22nd April World Earth Day

 

Earth Day is celebrated every year as a day of action to raise awareness of environmental challenges and issues that negatively impact our planet. It is celebrated annually on the 22nd of April. But this year, organisers are calling for three days of climate action from the 20th - 22nd April.

The theme of Earth Day 2022 is “Restore Our Earth”. 

This theme is not only about reducing the negative environmental impacts we have on the planet, but also about how we can help restore our earth after the effects of COVID-19, and about ways we can help repair the damage we have done to our planet.

Since its inception in 1970 Earth Day has only grown in popularity and observance, being recognised in over 190 countries by over 1 billion people! Today, Earth Day is widely recognised as the largest secular observance in the world. 

Recently we have added some amazingly good books to the library in support of UN SDG 17 Global Partnerships. These four stand out.

• One World, a new book by Nicola Davies and Jenni Desmond is the book for this event because it is a spectacular tour of Planet Earth with a powerful rallying cry for all children to be informed about and do something for their planet.

Here is the blurb:

Where on Earth are you, right now? It's late where I am and almost everyone's asleep, but I'm awake, looking out into the night. Wondering... As the clock strikes midnight, a little girl and her sister visit animals of every shape and size, all around the world - discovering that, in some places, creatures have just started their day, where in others they're already busy hunting for food. Turning the popular concept of time-zones on its head and combining it with a powerful climate message and delightful illustrations, this book is narrative non-fiction at its most spellbinding. 

• It 's Up to Us: A Children's Terra Carta for Nature, People and Planet by Christopher Lloyd

Here is the blurb:

We live our lives surrounded by people and other living things. Together, we are Nature. As far as we know, this extraordinary web of life exists in just one precious layer of a single planet - Earth. But today Nature is under threat, and we must demand change to save it - and ourselves. Join His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, author Christopher Lloyd, and 33 diverse, award-winning artists from around the world on a beautiful, lyrical and thought-provoking voyage through Nature, the threats we face, and an action plan for the future. It’s Up to Us is based on the Terra Carta, a roadmap to sustainability issued by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and his Sustainable Markets Initiative. More than 400 corporations have already signed on, agreeing to put the health of Nature, People and the Planet at the heart of their activities. Now it’s up to all of us to make sure our leaders keep their promises.

You can find out about the origins of this book here.

• I Have the Right to Save My Planet by Alain Serres and Aurelia Fronty

Here is the blurb:

All children have the right to learn about the world, to celebrate the water, air and sunshine, and to be curious about the animals and plants that live on our planet. All children also have the right to learn about endangered species, to be concerned about plastic in the ocean, and to understand what a changing climate means for our Earth.

Scientists tell us that every living thing is connected. When we cut down forests, we destroy animal habitats. When we throw plastic in the garbage, it never really goes away. When we spray pesticides on our fruit and vegetables, we poison the earth, animals and ourselves.

What can children do to help? Told from the perspective of a child, this colourful and vibrant book explores what it means to be a child who dreams of a beautiful future for their planet.

• Do Something for Someone Else  by Loll Kirby and Yas Imamura

Here is the blurb:

Meet kids - just like you - whose small acts of kindness are changing the lives of others. Learn about the work they do and discover how the future of our world starts here - with you.

Features a how-to-help section, with simple steps to inspire young readers to take action at home and at school.