The Nate Robson / The Citizen

This year's Earth Day events will be a chance for residents to reflect on past environmental concerns while focusing on ways to continue improving the planet's ecosystems for future generations.

Tom Vawter, professor of biology and environmental studies at Wells College, said Earth Day was created 39 years ago to recognize society's impact on the planet after people began to realize the negative influence humans had on the Earth.

Manmade ecological problems included the industrial pollution that caused a killer fog to blanket London killing nearly 12,000 in 1952, to pesticides that endangered the United State's bird populations, including the bald eagle, to toxic lakes that were no longer able to support life and to several other environmental disasters.

“We were polluting the earth, the population was growing too fast and we were using resources too quickly and we were eventually going to run out,” Vawter said. “Some things have gotten worse and worse, not only in terms of pollution but now we are driving species extinct at an unprecedented rate. Humans have spread so much, it's hard to find a place without human influence.”

To highlight current issues and to keep the public aware of ongoing ecological changes, several local parks, colleges and nature centers will be holding events during the next week to celebrate the planet.

Events include tree auctions, nature center tours and activities, art exhibits and visiting the park with friends and family in order to enjoy the outdoor weather.

Rachel Vanleer, with Cayuga County Parks and Trails, said a local Boy Scout troop has even offered to pick up some of the litter discarded on the trails near Auburn and Fleming in order to celebrate Earth Day.

When people celebrate Earth Day by visiting their local parks, attending ecological lectures or participating in nature-related events, Vawter said they are not just celebrating a holiday, they are recognizing the changes that have been made and still need to be made to improve the planet's ecosystem.

While he could not say that Earth Day itself has directly resulted in some improvements, Vawter said the social and political awareness the event fosters has contributed to advancements in reducing pollution and reducing mankind's environmental footprint.

“Some of the environment is better now,” Vawter said. “Air pollution is not the same problem as it was in the 1960s; we have closed dumps and toxic land fills; we are recycling and using transfer stations. Lake Erie was dead in the '70s, and now it is a thriving lake. Cayuga Lake is in better shape than it was in the '70s.”

Nate Robson

253-5311 ext. 248

nathan.robson@lee.net