People-Powered Planet

Earth Day was never intended to be just a day. Does "Every Day Is Earth Day" ring any bells?

Seems to me that April 22 is a symbol of the wake-up call that we've been collectively shallow enough to write off as an idealistic hippie movement until now. We know, for real, that the arctic is melting. We can't turn a blind eye to raging floods risking broken barriers and looming destruction. Plants and animals are joining the ever-increasing list of extinct species who have died out as a result of climate change. This is the real deal. And we need real leadership to help the rest of us tackle it.

The hope among environmentalists is that the new administration promises a return to prioritizing climate change concerns. President Obama entered office with the fragile and fluctuating role of savior meets scapegoat, hope for the elusive change that we're all so impatient to see materialize. Economy and war aside, our planet's endurance threshold for abuse is waning. We can't keep pretending that ozone and landfills are unrelated to fuel, development, peace. If nothing else, we're talking about these issues again after a long relegation to the back burner.

Some think Obama will bring the United States to the forefront of environmental action. Others criticize his stand on climate change. With Earth Day staring us down, Tonic decided to take a look at the major issues on Washington's agenda. How are we planning on being key players in supporting The Green Generation? Here's the lowdown on D.C.'s next steps.

Grassroots gatherings on Capitol Hill

For starters, We the People are demanding attention. Perhaps it's the idea that our voices might count for more than they have in the past eight years. We're making noise, and we're hoping Obama is listening. On Saturday, April 19, thousands of people braved rain to see bands like Los Lobos, The Flaming Lips and Chevy Chase (yes, Chevy Chase) took the stage on the National Mall to make sure policy makers on Capitol Hill were getting the picture. Established environmentalists and attention-grabbing celebs spoke to the crowd, nonprofits and eco-responsible companies set up exhibits, and thousands showed support for the cause, right there in Obama's metaphoric backyard. Countless events around the country kicked off last weekend to gear up for the big day today. Check the Earth Day website for events near you.

Geoengineering

Scientists are thinking outside of the proverbial box and wondering if rather than attacking global warming's causes, we could put pressure on its effects. That means offsetting rising temps with cooled-off air. No, I'm not talking about a giant sun-blocking device a la Mr. Burns. But the science — called geoengineering — does involve some nature mimicry. Think mock trees "sucking carbon dioxide out of the air" and mechanisms designed to imitate sun-sheilding volcanic debris. And here's the biggie: Obama's on board to explore the ideas. So while the new research and proposals may be esoteric and far away at this point, his willingness to engage represents an openness to drastic measures and urgent action.

Gung-ho out of the gate

Before even being sworn in, Obama pledged to dig his heels into environmental crisis control and United Nations discussions on action. Taking it even further back, in September 2008 he spoke up at the Clinton Global Initiative and said:

"The first commitment that I'll make today is setting a goal of 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 ... I've proposed an investment of $150 billion in alternative energy over 10 years, which will create millions of jobs and break the cycle of our addiction to oil."

Some experts say that while the new administration offers encouraging support, we need to draw even harder lines when it comes to funding and carbon control. Other critics say it's a waste of efforts while on shaky economic ground. It would be hard for jobless Americans to wrap our heads around money funneled into causes that don't reap immediately visible results, but the long-term payoff will surely have a domino effect on economic and social justice concerns across the board. Let's hope he hangs in there and pushes forward in accord with international pleas for support.

Grooming generation green

There's a growing trend in schools across the country to get kids involved. And while some might see it as less pressing than trigonometry or Shakespeare, the green school movement pledges to build character and socially responsible philosophies that will form the foundation of this this next generation. Lofty? Perhaps. But idealism and baby steps aren't bad things. And I'd venture to say this is far more than idealistic. If children grow up seeing service and gratitude and responsibility as ways of life rather than special treatment reserved for each April 22, maybe we can undo some of the damage done by generations before.

Just how are the Obamas taking a green school stand? By the power of example. Sasha and Malia are enrolled in Sidwell Friends' School, an institution that prides itself on "environmental stewardship." First Lady Michelle Obama planted a vegetable garden on the White House lawn and invited students to come help her dig and tend flowers. Sometimes actions really do speak louder than words.

Just do it

And so we act. We don't wait for the next administration, the next era, the next beacon of hope to push us toward action. As they say, every day is Earth Day. Addressing climate change doesn't fall exclusively upon our president's shoulders. He may have the leadership, but we have the power.