Earth Day Message by Ambassador John V. Roos

Video Message Broadcast at the Tokyo FM Earth Day Concert
Nippon Budokan Hall, Tokyo

April 22, 2010

Hi, I'm John Roos, the Ambassador of the United States to Japan. As President Obama's representative here in Japan, I am pleased to join you to celebrate Earth Day. I'd love to be with you there today - I can't be - but I wanted to share with you the following thoughts. When the President spoke at a different concert hall just a few months ago here in Tokyo, he said that we need growth that is sustainable for our planet and for future generations. Already, in his first 10 months as President, I'm proud that the United States has taken more steps to combat climate change than we have in our entire history. We've embraced the latest science, invested in new energy technology, raised efficiency standards, and forged new partnerships and international agreements.

Earth Day, as you know, is a perfect occasion for people around the world to think about how we care for the planet we share. As you enjoy this Earth Day concert, think about how we can work together to protect our one and only Earth. I'd welcome your ideas - please send me a message in English or Japanese through the U.S. Embassy Tokyo website.

Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you, and enjoy your day.