<strong>5 Interesting facts about Earth Day that you need to know</strong>
Every year, Earth Day is celebrated around the world on April 22. It is recognized as a day to raise awareness among people about the vast array of environmental issues that the planet is facing. On this day, many environmental conservation events take place, along with organized cleanups, tree plantation drives and recycling efforts. This day sheds light on our planet’s beautiful natural beauty and emphasizes the need to protect it for future generations. Read on to discover some facts about Earth Day that you may not know.
Earth Day came into being in 1970
The very first Earth Day was observed on April 22, 1970 and marked the birth of the world’s first modern environmental movement. It finds its origins in the United States, and was proposed by a junior senator from the state of Wisconsin named Senator Gaylord Nelson. For the initial two decades, it was observed only in the States but became a global phenomenon in 1990. Today, it is celebrated by as many as 1 billion people from 190 countries all over the world.
In America, the first Earth Day led to immediate policy changes
The Earth Day celebration of 1970 in the United States was incredibly popular amongst the population and received overwhelming support from throughout the country. In the December of the same year, the then American president Richard Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency. After this, other acts like Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, were also passed.
Earth Day became a virtual event in the 21st century
The dawn of the 21st century was marked with the rise of the Internet which facilitated communication amongst people from all over the world. This led to the widespread of the message related to the crucial need of a global environmental policy. It also allowed for people to organise large-scale events and demonstrations to promote this message.
The United Nations recognised this day in 2000
United Nations recognised Earth Day in 2000 on its 30th anniversary. In a statement, it recognised the indispensable need of the hour to foster efforts towards the well-being of our planet and to recognise the fact that change is required. It also brought attention to problems related to climate change, holes in the ozone layer and global epidemics. Safe to say, Earth Day gained more importance and recognition worldwide after this endorsement.
Every year, Earth Day celebration has a unique theme
Earth Day celebrations don a different theme every year which draws attention to certain aspects of the effort to conserve the planet. The theme for 2022 is ‘Invest in Our Planet.’ This theme calls out to citizens, business as well as governments to do their part in actively taking responsibility to invest in actions or ideas that will benefit the planet positively.