123STA T . 3 6 31 PROCL A M AT I O N8 36 4— APR. 22 , 2 0 0 9havefu e l e do u rg ro wt ha n d p ro s per i t y asa N ation and enri c hed our lives .D oing this not only fulfills a sacred o b ligation to our children and grandchildren , but also provides an opportunity to sti m ulate eco - nomic growth. T o achieve these ends, no issue deserves more immediate attention than global warming. S cientists have already observed alarming shifts in the natural world, including thawing permafrost, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. C limate change presents a serious test for human k ind, but it also pro- vides an opportunity for great innovation and adaptation. The U nited States has risen to such challenges before, and E arth Day inspires us to transcend differences among nations so we may lead the world in protecting our planet from this global threat. A mericans across the country are working hard to help limit the pol- lutants that cause climate change and reduce their impact on the envi- ronment, but we must do more. I ndividuals and organi z ations can plant trees, use energy efficient lightbulbs, drive fuel efficient cars, hold clean-up drives, and teach young people about environmental preservation. Small changes in our daily lives can have a big impact on our environment. Individuals can walk, bike, and use public trans- portation
buy products with less packaging; and recycle and reuse paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum more often. American families can also save money by choosing energy efficient products, turning lights off, unplugging appliances, and cutting back on heating and air condi- tioning. G overnment and business alike must also take serious and sustained action to protect our valuable natural inheritance. Through investments in scientific research and development, and the vigorous pursuit of al- ternative and renewable energy, we can create millions of green j obs that allow us to reduce greenhouse gases and e x cel in a competitive global economy. M y Administration is committed to increasing fuel economy standards and putting more P lug-In H ybrid cars on the road, weatherizing millions of homes, and catalyzing private efforts to build a clean energy future. My Administration is also working to achieve a comprehensive energy and climate policy, one that will lessen our de- pendence on foreign oil, make the U.S. the global leader in clean en- ergy technology, and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. President Theodore R oosevelt emphasized our obligation to future Americans, saying, ‘ ‘of all the q uestions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the great central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us. ’ ’ Heeding President Roosevelt’s call, and carrying forward his spirit of determination, we must commit ourselves to protecting our environment and ensuring the health of our planet so we may share the magnificent blessings of our Earth with our grandchildren. W e do this not only to acknowledge the environment’s central role in the development of our Nation but also to recognize the strong ecologi- cal interdependence among nations. History has shown that as we sow, so too shall we reap. L et us rededicate ourselves to a world that pro- vides bountiful harvests for us all not just today, but for many genera- tions to come.
