What Does Earth Day Mean Today?

As Earth Day turns 40, the founders of the original event have mixed feelings about the modern environmental movement. Is mainstream environmentalism over, or is today's business-infused green movement the way forward?

People across the world are kicking off festivities in the name of Earth Day. This international holiday, described as "halfway between a street party and a guilt trip" by the Washington Post, began 40 years ago when a group of young activists arranged a national protest. The event was categorized by rowdy marches, huge rallies, and in-your-face activism that (sometimes literally) grabbed the public by the collar. The event helped spearhead a public outcry that resulted in a huge legislative and regulatory movement that reshaped the quality of America's air, water, and soil.

Whale Sushi in Los Angeles and Seoul Evidence of Illegal Trade

CORVALLIS, Oregon, April 15, 2010 (ENS) - An illegal trade in whalemeat, linking whales killed in Japan's controversial scientific whaling program to sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, California and Seoul, South Korea, has been uncovered by an international team of scientists, documentary filmmakers and environmental advocates.

Genetic analysis of sashimi served at a Los Angeles sushi restaurant in October 2009 has confirmed that the pieces of raw meat purchased by filmmakers of the Oscar-winning documentary, "The Cove," came from an endangered sei whale.

Backyard Bird Count: Common Birds More Numerous, Rare Birds Vanishing

ITHACA, New York, April 6, 2010 (ENS) - Red cardinals, blue jays, black crows and robins were among the 10 most sighted birds in this year's Great Backyard Bird Count, but organizers said one of the most dramatic results from this year's count was the absence of other bird species.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is a joint project of the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada. It is open to bird watchers of all ages. The results provided a snapshot of the whereabouts of more than 600 bird species.

Japanese Town Defends Dolphin Slaughter Portrayed in Oscar-Winning Documentary

Japanese officials and citizens of the sleepy fishing town of Taijii defend their annual dolphin hunt, as portrayed in the Oscar-winning documentary, "The Cove."

Last weekend, the who's who of Western entertainment gathered in Los Angeles to cheer on the winners of coveted Oscar awards. The winner of the best documentary Oscar, "The Cove," got a much different reaction from the residents of the town that served as the film's location. That's because the documentary portrays the annual capture and slaughter of some 2,000 dolphins by Taiji fisherman in a secluded cove. The residents of this town are responsible for about 11% of Japan's annual dolphin take, but it is the only place that the ancient "oikomi" hunting method is used.