Abstract

  Introduction:  Recently, the ongoing discussion over global climate change led me to an epiphany.  What if the global population were to unite over a single issue, one common cause?
The question: How might it be possible to alert the consciousness of the population of the entire planet to the cause of the global climate crisis?
The answer:  Give it a name.  And by “it” I mean Planet Earth.  A globally considered, voted upon, and recognized name.  Currently, nearly every different language on Planet Earth holds a unique name and pronunciation for our planet.
The summary:  Bring the world together in a yearlong process of submitting and considering names for the earth that the entire planet will recognize, the ultimate goal being to champion global awareness on every continent and in every corner of our planet.   Each person will have their vote.
The history:  Although this project might initially appear overly ambitious, there exists one precedent.  The recently concluded effort to select seven new wonders of the world, provides a basic roadmap for such our endeavor.
The Proposal – A Thumbnail Sketch   My proposal includes the creation of a website to facilitate voting in as many languages as possible.  Additionally, an international coalition need be formed to help promote and enhance awareness of the naming of Planet Earth.   This proposal has the potential to be the next step forward of modern global awareness.  In addition to aiding global awareness, naming the earth holds the possibility of usurping the political in-fighting that has stymied efforts like the Kyoto Protocol, Cap and Trade emissions standards, and open doors for future environmental policies and legislation.   The work proposed will include, but will not be limited to: speaking at colleges and universities worldwide, appearing on television programs and lecture circuits to promote the proposed plan, creating and maintaining a website to ensure maximum inclusion of the world’s population, possible travel to include citizens of the world that might not have access to the Internet (i.e. paper ballots).
About the Author Zachary Urbina is a published writer, and visual artist.  Originally from the Greater Los Angeles area, Urbina graduated from USC in 2004 and currently resides in New York City.  Further details available at http://www.pasadenapictures.com