We celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 in the midst of a pandemic Covid-19. Yet Earth Day reminds us the planet still turns, the global climate and biodiversity crises still cry for attention, and nature still reveals its shimmering resilience.This Earth Day, as humans have retreated indoors to slow down the spread of the virus, we’re finding out how ecosystems respond to our absence from public spaces. Meanwhile, our planet as a whole, and our understanding of it, keeps changing at a frenetic pace. Average temperatures are rising, natural systems are degrading, our vulnerability is increasing, and science is advancing.
Did you know that why Earth Day, celebrated ?
Why Celebrate Earth Day?
Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day continues to grow as a worldwide phenomenon focused on promoting clean living and a healthy, sustainable habitat for people and wildlife alike. Celebrating Earth Day serves as a conscious reminder of how fragile our planet is and how important it is to protect it. If it weren’t for Senator Nelson taking a stand in the 1970s, we may be still producing lead guzzling automobiles and expanding industrial production via smog, smoke, and waste. We celebrate Earth Day to continue promoting environmental awareness and to remind us that we can protect the earth in our everyday lives as well.
Origins of Earth Day
During the 1970s the country was divided over the participation of the U.S. in the Vietnam War. The economy was on the move, but it was costing the environment in a big way. Americans were driving large cars that ran on leaded gasoline. Factories, chemical plants, oil industries were booming but so was the production of air pollution and environmental waste. Unlike today, the health of the planet was not a high priority for most people primarily because they were unaware of the dangerous side effects of common everyday practices.
The First Earth Day
Following a massive oil spill off the coast of California,fifty years ago today, the first Earth Day was marked in the United States as a peaceful call for environmental reform.On April 22, 1970, the United States celebrated the first Earth Day. More than 20 million people around the U.S. gathered together holding rallies, demonstrations and participating in activities to promote a clean and safe living environment. Children, adults, students young and old marched on government institutions pushing for new legislation to protect the Earth on local, state and national levels.
Earth Day 1970 saw unprecedented unity among Republicans, Democrats, and individuals of all social and economic backgrounds. Thanks to the efforts of the first Earth Day the United States Environmental Protection Agency was founded. Besides, the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act were all introduced and passed. It was the beginning of radical changes to better the environment.
Earth Day Goes Global
For the next several decades, Earth Day was celebrated across the United States and focused on finding practical ways to protect the environment at home, at work, and beyond. In 1990, it was time to take the concept to the global level. Under the direction of Hayes, more than 200 million people representing 141 countries around the world came together to celebrate Earth Day and push for environmental improvements on a global level. The event paved the way for future projects including the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit.
