Every year on 22 April, Earth Day celebrates the birth anniversary of the modern environmental movement of the 1970s. We take a look at what you need to know about this year’s Earth Day events, as well as some fascinating facts about Earth Day as we prepare for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in 2020.
As you know, Due to a coronavirus crisis, we are avoiding large face-to-face gatherings. Hence this year, World Earth Day celebrations have gone digital.
WHAT IS EARTH DAY?
In the 1990s, two separate groups were formed to sponsor Earth Day events. First was the Earth-Day 20 Foundation, and second, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a non-profit environmental organization. In addition to mobilizing more than 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting the status of environmental issues on the world stage, the activities of Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to recycling efforts worldwide and paved the way for the creation of a global recycling network with more than 1.5 million recycling centers. It is the largest and most successful environmental event of its kind in history.
The annual celebration honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity, water quality and the environment. Starting with a grassroots movement, Earth Day was initiated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and has helped to protect endangered species, protect biodiversity and human health, and promote sustainable development.
“At Earth Day Network, the health and safety of volunteers and participants in Earth Day events is our top concern. Amid the recent outbreak, we encourage people to rise up but to do so safely and responsibly — in many cases, that means using our voices to drive action online rather than in person,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network.
Amazon India is also celebrating World Earth Day 2020 by creating a World Earth Day Edition Quiz on 22 April 2020.
The Earth Day Network suggests a number of ways to help the planet in its own home such as composting and switching to green power. Earth Day USA was founded in 2009 with the goal of making it a global day of action that takes place every 10 years. Building on the momentum created by thousands of community organizers around the world, it is now coordinating the launch of EarthDay.org, which includes more than 1,000 events in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Mexico.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 22 million people nationwide have voted in favor of environmental reform. The first Earth Day celebration took place in 1969 after a devastating oil spill in America brought environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. After the 25th anniversary in 1995, the coordination team was handed over to earthday.org and the Earth Day Network. This year, the organizers estimate, more than 1.5 million people from all over the world will participate in the events.
Earth Day people carry a model globe during an Earth Day celebration in Seoul in 2000. In the United States, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, and in Canada, the day on which the vernal equinox takes place. The first Worlds Earth Day was held in 1969 in New York City to raise awareness of the need for humanity to protect its natural world.
To date, more than 20 million Americans have ventured outdoors to protest for a more eco-conscious society. It may be hard to believe today, but at the time many people were unaware of the significance of Earth Day and its impact on the world’s environment.
This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and we will definitely come out big on our big, beautiful blue planet. Celebrate our common planetary home on April 22 this year and take action to protect our natural resources and species.