Imagine, if you will, two camps of semantics-cum-environment enthusiasts thoroughly at odds with one another. Each is thoroughly entrenched in the superiority of their choice word to describe the globe on which we live, and each is relentless in their pursuit for environmental justice.

Unfortunately, story-mongers, this vision is…well…completely fictitious. The two days coexist – even complement one another, and each was born of a widespread desire to improve the way people use, and sometimes, abuse the environment.

As you’ll notice, little separates Earth Day and World Environment Day but a few weeks and the details of their birth. Take a look through the history of the events. It’s clear that Pittsburgh, in hosting World Environment Day this year, has a unique opportunity to promote what our city does well and grow greener still.

Earth Day

Today, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 in over 170 countries and on the Spring Equinox (around March 20) in even more. It’s the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faith traditions, and nationalities – although at first, it was slightly more regional. [Read more...]