Earth Day 22nd April 2024

Earth Day : Every April 22nd, Earth Day brings people together worldwide to show their commitment to protecting the environment.

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a massive movement, with EARTHDAY.ORG (formerly Earth Day Network) coordinating events involving over 1 billion people across 193 countries. This year, the focus is on tackling the issue of plastic pollution with the theme “Planet vs. Plastics.” Looking ahead, 2025 will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.

Back in 1969, during a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, peace advocate John McConnell suggested dedicating a day to celebrate our planet and promote peace. He proposed March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, as the inaugural Earth Day.

This special day celebrating the balance of nature was officially recognized through a proclamation written by McConnell and endorsed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations. About a month later, Senator Gaylord Nelson of the United States suggested organizing a nationwide environmental teach-in on April 22, 1970.

Nelson brought onboard a passionate young activist, Denis Hayes, to take on the role of National Coordinator. Together, they rebranded the occasion as “Earth Day”. With Denis and his team’s efforts, the event expanded from a simple teach-in to a nationwide movement across the United States.

Over 20 million people participated in rallies and events, making the first Earth Day the biggest single-day protest ever witnessed in human history.

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Significant contributions came from unexpected quarters, with key partners not typically associated with environmental causes playing pivotal roles. Labor leader Walter Reuther, in particular, spearheaded efforts within the United Auto Workers (UAW), emerging as the primary financial and operational supporter of the inaugural Earth Day.

Hayes praised the United Auto Workers (UAW) for rescuing the first Earth Day from potential failure and highlighted their crucial contribution to its triumph. In acknowledgment of his dedication, Nelson was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom award. It’s worth mentioning that the initial Earth Day primarily centered around events within the United States.

In 1990, Denis Hayes expanded Earth Day’s reach by organizing events in 141 countries around the world. Notably, on Earth Day 2016, the historic Paris Agreement was signed by major nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and 120 others.

The signing of the Paris Agreement on Earth Day 2016 fulfilled a key condition for the treaty to enter into force. The agreement, made during the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, got the thumbs up from all 195 countries involved. During Earth Day week, communities worldwide got involved in activities tackling environmental problems.

During Earth Day 2020, more than 100 million individuals worldwide commemorated the 50th anniversary, marking it as the largest online mass mobilization in history. Another significant event, World Environment Day, is held separately by the United Nations every year on June 5th.