The theme for Earth Day 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet”. Together as a global community, made up of individuals and communities we have the power to effect positive change. Through education about climate change and that which makes for a healthy environment we can teach each other how to effect positive change. Many small actions such as picking up rubbish and disposing of it appropriately when performed by members of a community have the power to change that community for the better and hence the world. Never underestimate the power of change.

Dr. David Suzuki and Ian Harrington on March 6 discussed how GDP (Gross Domestic Product) wasn’t ever meant to be what runs our lives. Dr. Suzuki explains how we have enough for everyone on our planet. It is just a matter of adjusting our priorities. To quote the science Matters newsletter “The world can provide enough for everyone, but too many greedy people are hoarding wealth and resources and destroying natural life-support systems to accumulate more money and power.” Overuse of technology and unequal distribution and prioritisation of wealth has caused a lot of the problems with our world. However technology and a reprioritisation of resource use can resolve them. We need a call to action. Thank you Dr. Suzuki.

Security is important.  Laws are needed to protect the environment.  Some organisations that are involved in reforestation legally protect the forests against logging for 100 years.  This provides security.  Parks and designated wilderness areas also provide security for the environment.

Laws are required to prevent waterways from being polluted by chemical waste.  This has resulted in clean waterways and the return of wildlife and plants.  Councils frequently refuse permission to cut down trees.  Council regulations provide security.