Earth Day 2001

The Two Founders of Earth Day

On researching Earth Day's origins for this month's center spread, I discovered that there are two founders for Earth Day who worked to bring environmental issues to our consciousness using different kinds of methods and events. I am proud to acknowledge and honor both of them for their roles in protecting the Earth, and happy to offer readers their Earth Day addresses.

- Kathryn Sargent, Editor

State of the World, And What to Do

About It Message for Millennium Earth Day -

March 20, 2001

By John McConnell - Founder of Earth Day

[Editor's note: Mr. McMillan observes Earth Day on the Spring Equinox. For his compelling explanation, see his website at www.earthsite.org]

Lately, I have been reflecting on my 85 years of life. From my childhood I have had a burning desire to know what life is all about.

The details of that search deal with every major branch of human knowledge. While much was gained from articles, books and mass media, real understanding came from my conversations with major leaders in science, religion, philosophy and heads of government. (Sometimes an exceptional unknown individual would share valuable insight.)

In the middle of the last century I had meetings with Norman Cousins, who was then Editor of the Saturday Review of Literature. He had just returned from a visit with Albert Schweitzer in Africa. Just this year, I was looking at the copy I have of Schweitzer's “My Life and Thought.” At the close of the book, he said that after all his research he had come to the conclusion that life was inexplicably mysterious and filled with suffering. But he went on to say that there is a will to progress in human society and the problem is to bring to it a reverence for life.

My own life-long search has resulted in total mystery regarding the big picture. Scientists have no explanation of eternity or infinity on which they can agree. But they do agree that the future of the amazing skin of life that covers our globe requires responsible stewardship of Earth - with words and actions that will foster peace, justice and the care of Earth.

The purpose of Earth Day, which I started in 1970, was to have one great holiday foster peace, justice and the care of Earth. I chose the March Equinox for this purpose. The nature of the event and the human history associated with this date was ideal for this purpose. I hope that in this new millennium Earth Day and its Earth Trustee message will get the attention it should have. It appeals to every creed and culture. Many agree with me that with global headlines and support, this event would bring the needed cooperation for Earth's rejuvenation

The Purpose of Earth Day

Human history has shown that when people concentrate on where they agree, they have peace. When they concentrate on where they differ, they have war. A great common cause can diminish differences and promote cooperation. Earth Day focuses attention on human responsibility for Earth. On this special day of nature's equipoise - the March Equinox - the whole human family is invited to join in a common commitment to peace, justice and the care of Earth. On Earth Day, we focus on where we agree, and seek participation by people of every creed and culture. This can stimulate responsible stewardship of Planet Earth. Let's make the new millennium an Earth Trustee Millennium, where the words and actions of individuals and institutions will provide a sustainable future.

What We Should Do

Every church, school, business, government - all public and private institutions should adopt the Earth Magna Charta. (www.earthsite.org) They can independently implement its Earth Trustee policies. This will provide peaceful progress in the New Millennium.

The Role of Religion

The great enigma of history is how different religions have contributed to peaceful progress - and at other times, the same religions have been the major cause of injustice and war. The Crusades is just one example.

On Earth Day, we have people of every major religion join in our Peace Bell Ceremony at the United Nations. Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist and others, join in silent prayer or meditation - a time for heartfelt commitment

to think and act as trustees of Earth.

It would be especially helpful if religious leaders, as well as governments, made this a top priority. While Earth Day is focussed on the here and now, religious faith gives added vigor to support of Earth Trustee efforts. When asked about Earth Day, many leaders have warmly endorsed the idea - but did nothing to support its observance. When world leaders and mass media give suitable attention to Earth Day and its Earth Trustee message, the world will have a better future.

Dealing With the Unknowable

At some time we all think about what will happen when we die. While no one has a video tape of what it's like in heaven - or other dimensions of reality, most people have some belief regarding it. I happen to consider myself an evangelical Christian. I cling to my faith because of its benefit. Belief may be contrary to present scientific evidence, but my belief works. The more I study the words and works of Jesus, the more I feel and show the love and understanding that helps the projects I have created and supported.

At the same time, I support the efforts for a better future by people who follow other faiths. I have cooperated with people of other beliefs for common purposes. I make room for our differences in belief. Earth Day and its Earth Trustee agenda helps get our priorities straight.