International Earth Day April 22 Restore our Earth Our earthly home is at risk. Pandemics, extreme heat, forest fires, floods and hurricanes are a few of the signs that Mother Earth is clearly asking us to act. To move towards more sustainable economies that are healthy for people, species and the environment.

The Association of Caribbean States (ACS), therefore, joins the efforts of the United Nations to promote action aimed at fighting climate change, in order to stop and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on all continents, all seas and all oceans.

Through cooperation and resource mobilisation, the ACS reiterates its commitment to preserving the environmental integrity of the Caribbean Sea, the common heritage of the peoples of the region; and promoting the sustainable development of the Greater Caribbean, by strengthening of trade, transportation, sustainable tourism and disaster risk reduction.

According to UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), every dollar spent on restoring degraded forests can result in US $30 in economic benefits. Today more than ever, we must restore damaged ecosystems, as they sustain all forms of life on our planet. Let us continue joining efforts to help eradicate poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction.

We will only achieve this if everyone does their part, if we promote harmony with nature and the earth. Concrete actions can bring great benefit, so we urge you to promote:

• Change incandescent lamps to energy saving lamps

• Promote the benefits of renewable energy

• Reduce electricity consumption by unplugging electrical appliances when not in use

• Carry out reforestation campaigns

• Recycle

• Stop using plastic bags

• Disseminate information on global warming and greenhouse gases

• Promote actions of social cleansing

• Promote the use of transport that does not pollute

• Promote the permanent commitment to take care of Mother Earth, our only home

Collective action and conscience are our hope to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals so that future generations can enjoy the wonders that the Earth currently offers us. It is time to act.