Earth Day Goes Digital | Angela Neal Grove

Earth Day 2020: Himalayan Peaks tower over the valleys of Nepal. When I took this image in 1973 the air was crystal clear. There was no pollution. Now, during Covid-19 lockdown and a reduction in pollution the peaks are once again visible from Punjab in India where people react with awe. PHOTO: ANGROVE — Himalayan Peaks tower over the valleys of Nepal. When I took this image in 1973 the air was crystal clear. There was no pollution. Now, during Covid-19 lockdown and reductions in air pollution the peaks are once again visible from Punjab, India, where people reacted with awe.

A Big Anniversary With a Big Theme

April 22, 2020 is 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and this year Earth Day goes digital. Climate Action is the theme. 192 nations around the world planned to observe the day, and its critical message, with gatherings and marches. Then came Covid-19.

Coyote in Yosemite listening for sounds of life under the snow. During Covid-19 Shelter In Place coyote have taken to deserted urban streets and parks. Wildlife is reclaiming its territory. PHOTO:ANGROVE — Coyote in Yosemite listening for sounds of life under the snow. During Covid-19 Shelter In Place coyote have taken to deserted urban streets and parks. Wildlife is reclaiming its territory.

Virtual Visits and an App

With much of the world social distancing or sheltering in place This year there are virtual visits to National Parks and many tech projects have been created for the whole family. YouTube has a whole selection of books for readers of all ages to hear and learn about effects of climate change.

Earth Challenge 2020 is downloadable from the App Store for tablets and smartphones. It lets you gather important scientific data like air quality and plastic pollution. There is something for everyone on this app from ages 4+. This has been created by Earth Day Network, the worlds largest environmental organization.

Sea Turtle being released on Pele Island marine reserve, Vanuatu. In Thailand recently, record numbers of sea turtles have hatched, undisturbed by tourists during Covid-19 shutdown. PHOTO;ANGROVE — Sea Turtle being released on Pele Island marine reserve, Vanuatu. In Thailand recently, a record number of sea turtles have hatched, and have scurried down the beaches to the waves, undisturbed by tourists.

As We Shelter in Place

During Covid-19 shutdown and while we shelter in place the earth and wildlife has had a brief respite.

In China the shut-down meant no deadly pollution. The skies cleared, and as many as 75,000 of lives may have been saved from premature death, claims a Stanford Professor. (Coronavirus lockdown curbs deadly pollution)

In Venice many canals have clear water as boat traffic no longer churns up mud and sediment. In Northern India the Himalayers are once again visible for the first time in 20 years.

A hook-billed kite peers down from a tree in a eucalyptus grove in California. Even birds of prey have become more visible during Covid-19 shelter-in-place. PHOTO;ANGROVE — A hook-billed kite peers down from a tree in a eucalyptus grove in California. Even birds of prey have become more visible during Covid-19 shelter-in-place.

Wildlife investigates

Wild creatures across the world have been spotted investigating empty streets and parks. In Sydney a loan kangaroo hopped by closed shops, the BBC reported.

In San Francisco coyote have been trotting through Fisherman’s Wharf, and heard howling in North Beach. In Yosemite bears awakening from hibernation roam the valley and climb trees in peace without fear of being run over by speeding autos.

Can we learn from this? Or will these clear skies and wildlife sightings just be a pleasant footnote to a devastating pandemic?

California Sea Lions enjoy basking in the sun at Point Reyes, north of the Golden Gate. They have the beaches to themselves during March 2020, Shelter in Place, Covid-19 lockdown. PHOTO; ANGROVE — California Sea Lions enjoy basking in the sun at Point Reyes, north of the Golden Gate. They have the beaches to themselves during March 2020.

Earth Day Goes Digital: Activities for You

One billion people in 192 countries observe Earth Day. Will you? Remember last year’s devastating fires in Australia? The Amazon Rain Forest burning?

There is something for each member of the family to do. Download the Earth Network app, listen to a book on YouTube, take a virtual visit through a National Park. If children have access to outside, plant a few seeds, even in a window box or on damp newspaper. Then watch seeds germinate and grow.

Watch David Attenborough‘s epic nature documentary, Our Planet, which was made for Netflix. The focus of this award winning series is humans’ impact on the environment. How climate change affects all living creatures.

Fields of California Poppies in Northern California bloom freely, dancing in the breeze. During 2019 superbloom in Southern California helicopters landed in the poppy fields so people could take better photographs. They flattened and crushed swaths of wild flowers. PHOTO; ANGROVE — Fields of California Poppies bloom freely, dancing in the breeze. During the 2019 superbloom in Southern California helicopters landed in the poppy fields so people could take better photographs. They flattened and crushed swaths of wild flowers.

What Does Climate Change Look Like?

Here are some images of what climate change looks like: What does Climate Change Look Like. Last year’s theme was Protect Our Species, this post also includes the history of Earth Day.

Happy Virtual Digital Earth Day. Enjoy the app, and virtual visits. Be vigilant. Climate Change is real. The planet is in peril. Covid-19 has given us a glimpse of clear skies and regenerating nature. It should be an incentive for all of us.