22 April – Earth Day, which is celebrated every year on April 22nd to draw attention to important issues such as global warming, environmental pollution, and sustainable use of natural resources, was first organized in the United States in 1970. This initial event, organized by activist John McConnell and environmentalist Denis Hayes, led to the creation of the first “Clean Air Act” and “Clean Water Acts” in the United States.
Twenty years after its establishment, in 1990, Earth Day became a truly global event, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and bringing environmental issues to the world stage. The 1990 Earth Day provided significant support for global recycling efforts and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
One of the most important climate agreements in the history of the United Nations, the Paris Climate Agreement, was signed on the Earth Day, April 22, 2016, and was considered a historic turning point in the fight against climate change.
In 2020, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day was celebrated with the theme of “Climate Action.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many planned events were held online. Particularly, EARTHDAY.ORG and a coalition of young activists jointly organized a three-day live broadcast called Earth Day Live to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in the United States. Overall, more than 1 billion people worldwide participated in Earth Day events, making the 50th anniversary the largest online mass mobilization in history.
Earth Day continues to draw attention to what individuals can do for the environment and has been instrumental in the enactment of many environmental laws since its inception.
What can be done?
Small daily actions such as unplugging electronic devices, reducing computer usage, and adopting environmentally friendly habits can make a big difference. On this Earth Day, let’s work together to protect our nature and leave a more livable world for future generations!