22 April is Earth Day - high definition views to be broadcast

Date:

21/04/2008

High definition views of the Earth are to be broadcast on Earth Day to highlight images taken by astronauts and the science behind them.

Nasa will show the images in an hour-long broadcast screened throughout the day on April 22nd, a day set aside by climate campaigners to raise awareness of the need for environmental action.

The special broadcast will be made up of views of the Earth taken by astronauts on past space shuttle and International Space Station missions.

It will include a discussion of the views by Dr Justin Wilkinson, a scientist with the Crew Earth Observations Office at Nasa's Johnson Space Centre in Houston.

People hoping to see the programme can find information on how to download it at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Thousands of other events are planned for Earth Day. Participants in the US are being urged to demand their representative or senator for a moratorium on coal burning, renewable energy and building efficiency.

What will you do?

It is possible to tackle climate change but only if we all do our bit.  Some of the small steps you can take include

• Take the bus or train to work
• Don't leave the tap running when brushing your teeth
• Plant a tree
• Change your bulbs for energy efficient and make sure you turn off any unused lights

There are so many more - just a few steps will make a difference.

Kenyan proverb

A Kenyan proverb says "Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children."