Earth Day: A global environmental movement of more than a billion people has emerged in more than 180 countries since the first Earth Day was celebrated 50 years ago.
A meaningful celebration of Earth Day seems more necessary than ever since the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a ‘now or never’ warning to act on climate change earlier this month.
The purpose of Earth Day, how you can participate, and how you can learn more about it are all covered in this comprehensive guide.
Every year, April 22 is designated as Earth Day.
In many ways, it’s a milestone year since it commemorates the moment when the contemporary environmental movement got its start.
What day is Earth Day?
What’s the point of celebrating Earth Day in the first place?
Air pollution and its connection to human health was a topic of discussion long before 1970.
Earth Day was born out of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in January 1969, which was the trigger for the inaugural Earth Day.
A teach-in on college campuses was organised by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, and it was a big success.
The Senator hoped to channel the same anti-war spirit into environmental issues demonstrated by the student anti-war movement.
Their teach-ins took place on April 22, a day in the middle of Spring Break and final examinations, with the help of a young activist and a Republican representative.
More than half a century after it began, the movement still counts over a billion people a year among its active participants.
On Earth Day, we commemorate the beginning of this basic movement and reaffirm our commitment to preserving the Earth for future generations.
Earth Day’s History in a Nutshell
- The first official Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, but its roots date back to 1968.
- US Public Health Service organized the Human Ecology Symposium in 1968. Students were invited to the event to hear from scientists about the adverse effects of climate change on human health.
- Gaylord Nelson, a US senator, and environmental enthusiast proposed the creation of an ecological agency two years later. A large demonstration included thousands of students from universities, schools, and communities throughout the country.
- Observance of the first Earth Day took place on this day in 1970.
- The Environmental Protection Agency was established, and the US government passed the Clean Air Act later that year.
- During the year 1990, Earth Day was celebrated in over 140 nations.
- In launching Earth Day, Senator Nelson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995.
- On Earth Day in 2017, the first non-partisan “March for Science” was held.
- On April 22, 2020, Earth Day will celebrate its 50th year. Covid19, on the other hand, was responsible for the event’s digital execution.
The theme for Earth Day in 2022
This year’s Earth Day celebration will be held on Sunday, April 22. The theme for Earth Day 2022 is “Invest in Our Planet”.
Taking a firm stance, innovating widely, and implementing fairly are the most critical aspects.
Every government, corporation, and individual has a voice in this world. You can’t expect one individual to be able to do it all at once. In other words, it’s time. As a group, we must come together.
The key to long-term prosperity is a culture of sustainability. According to some of the most forward-thinking companies, going green will benefit us all. Now is the time for all business leaders to create a sustainable future.
Adopting a green economy is the best way to reap its benefits. Every government must facilitate the development of a framework for the country’s future by society, institutions, and companies.
Private sector innovation is rapidly bringing about the transformation we require to sustain our planet, thanks to the backing of the people and the government. After decades of ignoring the need for change, it’s time to take action. When we all work together to make the world a better place, we all win.
It is up to us to make our voices heard by our personal and societal decision-making and behavior and through our written and verbal communications. For the planet’s sake, we can all influence corporate and governmental activities by what we do and how we do it.
We must all take decisive action now to avoid catastrophic climate change. Our economy would suffer more if this were not the case, including more losses, a shortage of resources, and an increase in unemployment.
Facts about Earth Day
- Hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren demonstrated the preservation of nature during the inaugural Earth in 1970.
- The date, April 22, was selected primarily to draw in college students. It’s because spring break begins in April for most colleges and universities.
- There was a tremendous response to the inaugural Earth Day. Thus, several environmental protection statutes were enacted. The Water Quality Improvement Act, the Clean Air Act, the Substances Control Act, and others were only a few laws passed.
- Initially held in the United States, Earth Day expanded its reach worldwide in 1990. The event drew 200 million spectators from 141 different countries.
- International Mother Earth Day was renamed Earth Day in 2009 by the United Nations.
Earth Day 2022: What to Do?
The threat of a Covid19 pandemic looms enormous. Because of this, it is critical to put safety first. Here are some ideas for celebrating Earth Day in 2022 though;
Poems about Earth Day can be taught to youngsters by their parents. This will give them a better understanding of the value of our planet’s mother through this.
Take a virtual tour of a forest and an aquarium: You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to experience nature. Take a virtual walk through the woods or an aquarium with the help of web platforms.
Saving energy has a significant impact on our environment. As a result, this Earth Day, take steps to conserve energy and help save the Earth.
Take a Stand Against Plastic Pollution: Plastic pollution has far-reaching consequences. To honor Earth Day, reduce your usage of plastics by shopping at a local grocery store instead.
Search online for Earth Day events in your region and sign up to volunteer. Beach clean-ups, public awareness rallies, and other group activities are all options for you.
Conclusion: Earth Day
Our mission as human beings is to unravel the mysteries of space and go to other worlds. But in the immensity of space, our planet is the only spot that can support life. It’s the only place we have at this point. Because of this, the very species that prides itself on its superior intelligence must be rescued. Earth Day is more than simply a movement; it’s a hope that everything isn’t lost. ‘Earth Day’ Our concern for the environment is still strong, and we intend to do our best to protect it. On April 22, 2022, Earth Day will be celebrated. Ensure that you engage in it. Take a step toward a brighter and safer future by acting now.