Washington, D.C. — On the 41st anniversary of the celebration of Earth Day, the U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Chief Executive Officer Daniel W. Yohannes today stated:
“It has been over 40 years since the first Earth Day celebration. Today, more than a billion people around the globe celebrate this annual event, which provides an opportunity for us all to reflect on what we are doing to protect our planet.
“Environmental degradation disproportionately harms the poor, particularly in developing countries which are the least equipped to deal with the adverse effects of pollution or climate change. In order for developing nations to achieve sustainable economic growth, they must become good stewards of the environment. Whether it is ensuring access to clean water, teaching improved management of crops or other resources, or conserving habitat, protecting a country’s natural resources is essential to lifting its people out of poverty.
“Environmental protection guides the development of every project that MCC works on with our partner countries. Like this year’s Earth Day theme, ‘A Billion Acts of Green,’ MCC is helping the countries we work with develop a long-lasting appreciation for the environment and take steps to ensure its protection. Through working together, we can not only make the earth a greener place, but we can also provide for greater sustainability and prosperity.”
# # #
Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. Government agency designed to work with developing countries, is based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces sound political, economic, and social policies that promote poverty reduction through economic growth. For more information, please visit www.mcc.gov.
Keep connected with MCC via Facebook and Twitter, through videos at YouTube and Vimeo or by podcast.