By Genevieve J. Essig

1. What recent environmental catastrophe in part inspired Gaylord Nelson to organize the first Earth Day in 1970? The first Earth Day followed closely on the heels of a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, in 1969.  It is considered one of the largest oil spills to have taken place in United States waters.

2. What United Nations decade-long initiative aims to promote efforts to fulfill international commitments made on water and water-related issues by 2015? The United Nations' International Decade for Action, "Water for Life," 2005-2015, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution A/RES/58/217. More information and updates are available here. 

Congratulations to Brian Fitzgerald for being our first correct responder!