Embracing our home planet: celebrating Earth Day

An article published in the Times Magazine on Earth Day reminds readers that the eight billion people currently inhabiting Earth might soon need a reality check to take care of their home planet.

April 22 is the designated date for ‘Earth Day’, since 1970 when US-based organisers decided to commemorate this day to bring awareness to the environmental degradation that they were witnessing across the country. In the US, along with over 190 other countries across the globe, Earth Day is also celebrated as a holiday. This is an ode to protecting the nature and the planet by reducing the energy consumption, fuel burning and otherwise activity that causes global warming and environmental pollution.

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“The holiday is both a grim reminder of the work that must be done and a celebration of the progress that has been made when it comes to climate change efforts. It’s also been the catalyst for actions including the creation of international climate agreements and environmental agencies,” Times article said.

The theme for Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics”, aimed at bringing awareness into usage of plastic and setting the stage to motivate people, governments, and corporates to reduce plastic production by 60 percent until 2040. The theme also includes calling for a complete ban on single use plastics.

Here are ten more factoids about this day celebrating our home planet:

A SENATOR’S INITIATIVE SPURRED CREATION OF EARTH DAY

The genesis of Earth Day traces back to the foresight of Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democratic stalwart hailing from Wisconsin. Disturbed by the deteriorating state of the American environment during the tumultuous 1960s, Nelson embarked on a mission to catalyze nationwide environmental awareness.

A TRAGEDY BIRTHED THIS COMMEMORATION

Following a devastating oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, in January 1969, Nelson was struck by the urgency of the environmental crisis gripping the nation. Drawing inspiration from the burgeoning anti-war movements on college campuses, Nelson conceived the idea of a large-scale, environmentally-focused teach-in.

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Denis Hayes, a passionate young activist, was enlisted by Nelson to help spearhead this groundbreaking initiative. Reflecting on the genesis of Earth Day, Hayes recounted a series of environmental calamities that galvanized public consciousness, including the publication of Rachel Carson’s seminal work, “Silent Spring,” and the infamous Cuyahoga River fire of 1969.

20 MILLION PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST EARTH DAY

The inaugural Earth Day celebration on April 22, 1970, witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with over 20 million individuals participating in events across the nation. Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue was transformed into a bustling hub of activity, as demonstrators took to the streets to advocate for environmental stewardship.

THE DATE APRIL 22 WAS CHOSEN FOR ACADEMIC REASONS

The significance of April 22 as Earth Day’s date was not arbitrary but strategically chosen to coincide with the academic calendar, facilitating widespread participation among college students. This strategic alignment between Earth Day and college schedules proved instrumental in mobilizing a diverse array of participants.

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WAS CREATED AFTER THE FIRST EARTH DAY

The establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 2, 1970, marked a watershed moment in environmental governance, directly inspired by the groundswell of public support generated by Earth Day. Witnessing the fervent activism of millions, Congress took decisive action to address environmental concerns, culminating in the creation of the EPA.

NINETIES SAW EARTH DAY BECOMING A GLOBAL PHENOMENON

In subsequent years, Earth Day transcended national borders, evolving into a global movement that garnered support from diverse demographics and political affiliations. The 1990 Earth Day mobilization witnessed the participation of over 200 million individuals in 141 countries, underscoring the universality of environmental advocacy.

PARIS AGREEMENT WAS OPENED FOR SIGNATURE ON EARTH DAY

The Paris Agreement, the most significant international climate accord in history, was opened for signature on Earth Day in 2016. The treaty has more than 190 signatories, all of whom agreed to reduce carbon emissions and carry out other actions to reduce climate change, Times article said.

WORKERS UNIONS ALSO PLAYED A ROLE IN MAKING EARTH DAY POSSIBLE

The former head of the United Automobile Workers (UAW) union was one of the biggest contributors to the original Earth Day, donating $2,000 in 1970 (the equivalent of more than $15,500 today).  “The UAW was by far the largest contributor to the first Earth Day.

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EARTH DAY 2024 IS AIMED AT BIGGEST CLEANUP EVENT IN HISTORY

For this year’s Earth Day celebration, earthday.org is working with Malaysian organizations to host the largest cleanup in Earth Day history. Penang Island, the country’s main island, has been impacted by plastic pollution due to tourism. At least 100,000 volunteers will be cleaning up the beaches and forests in the country, according to organizers. They will also plant more than 1 million trees.

TENS OF MILLIONS OF TREES HAVE BEEN PLANTED ON EARTH DAY

The relentless onslaught of deforestation, devouring approximately 18 million acres of forest annually according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, necessitates urgent action. In response, earthday.org launched the Canopy Project in 2010, a concerted effort aimed at replenishing the Earth’s green cover. Since its inception, this initiative has facilitated the planting of tens of millions of trees worldwide, serving as a beacon of hope in the ongoing battle against environmental degradation.