Earth Day 2008

TRAVEL'S MOST ENDANGERED PLACES in Ski Adventure on Concierge.com

THE GLACIERS OF EUROPE -- Where: The Alps
THE SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO -- Where: Tanzania
LOUISIANA'S COASTAL SALT MARSHES -- Where: Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana
GREAT BARRIER REEF -- Where: Queensland, Australia
THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES -- Where: South Florida
ARCTIC POLAR BEARS -- Where: Northern Manitoba Coast, Canada
THE TAJ MAHAL -- Where: Agra, India
ORANGUTANS OF BORNEO -- Where: Tanjung Puting Biosphere Reserve, Borneo
CENTRAL AMERICA'S CLOUD FORESTS -- Where: Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Costa Rica
AFRICA'S LION POPULATION -- Where: Kruger National Park, South Africa


On this Earth Day 2008 I encourage readers to view a beautiful short essay/pictorial review by Peter J. Frank (link above). His preface reads:

Isn't it ironic that as it gets easier to travel around the world, there are fewer amazing things to see. The earth's most revered marvels are increasingly falling victim to overcrowding, global warming, and untrammeled development. Of course, the rush to see those disappearing treasures means—­ironically, again—that they become even further endangered. Climate change and human encroachment are without doubt the double karate chop to many of the world's most special wonders, threatening to KO them for everyone. So while we're suggesting that you put these spots on your must-do list, we also hope you visit them in a low-impact, environmentally sustainable way. And spread the word: With the right kind of attention, these wonders will be around for future generations of travelers.

Our favorite holidays are beloved because as we celebrate their special meaning we are filled with love and awe. Earth Day does that for me, fills me with love and awe for this fragile home of ours. Unlike other holidays that generate a sense of celebration, meditation, redemption, and renewal, as the years pass it is more difficult to view the latter two as being associated with Earth Day. If we don't add education and obligation to the list now our reasons for celebration and meditation around Earth Day will be nil, for we'll have lost hope for redemption and renewal.


photo: paid subscription Clipart.com