Green Beijing Low Carbon Cycling organized by Friends of Nature. Photo: Courtesy of FON

Earth Day's 40th celebration falls on Thursday this week. Since its birth in 1970, this annual environmental movement has served as a reminder for people to take a humble attitude toward the planet and nature.

Even though the rapid development of science and technology regularly offers the illusion that everything is under control, consider recent events from around the globe: the Chile earthquake in early March, two volcanic eruptions in Iceland within one month, the severe drought in Yunnan since March and the earthquake in Yushu, Qinghai Province last Wednesday. Human beings cannot help but be at the mercy of nature when confronted with natural phenomena or catastrophes.

Still, one might ask how to relate those extreme but far-away occurrences to their daily behavior. Lifestyle has collected an assorted list of green events planned for this week by Beijing-based NGOs, which can guide individuals in applying eco-friendly behaviors and practices to their lives right now.

Film screening from Greenpeace

Coal Nightmare animation launch and low carbon concert

Date: April 22, 7 pm

Venue: The Place, No. 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district

Greenpeace will premiere its animated film, Coal Nightmare, to raise the public's awareness and concern about China's heavy reliance on coal as a major energy resource.

Directed by the celebrated auteur Feng Xiaogang, the low carbon concert will feature popular Chinese singer Yang Kun, actor-turned-signer Huang Xiaoming and renowned actor Zhang Guoli. This is the first low carbon concert to be held in the Place, in cooperation with Guanchen Media company.

Book launch from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Conservation for a New Era

Date: April 20, 3 pm to 4 pm

Venue: Sanlian Bookstore, No. 22 Meishuguan Dongjie, Dongcheng district

Admission: Free, but registration needed

Contact: 8532-4332 or email info@ iucn.org.cn for registration

Co-written by Jeffery A. McNeely and Sue Mainka, Conversation for a New Era discusses the latest environmental issues and conversations of the 21st century, in what is also a legacy work from the World Conversation Congress in 2008. Its topics touch on ecology systems, climate change, biological diversity, and energy and a green economy.

Dr Mainka, who is the director of scientific research and education at IUN will be present at the book launch to give a lecture with Yang Dongping from Friends of Nature. Yang was named as one of 50 public scholars influencing China by Southern People Weekly magazine in 2004.

Friends of Nature (FON): Green Beijing Low Carbon Cycling

Date: April 22

Venue: Pudusi Temple Square, Donghuamen, Dongcheng district

Admission: Free, but registration needed

Contact: Zhang Wenhua at 6512-0827, ext. 822 or email whitewoods@gmail. com for registration.

Volunteers interested in practicing a low carbon lifestyle are warmly welcome to this event where, with the aid of Google Maps, they will visit and interview community residents and people closely involved with cycling, such as bicycle commuters and bike rental shop owners. During the trip, the state of cycling lanes and parking area for bicycles will be marked on the map.

The cycling route starts from Pudusi Dongxiang, by way of Nanchizi Dajie, Beichizi Dajie, and Wusi Dajie, and ends at Beiheyan Dajie.

From Greening the Beige: Eco=Chic: Earth Day Vintage

This week's Eco=Chic has an Earth Day theme and includes a vintage fashion show as well as a swing dancing class.

Guests are encouraged to shop and exchange old goodies in their wardrobes at the Green Garbage Sale section. Friends of Nature (FON) will also get involved here with a short presentation on garbage. Ten percent of Green Drink sales at the venue will be given to FON.

Date: April 22, 9 pm til late

9 pm to 2 am: Green Garage Sale

9 pm to 10:30 pm: Swing Beijing Lessons (all teaching fees donated to FON)

10:30 pm to 10:45 pm: Vintage Fashion Show: Willow Willow & Mega Mega Vintage (models from Swing Beijing)

10:45 to 11 pm: short presentation by the president of Friends of Nature

11 pm til late: RetroDance Party

Venue: Lantern Club, 3.3 Building B1, Sanlitun, Chaoyang district

Tel: 135-0134-8785

Admission: Free