Each year, on Mother Earth Day, we reflect on our relationship with the planet that supports us. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that grows our food are part of a delicate global ecosystem that is increasingly under pressure from human activities. From tropical deforestation to depleted ocean fisheries, from growing freshwater shortages to the rapid decline of biodiversity and increasingly polluted skies and seas in many parts of the world, we see the heavy hand of humankind.

在這一年一度的地球母親日，我們對與地球的關系進行反省。我們呼吸的空氣，飲用的水，生長食物的土壤，是全球脆弱生態系統的一部分，這一系統所承受的人類活動的壓力日益加大。從熱帶雨林砍伐到海洋漁業枯竭，從淡水日益緊缺到生物多樣性迅速退化，再到世界許多地區空氣和海洋污染日趨嚴重，我們感到了人類雙手的重量。

As our population grows we have to recognize that our consumption of the planet’s resources is unsustainable. We need a global transformation of attitude and practice. It is especially urgent to address how we generate the energy that drives our progress. Burning fossil fuels is the principal cause of climate change, which increasingly threatens prosperity and stability in all regions. That is why world leaders have pledged to reach a global legal climate agreement in 2015.

世界人口不斷增長，我們必須認識到，我們對地球資源的消費是無法持續的。我們必須從根本上改變我們的態度和做法。當務之急是要解決如何生產推動我們社會進步的能源的問題。燃燒化石燃料是造成氣候變化的主要原因，它日益威脅著世界各個地區的繁榮和穩定。正因為如此，世界各國領導人承諾在2015年就全球氣候問題達成協議。

Action on climate change presents multiple opportunities to reset our relationship with Mother Earth and improve human well-being, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable. Sustainable energy for all can increase health, wealth and opportunity for billions of people, as can climate-smart agriculture, more efficient cities and better managed and protected forests.

采取行動應對氣候變化，給我們帶來了多種機會，使我們能夠調整與地球母親的關系，并改善人類，特別是最貧困最脆弱群體的福祉。農業實現氣候智能化，城市提高效力，森立得到更好的管理和保護，將能增進數十億人民的健康、財富和機會。為所有人提供可持續能源，同樣能夠實現這一目標。

To generate ambitious action on the ground and raise momentum for a new climate treaty in 2015, I am convening a Climate Summit in New York on 23 September this year. I am inviting Heads of State and Government along with private sector and civil society leaders to showcase initiatives and forge alliances that can help launch a sustainable future. But they need support and encouragement, for change is never easy. So today, on International Mother Earth Day, I appeal to all people everywhere to raise their voices. Speak out on behalf of this planet, our only home. Let us care for Mother Earth so she can continue to care for us as she has done for millennia.

為促進大規模實際行動，為給2015年新的氣候條約營造勢頭，我將于今年9月23日在紐約召開氣候問題峰會。我將邀請各國元首和政府首腦以及私營部門和民間社會領導人建言獻策并結成聯盟，為實現可持續未來做出貢獻。但是，變化總是困難的，我們必須給他們以支持和鼓勵。因此，值此國際地球母親日，我呼吁世界各國人民發出呼聲——為地球，為我們唯一的家園發出呼聲。幾千年來，地球母親一直照顧著我們，我們應該回報地球，使地球能夠繼續照顧我們。

（來源：聯合國網站，編輯 Helen）