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A Resolution to commemorate the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, and to recognize April 24, 2021 as Earth Day in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans (10% of the U.S. population at the time) participated in the first Earth Day to protest environmental destruction, marking the beginning of the modern environmental movement; and
WHEREAS, the first Earth Day was inspired by Rachel Carson's groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, which documents adverse environmental impacts caused by chemical pesticides, the first color photos of Earth from space, and environmental disasters, including fires in the Cuyahoga River and an oil spill in Santa Barbara; and
WHEREAS United States Senator Gaylord Nelson envisioned the first Earth Day as a nationwide teach-in to educate the public and elected officials about our role in protecting the environment; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day led to the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day is a time to reflect on the impact humans have on Earth, how we affect to the global environment and climate, and how that, in turn, affects our own health and well-being; and
WHEREAS, April 22, 2021marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day in the United States. This year's theme is "Restore Our Earth" and focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world's ecosystems; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of this goal, five Earth Day campaigns have been instituted to motivate one billion people in 192 countries who now participate in Earth Day activities each year; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day is an occasion to clean up local parks, green spaces, and waterways and to address everyday actions that contribute to climate change and environmental harm; and
WHEREAS, Earth Day is an opportunity for our residents to take action in their homes and...
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