Earth Day 2025 - Our Power, Our Planet
Gayatri Joshi

On April 22^nd, we will observe the 55^th anniversary of Earth Day.  For 2025, the theme "Our Power, Our Planet" emphasizes the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources. This initiative aims to triple global renewable energy by 2030, which will address climate change, promote human health, and foster economic growth through renewable energy solutions. ​ 

Incredibly, we already possess the solutions to create clean, inexpensive and unlimited energy for the entire planet. In the US, California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Arizona are leading the solar revolution, helping to produce the cheapest electricity in history. Texas leads the US in wind energy generation. The US is also using its drilling capacity to become the world’s leading producer of advanced geothermal energy.  China is leading the world in wind and solar, with twice as much capacity under construction as the rest of the world in 2024. Uruguay generates 98% of its electricity from renewable sources. India has set a target to achieve 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Kenya utilizes geothermal power for nearly half its electricity.  These remarkable achievements are seen all across the globe and are not the distant future, they are here now in the present.

The capability and demand for affordable, clean energy continues to grow exponentially.  For example, solar module costs dropped by 93% between 2010-2020, and with scaling, the costs will likely continue to fall.  Communities are already experiencing benefits, including reduced air pollution from fossil fuel burning, which is linked to respiratory issues like asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, maternal health problems, and increased mortality rates. By shifting to clean energy, we not only lower greenhouse gas emissions but also help reduce healthcare costs associated with fossil fuel-related air pollution. Moreover, clean energy, by its reduced emissions, plays a role in mitigating the effects of climate change, like extreme weather events.  The demand and investment in renewable energy has grown steadily.  In 2023, renewable energy, worldwide, was worth $1.21 trillion and is projected to grow 17.2% annually from 2024 to 2030. 

For office administrators, Earth Day 2025 offers a pivotal opportunity to lead sustainability efforts within the workplace, particularly with energy.  As policy, look at your leases and building environment and investigate green energy, solar capacity, and renewable energy credits.  If your lease is coming up or you’re contemplating a move, use them as must-haves or like-to have.   Review your operations and equipment for optimizing energy efficient technologies and look for opportunities to make changes.  Raise awareness about energy consumption and efficiency with your employees and what they can do at work and home to conserve.  From advocating for policy changes, to capital projects to behavioral changes, every office can play a meaningful role in Our Power, Our Planet. 

Exploring NYCs Urban Green Spaces This Summer

That time of year is approaching, the weather is warming, the trees and flowers are budding with the backdrop of iconic skyscrapers, and the call to sit outside with the sun’s warmth and the shade of green trees is hard to resist.  New York City’s urban green spaces, areas of natural land designed for recreation and conservation, are calling. These spaces are enjoyed as parks, gardens, green roofs, and green walls and contribute significantly to the well-being of residents and visitors.  They offer a peaceful escape and can contribute to lowering stress and providing a place for relaxation or physical activity and a break from urban noise.  These green treasures also improve air quality by filtering out air pollutants, contributing to better health for residents and visitors alike. Aside from their peaceful beauty, New York City’s green spaces, naturally cool in the summer, support biodiversity, and help manage stormwater, combating the effects of climate change and the urban heat island effect.   

While there is nothing like Central Park, there are more than 1,700 parks, playgrounds and recreation facilities that are worth visiting in New York City, offering places to connect with nature, take a stroll, or enjoy the scenery with your colleagues, friends, family or by yourself.  Opened in 2023, Gansevoort Peninsula is Manhattan’s first official public beach with a 5+ acre oasis and is now the largest standalone recreational space within Hudson River Park where people can lounge, kayak, and play. Nearby is the famous High Line Park built on a historic freight rail elevated above the Manhattan streets, where visitors can enjoy the gardens, art and history.   A visit to Little Island on the Hudson will offer performances, art installations, food trucks, and a host of biodiversity for any nature lover. The New York and Brooklyn Botanic Gardens burst into color each spring with cherry blossoms, while Wave Hill in the Bronx offers beautiful garden and river views. Staten Island’s Greenbelt is a hidden gem of forests and hiking trails.  There are smaller, tucked away treasures in the heart of midtown that offer a lovely midday break, like Bryant Park with its enormous London Plane trees or Greenacre Park by 51^st with its lovely waterfall.   

This summer, take time to explore NYC’s green spaces and remember how they offer beauty, relaxation and create a resilient and healthy urban environment.