Remarks by AIT Deputy Director Robert S. Wang Earth Day Beach Cleanup at Jin Shan North Coast April 19, 2008

OT0803E | Date: 2008-04-21

The U.S. celebrated its first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. Shortly after, on December 2 the same year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created.

In the span of these 38 years, the Earth has been burdened with population growth, pollution of the environment, and the huge challenge brought by climate change.

Today, as we celebrate Earth Day by helping clean a small part of our planet, we reflect on the earth's precious environment, which sustains our lives and which is in dire need of protection.

Foremost in our minds is climate change. Since 2001, President Bush has earmarked nearly $45 billion for research, technology development and international assistance to address climate change.

The United States continues to develop cutting edge technology to lessen its dependency on fossil fuels.

The United States collaborates with domestic and international partners in a broad range of climate change activities, from funding clean technology, to eliminating tariffs/non tariff barriers to environmental goods and services, to encouraging the use of clean energy technologies in the world.

The U.S. hosted a Washington International Renewable Energy Conference WIREC in February 2008 which was attended by many international guests and private companies, and served to highlight the importance the United States places on alternative energy sources.

We wish to thank County Magistrate Chou Hsi-wei, the Taipei County authorities and the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency for inviting AIT to participate in the beach cleanup.

I wish everyone a Happy Earth Day!