Our Planet Earth has so much to give us! From the beautiful natural surroundings to the rich flora and fauna, Planet Earth has loads of things to offer that only make the life more beautiful. However, have you given a thought to how many individuals actually respect this planet? Have you ever felt responsible towards Planet Earth? April 22nd is known the world over as Earth Day. This day was first celebrated in the year 1970. 

The celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd began in the United States in 1970 and was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson, who had long pondered about finding a way to "put the environment into the political 'limelight' once and for all". Earth Day is celebrated in order to create more awareness about our planet and situations that we need to take care of to ensure our Planet Earth is well loved and cared for. We are all aware that the earth is on a dangerous apth with our climate becoming less stable and more volatile. The earth is also burdened with effects of pollution,accumulation of wastes and many other ills. 

Earth day network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, or income or geography have a moral right to healthy and sustainable environment. The mission of earth day is to broaden and diversify the environmental movement worldwide and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy environment. The importance of Planet Earth is something that should be taught to children in their early years, at home and even in the school. Only then will the young and old alike, understand the issues such as global warming, deforestation, energy conservation and the importance of recycling. 

There are actually two Earth Day celebrations one on 22 April and other one in March 21 which are equinox days. This article focuses on the April 22 Earth Day, which is now celebrated in most countries of the world. Earth Day is a perfect time to reflect about what you are doing to help protect the environment. There are many ways that you can celebrate alone and with others.

The contribution of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to climate change is insignificant 0.03% but our islands can be the first one to face the brunt of climate change. Climate is one of the harshest realities facing mankind today. We have to cut down on green house gases, a change in 2 degree centigrade can change productivity ,yield and pattern of agricultural practices. Urbanization causes more climate change, the challenge is to build climate friendly and climate resilience, resilience for giving a margin for survival of species. The time has come for focusing on alternative economic pathways. 

The first thing you can begin with is turn off the lights when not in use. Whenever possible, use natural day light for activities such as reading. 93% of power in our islands is generated from diesel imported from mainland and only 7.2% is obtained from sustainable energy resources. The islanders enjoy 64% subsidy. The following activities can be undertaken on earth day.

Cleaning up part of your local area can be a great way to celebrate Earth Day. 

Avoid the use of plastic. Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle and Refuse as often as you can. 
Keep your neighborhood areas clean. Make sure everyone in your neighborhood is equally enthusiastic and aware of their duties towards the planet. 
Avoid leaving your phone for charging overnight. Most cell phones have an indicator that shows when the charging process is complete.
Do not throw garbage in the drains and the garbage reaches the nearby sea causing pollution also it chokes the drains which can lead to diseases like malaria, dengue and chikun guniya.
The coral reefs of Andaman’s are affected by bleaching and are slowly dying.
So let us pledge an act of green today, together we can make the world a more sustainable place on earth day and every day.

Aparna Singh, assistant professor, environment studies, JNRM Port Blair