35th Anniversary of Earth Day

United States Marks 35th Anniversary of Earth Day

As the United States marks Earth Day, there is much to celebrate. The environment of the United States is healthier today than it was 35 years ago when America celebrated the first Earth Day. Although complex environmental challenges remain, the United States is committed to confronting them and continuing its longstanding stewardship of the nation’s air, water, and land. As a key player in this effort, the State Department advances a robust array of international environmental initiatives. A small sampling follows. For more information, please see: state.gov/g/oes.

Sustainable Development: The leading donor nation in the world, the United States provides $19 billion annually in official development assistance (almost a doubling since 2000) to accelerate economic growth and social development and enhance environmental stewardship in developing nations. Additionally, the United States has joined or launched hundreds of public/private partnerships in these critical areas. The Safe Water System Partnership, for example, has distributed or sold at low cost about 8 million bottles of disinfectant solution, providing safe drinking water to thousands of people.

Climate Change: The State Department has initiated 14 bilateral climate partnerships with countries and regional organizations that, with the United States, account for more than 70% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Also, the Administration’s 2005 budget includes $5.2 billion for climate-related activities, including five cutting edge multilateral energy initiatives to develop technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally, and the Group on Earth Observations, an international partnership to improve our ability to understand planetary change.

Biodiversity: To promote global biodiversity, the United States secures protections for dozens of species. Through the International Coral Reef Initiative, the United States ensures that coral reefs remain vibrant, viable ecosystems. The United States has also launched an historic effort with 25 Western Hemisphere nations to conserve that region’s migratory wildlife.

Forests: The United States is spearheading the Congo Basin Forest Partnership, a

$53 million initiative to establish networks of protected areas and improve forest management across central Africa. Joined by over 30 partners, we have the potential to develop 27 national parks and protect more than 25 million acres of land. Through the President’s Initiative Against Illegal Logging, the United States is safeguarding forest ecosystems worldwide, including in post-conflict Liberia.

Oceans/Fisheries: The United States is pioneering new techniques to crack down on illegal fishing worldwide. It also leads efforts to limit the capacity of the world’s fishing fleet to sustainable levels and to prevent marine mammals and seabirds from being accidentally swept into fishing nets or hooked in longline fishing operations.

International Conventions: The United States participates in more than 200 international environmental treaty negotiations including those to protect the ozone layer, preserve wetlands, safeguard endangered species, and reduce hazardous chemicals.

2005/437 Released on April 21, 2005 Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC April 21, 2005