Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF), has put out a compelling message regarding Earth Day 2025, urging that it should not merely be a day of celebration but rather a reflection of our shortcomings in addressing escalating environmental issues and social inequality. Marking the occasion under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” Deo emphasizes the need for substantial climate actions and inclusive justice, rather than the empty gestures he warns will not suffice in the wake of ongoing environmental collapse and societal challenges.
Deo argues that the alarming regression in addressing these issues is driven by political authoritarianism, corporate greed, and a shrinking civic space, which result in decisions often rooted in corporate interests rather than the actual needs of communities. He believes the current trajectory favors profit over people, sidelining grassroots advocates and undermining meaningful environmental efforts.
This sentiment echoes his earlier calls during the holiday season, where he highlighted similar concerns about social and environmental justice. In previous remarks, he has drawn parallels between societal deterioration and the overwhelming plastic pollution threatening our planet, calling for citizens to step up as global citizens actively engaged in advocating for transformative decisions from leadership.
Deo insists on moving from superficial sustainability to a focus on systems that value justice, dignity, and long-term accountability. Acknowledging that solutions exist, he stresses that the primary obstacle is the lack of political will to implement them. Earth Day, in this context, should serve as a reminder of both our communal power and responsibility, expanding the discourse beyond an annual performance into a daily commitment to environmental justice and equity.
By fostering collaboration among various sectors—governments, businesses, and community organizations—there is hope for a united approach that could significantly alter our path. If genuine efforts are made to empower grassroots organizations and include their experiences in policy-making, the quest for sustainability may lead to a healthier planet and stronger communities.
This call to action represents not just a challenge, but also an opportunity to galvanize action toward achieving a more equitable and environmentally conscious society. The shift advocated by Deo paints a hopeful picture for the future, where responsibilities are shared, and meaningful changes are pursued collectively.
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