America.gov-Environment:Earth Day

Actor Harrison Ford Speaks Out Against Wildlife Trafficking

Lea Terhune — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:45:18 GMT

The U.S. State Department escalates its battle against wildlife trafficking with new videos starring actor Harrison Ford. The United States, a leader against illegal trade in endangered species, aims to raise awareness in so-called consumer nations about the environmental tragedy they subsidize.

World Environment Day Urges “Kick the Carbon Habit”

Lea Terhune — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:34:56 GMT

On World Environment Day 2008, the U.N. Environment Programme is urging nations to “Kick the carbon habit” by reducing use of fossil fuels and emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, blamed for rising global temperatures. In a related observance, the State Department is launching an initiative to combat wildlife trafficking.

Governments, Industry Working to Stem CO2 Emissions from Coal

Lea Terhune — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:35:18 GMT

Coal is among the fastest-growing component of global energy, but coal-burning power plants worldwide contribute to atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂₎. Solutions to this conflict are complex, expensive and evolving, as groups around the world work to reduce CO₂ from this important energy source.

Passion for Protecting Amazon Basin Unites Leaders, Activists

Lea Terhune — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:54:40 GMT

A shared passion for the Amazon brings together indigenous peoples, governments, nongovernmental organizations and private donors at the 2008 Amazon Alliance Steering Council Meeting to address the basin’s value as a key ecosystem and the stewardship role of indigenous peoples.

U.S. Program Helps Save Tropical Forests, Cut Foreign Debt

Lea Terhune — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:42:52 GMT

The United States is helping protect the tropical forests of 12 developing countries around the world through an innovative program called the Tropical Forest Conservation Act. The program helps save the forests by forgiving some of the official debt owed by these nations to the United States.

Program Supports U.S.-China Exchange of Environmental Expertise

Lea Terhune — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:04:28 GMT

Maryland Cooperates with Landowners for Environmental Health

Lea Terhune — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:45:21 GMT

The number of small American family farms in operation has dwindled as agriculture becomes more centralized and most profitable in large-scale operations. But fallow fields and timber lots in the state of Maryland are finding new uses that benefit both landowners and the ecological health of the greater Chesapeake Bay region.

Innovative Process Restores Lakes and Rivers Naturally

Lea Terhune — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:23:24 GMT

Global warming and shrinking freshwater resources are increasing the demand for innovative water-treatment technologies. America.gov looks at how an American entrepreneur’s fresh -- and cost-effective -- idea is breathing new life into dead waters by naturally restoring lakes, rivers and streams.

What is Earth Day?

Lea Terhune — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:38:58 GMT

Earth Day celebrates its 38th anniversary in 2008. What began in 1970 as a protest movement has evolved into a global celebration of the environment and commitment to its protection. The history of Earth Day mirrors the growth of environmental awareness over the last three decades, and the legacy of Earth Day is the certain knowledge that the environment is a universal concern.

U.S. Companies Embrace Green Technology

Lea Terhune — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:24:46 GMT

Corporations are beginning to realize that developments in technology are making it easier for green choices to lead to increased profits.

The Superfund Helps Clean Up Hazardous Waste

Lea Terhune — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:23:53 GMT

In 1980, 10 years after the first Earth Day, the U.S. Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which authorized the “Superfund,” the federal government’s program to clean up the nation’s uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. It has allowed the federal government to help cities and states clean up the nation’s most dangerous toxic waste sites.

U.S. Communities Embrace Recycling To Protect the Environment

Lea Terhune — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 18:17:25 GMT

The United States is sometimes characterized as a nation of overconsumers who generate mountains of garbage. But a trend in the opposite direction is sweeping the country, along with deeper concern about global warming and the environment. Civic, corporate and individual efforts all play a part. “The recycling movement has now advanced to the zero waste stage,” says Neil Seldman, president of the nonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance in Washington. “Up until now, people have been talking about 25, 50, 60 percent diversion. Now cities are going for zero waste … 90 percent or more diversion.” He says Los Angeles is the first city in the country to declare a zero waste goal: 90 percent by 2025.

Small Environmental Groups Can Make a Big Difference

Lea Terhune — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:15:43 GMT

Environmental groups in the United States come in many sizes, from the 1.3 million-member Sierra Club to small neighborhood groups that clean trash from their local streams, monitor water quality and plant trees to prevent erosion. Even the smallest grassroots groups can have a big impact. USINFO looks at “stream teams” -- groups of volunteers that collect water samples and other data to monitor the health of their local drainage areas, provide information to government agencies and press for effective laws against polluters.