The Youth Sustainability Challenge: Creating an America Built to Last

Today we are excited to announce a new initiative in partnership with America's young leaders. We're asking you, America's youth, to tell the world how you're fostering sustainability and creating an America built to last. Starting today, submit your video message for the Youth Sustainability Challenge and share how you're making a difference.

This June, leaders from around the world will convene in Rio de Janeiro to mark the 20^th anniversary of the historic "Earth Summit," formally known as the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The conference is an opportunity for the world to engage in a global conversation and take action to build a healthier and more sustainable future for our planet.

Here at home, we are focused on taking action to protect the health of our families and communities, and build a strong and growing economy and middle class. Americans are already working together to create innovative solutions to our shared global challenges, including through clean energy innovations and investments that support hundreds of thousands of jobs and have put us on track to double renewable energy generation in the U.S. by the end of this year.  

The Obama Administration will continue to support American innovation and smart investments that will build a strong and healthy country and economy. We also believe that real progress begins with individuals who take action in their own homes and their own communities. That's why, as we prepare for the conference in Rio, we are challenging America's future leaders to do their part.

This Tuesday, May 8, Obama Administration officials and youth sustainability leaders will gather for an event at the White House to mark the launch of this Challenge. But you can get involved now. Join the conversation. Encourage others to do the same. Demonstrate how you have power to create an America built to last – and to change our world for the better.

• Twitter: Use the hashtag #EarthDayEveryDay
• Facebook: Update your status and profile image

Nancy Sutley is Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality

Lisa P. Jackson is the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency