Earth Day Special Commentary

The blue-green orb is in trouble, but there is hope

Pandemic has reminded many of the value - and fragility - of nature, and the need to protect it

Cypriot marine ecologist Louis Hadjioannou, 38, photographing coral to monitor the impact of climate change on the delicate fauna in the crystal clear waters of Glyko Nero in Ayia Napa, off the island's south-eastern shore. A great global green trans
Cypriot marine ecologist Louis Hadjioannou, 38, photographing coral to monitor the impact of climate change on the delicate fauna in the crystal clear waters of Glyko Nero in Ayia Napa, off the island's south-eastern shore. A great global green transition, if well managed and carried out equitably, is possible, vital and need not cost the Earth. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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The world marked its first Earth Day in 1970 - and pretty much every year since, the planet has been in worse shape than the year before.

This year - as nations try to recover from the pandemic - looks to be no exception.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 22, 2021, with the headline The blue-green orb is in trouble, but there is hope. Subscribe