Senator Whitehouse Celebrates Earth Day
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island celebrated Earth Day 2008 by speaking at the Irreplaceable: Wildlife in a Warming World exhibit in Providence. He was joined by Rhode Island State Representative Arthur Handy and Providence City Councilman Cliff Wood.
Senator Whitehouse spoke eloquently about the need to address the impacts of global warming on wildlife. A few excerpts from his speech:
"A picture is said to be worth a thousand words. But today, the images that surround us represent thousands of creatures all over the globe, creatures endangered by rising temperatures, rising seas, and the steady march of time. We’re here today so that these stunning photographs, and the plight of the species they depict, can inspire more people in Rhode Island to action to address the challenge of global climate change.
"Tomorrow is Earth Day – the one day each year when we pause to consider the health of our planet. It may prove that the greatest harm we have done to our planet is our unchecked emissions of greenhouse gases. As we speak, this is causing the most significant and rapid climate and ecosystem shifts living memory has ever witnessed. These changes affect our oceans, rivers, and lakes; they affect our plants and crops; and they affect our wildlife.
"The animal and plant species in these photographs are wondrous examples of the diversity of life on Earth, and their disappearance would cost us precious opportunities for greater scientific knowledge and discovery. As these images show so compellingly, it would also cost us creatures of irreplaceable beauty. And it will touch our souls in strange and unforeseeable ways, to never again experience wilderness untouched by the works of man.
"Your vigilance, your attention, and your activism will keep the pressure on Washington to act – and show that the American people, especially our young people, demand action now. America must be a leader for the rest of the world, and not wait for other nations to act first. We cannot be the first American generation to leave its children a world worse off than the one we inherited.
"There are times in history when the world changes because new opportunities emerge and new generations reach out to seize them. There are times in history when the world changes because it must. This time is both. Thank you.
