It's the 36th anniversary of the first Earth Day. Surfing around for some interesting information to include here, I landed at the official U.S. government's page at
EarthDay.gov. It probably won't come as a great surprise that the page is a little sparse. But it does have this list of "Environmental Highlights":
The Bush Administration is focused on achieving meaningful results - cleaner air and water, and healthier lands and wildlife habitats.
- The nation's air is much cleaner today than it was in 1970 and progress will continue.
- The trend of annual loss of wetlands has been reversed.
- Restoration and redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites is accelerating.
- President Bush is meeting his commitment to reduce the National Park Service maintenance backlog.
Four bullet points! Wow, the Bush administration is working hard on the environment! So that list was a little discouraging. Luckily, the folks at Grist have their own list. It's both serious and fun, bringing a much needed note of levity to the day. Here's a sampling of the First Ever List of Grist Superlatives, a "modest take on the year past, and a few predictions for things to come."
Most improbable movie star: Al Gore
Scariest preview of coming attractions: Katrina<
Species most likely to go extinct within the year: climate skeptic
Mega-corporation we love to hate ... or is it hate to love? (tie): General Electric; "Beyond" Petroleum
Most hackneyed phrase: "Green is the new black"
Political fight most reminiscent of Groundhog Day: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Biggest crybaby: Ted Stevens
Most hyped weed: switchgrass
Second-most hyped weed: hemp
Most likely to attempt to smoke own product: Willie Nelson
Most likely to attempt to blow smoke up your ass: Richard Pombo
Best new book on climate change: Field Notes From a Catastrophe
Other best new book on climate change: The Weather Makers
Sneakiest way for big ag to make a buck: corn-based ethanol
Angstiest question for green community: Are we dead?
Second-angstiest: Is it OK to say good things about Wal-Mart?
Law least able to protect itself: Endangered Species Act
There's a great deal more over at Grist. In honor of Earth Day, add some more of your own here, and at their blog. And go plant a tree or something.
