On April 22, which marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the International Mayors Communication Centre (IMCC) Committee for Helping the World Fight against COVID-19 was set up. Its purpose is to call on people all over the world to unite and help each other, fight against COVID-19, the common enemy of mankind, promote the concept of sustainable development and life style, and love our mother earth!

Global Mayors' Forum was established in Hong Kong on April 22, 2008, on the same day as Earth Day. For the past 12 years we have persisted in promoting the concept of sustainable development of the United Nations so as to protect the earth.

Origin of Earth Day

Photo source: Internet

Earth Day is a special festival for global environmental protection. It aims to raise people's awareness of environmental issues, promote people to participate in environmental protection movement, and improve the overall environment of the earth by living a green and low-carbon life. On April 22 1970, 20 million Americans (10% of the country's population at that time) walked to the streets, campuses and hundreds of cities to protest against ignorance of the environment, demanding new development paths for the earth. Earth Day spread around the world very quickly. To this day, celebration of Earth Day has developed to 192 countries around the world, with more than 1 billion people participating in it each year.

Text source: Official website of Earth Day

Theme of Earth Day 2020: Climate Action

Climate Action is the theme of this year's Earth Day. Climate change brings great challenges as well as potential opportunities. Climate change is the biggest challenge for human’s future. Every country in the world must take act, or we will create a dangerous future for present and future generations. The earth environment will face more severe challenges. From the loss of biodiversity, climate change to plastic pollution, human beings need to take a unified global response. Therefore, climate change has become the most urgent topic for the 50th anniversary.

The COVID-19 pandemic casts a shadow over this year's Earth Day. Although the virus may force people to separate, it won't oppress people, instead, through the power of digital media, people are even more closely linked than ever before.

Source: Official website of the United Nations

Cherish the Earth and Take Action together

When citizens all over the world unite to fight with the climate crisis, they seize the great opportunity of a zero carbon future, which is a historic moment that will change our lives and our world. The earth breeds all living things, and it is the home where we live. 'Green water and green mountains are actually golden mountains and silver mountains'. People should take action together to protect the earth. Efforts will go far beyond today.