Earth Day Message From The Bahamas' Minister Of The Environment

(THE HON. EARL D. DEVEAUX, M.P. MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT) -  This year, Earth Day 2010 coincides with the World People’s Conference on Climate Change which is taking place in Bolivia. It is also a response to the failed climate talks held in Copenhagen in December of last year. This year is also the International Year of Biodiversity declared by the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2006. The aforementioned events all support the idea of a carbon-free future based on renewable energy and an end to dependency on oil and coal. Today’s theme, “A Billion Acts of Green,” reflects this purpose.

Earth Day Campaign’s official website laments the world being “in greater peril than ever” forty (40) years after the first Earth Day. Our greatest challenge today is climate change. However, this challenge challenges us to embrace new opportunities for transitioning to a green energy economy.

The Bahamas is “taking action” as evidenced by its steps taken toward advancing its climate and energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, and encouraging renewable energy. We are venturing toward the application of waste-to-energy technology in New Providence and exploring demonstration projects for other renewable technologies in the Family Islands.

It is my distinct pleasure to join one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day by opening the Bonefish Pond National Park. Developed by the Bahamas National Trust with monetary and human impetus from Government, this park which was seen as a dump by too many people now provides a unique experience in a mangrove wetland. Teachers and students are afforded an amazing outdoor classroom surrounded by the natural space and diverse species of native flora and indigenous and migratory birds, fish and other wildlife.
Any small step can contribute to a huge impact in terms of conserving natural resources, using less energy and generating less pollution and waste. We must do our part to bring the green together and save some for future generations.
22 April 2010