Earth Day action

Earth Day's 40th celebration falls on Thursday this week. Since its birth in 1970, this annual environmental movement has served as a reminder for people to take a humble attitude toward the planet and nature.

Green Beijing Low Carbon Cycling organized by Friends of Nature. Photo: Courtesy of FON

Even though the rapid development of science and technology regularly offers the illusion that everything is under control, consider recent events from around the globe: the Chile earthquake in early March, two volcanic eruptions in Iceland within one month, the severe drought in Yunnan since March and the earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai Province last Wednesday. Human beings cannot help but be at the mercy of nature when confronted with natural phenomena or catastrophes.

Still, one might ask how to relate those extreme but far-away occurrences to their daily behavior. Lifestyle has collected an assorted list of green events planned for this week by Beijing-based NGOs, which can guide individuals in applying eco-friendly behaviors and practices to their lives right now.

Film screening from Greenpeace

Coal Nightmare animation launch and low carbon concert

Date: April 22, 7 pm

Venue: The Place, No. 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district

Greenpeace will premiere its animated film, Coal Nightmare, to raise the public's awareness and concern about China's heavy reliance on coal as a major energy resource.

Directed by the celebrated auteur Feng Xiaogang, the low carbon concert will feature popular Chinese singer Yang Kun, actor-turned-signer Huang Xiaoming and renowned actor Zhang Guoli. This is the first low carbon concert to be held in the Place, in cooperation with Guanchen Media company.