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EARTH WEEK PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Earth is a closed system that generations of inhabitants change for good or ill, that we share with contemporaries everywhere, and leave to those who survive us; and WHEREAS, Earth Day is celebrated around the globe as a reminder of our individual and collective responsibility to care for this precious and vulnerable planet; and WHEREAS, The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970; and WHEREAS, The theme for this year’s event is The Face of Climate Change; and WHEREAS, Human activities contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, global climate variability, the melting of glaciers and polar ice, thawing of permafrost, rising sea levels, changing ecosystems, and diminished biodiversity; and WHEREAS, Environmental health affects life, social structures, food production, disease, and economies around the world; and WHEREAS, We can do our parts individually, and effect significant differences collectively, by making conscious and responsible purchasing decisions, reducing waste, using less water, protecting water quality, improving building efficiency, employing renewable energy, favoring compact development, using public transit or non- motorized modes of transportation, planting trees and native vegetation, educating ourselves and others about the environment, cleaning up litter, saying “no” to plastic bags, and more; and WHEREAS, Moscow’s usual impressive number and variety of commemorative activities have expanded from Earth Day to Earth Week to this year’s 16-day Earth Fest, planned by students and the Sustainability Center at the University of Idaho; NOW THEREFORE, I, Nancy Chaney, Mayor for the City of Moscow, Idaho do hereby proclaim April 21-27, 2013 as Earth Week in the City of Moscow, and I urge citizens to reflect on Earth's tender gifts, to plant trees and flowers, clean the environment, and take part in other activities to celebrate the quality of life that we enjoy and the natural resources that are necessary to support it, now and in the future. DATED this 15th day of April, 2013 Nancy Chaney, Mayor Copy Copy Copy