever since I helped organise the first Earth Day in 1970, when I was in grade 10, I have struggled with how best to commemorate such a crucially important day. I recognise the resilience of Mother Earth and understand the devastation that humans are causing through our reckless destruction of ecosystems and our continued devotion to fossil fuels. On the other hand, we have much to celebrate. Even when she is wounded, Mother Earth nurtures humanity and provides us with the keys to life. Before Earth Day 2025, we must make the critical changes to ensure the climate crisis does not become self-accelerating and irreversible. We still have the chance to hang on to a survivable climate.
The theme of this Earth Day is “Planet vs. Plastics”. This is timely as today marks the first day of Canada hosting the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4), which is bringing countries together to work on a legally-binding plastic pollution agreement. If we do not take action, plastic production is expected to double in 20 years and plastic waste leaking into the ocean will triple by 2040. I am committed to holding leaders accountable and pressing for the strongest provisions we can get in these negotiations. I look forward to participating later this week.
Today we remind ourselves that everyone can play a part by fulfilling our duties to steward this planet. There is only one Earth and it is our collective responsibility to give back the same care and love to her. Happy Earth Day!”