Earth Day Celebration Goes Online, Google Doodle Animation On Bee Raises Awareness

Google dedicated this day with a special interactive doodle to one of the smallest and most critical organisms -the bees.

Staff members of the the Gujarat Science City wearing facemasks stand in front of a planet earth model on the eve of World Earth Day at Gujarat Science City during Indian government-imposed nationwide lockdown as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad . PIC/AFP.

New Delhi, April 21: Today nations across the world celebrate the uniqueness of our planet Earth by observing the 50^th Earth Day. However, the Earth Day celebration remains different this year with most of the nations around the world in a lockdown situation where the changes in the ecosystem are much more visible. From fish and dolphins emerging in Venice canals to rhinoceros roaming the street of Nepal and to a Leopard seen in Chandigarh, it’s definitely a sight that has made us conscious about our nature and wild life. It is known that issues like global warming, ozone layer depletion, pollution and deforestation have damaged the environment to such an extent that experts suggest we can’t really undo the damage. However, with initiatives like Earth Day can create more awareness and take actions to save the planet. What is the significance of Earth Day? It is one of the most widely celebrated environmental events across the globe. Events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment. The day is about treasuring the planet Earth which has huge biodiversity. Several activities are planned around the world to raise awareness about conservation of mother nature including plants, animals and environments. How did it start? The first time it was celebrated on 21 March, 1970, after peace activist John McConnell proposed in UNESCO to dedicate a day to honor the Earth. Later US senator Gaylord Nelson founded a separate Earth Day as an environmental teach-in event was first held on 22 April, 1970. Initially, Earth Day remained confined to the United States but in 1990, an organisation led by Denis Hayes took it globally by organising events in 141 nations. What is being planned in 2020? All events around Earth Day have been cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19, while people are celebrating the day online. On the official website of Earth Day, people all over the world can join in for an all-day live stream which will feature messages, performances, and calls to action from a group of people ranging from Al Gore and Zac Efron. What is the tribute from Google Doodle? Google dedicated this day with a special interactive doodle to one of the smallest and most critical organisms - the bees. The interactive art by Doodlers Jacob Howcroft & Stephanie Gu, is an interesting challenge where you can guide a bee from flower to flower, help in pollination and unlock facts about bees. “The player can keep pollinating forever...Since the game goes on as long as you want it to, you can end seeing thousands of flowers, trees, and bushes,” say the creators. For this initiative, Google has partnered with The Honeybee Conservancy, a nonprofit organization. “What we love about today’s Google Doodle is how it captures the impact a single bee has on the plants and habitats it visits. Imagine then, the pollinating power that trillions of bees have on ecosystems around the world! Today’s Doodle also reminds us all of how small actions performed by individuals everywhere add up to big results,” writes Founder and Executive Director of The Honeybee Conservancy, Guillermo Fernandez in the doodle page. What can you do? The first thing to do in a lockdown situation is to create awareness around the conservation of nature that could start with discussion among kids and family. In order to conserve you have to bring certain changes in your habit. This day should be honoured every day by ensuring that the environment is protected from the damages humankind has afflicted on the mother nature. You can also watch movies, documentaries on the environment.