Earth Day, celebrated globally on April 22, supports environmental conservation efforts and has grown into one of the largest secular observances worldwide. The first Earth Day took place in 1970, months after a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, ignited public concern for environmental issues. Since then, the movement has mobilized over a billion people in 192 countries to advocate for environmental protection.
In 2016, Earth Day gained even more significance when the United Nations chose April 22 as the date to sign the Paris Agreement—a landmark treaty in the fight against climate change. Leaders from 196 nations came together on that day to adopt a legally binding accord aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The treaty requires that greenhouse gas emissions peak before 2025 and decrease by 43% by 2030.
The origins of Earth Day trace back to the U.S., when Senator Gaylord Nelson aimed to combine the energy of student anti-war protests with growing public awareness of air and water pollution. He recruited activist Denis Hayes to organize teach-ins on college campuses, and April 22 was chosen as it fell between spring break and final exams, ensuring maximum student participation. Hayes expanded the event, renaming it Earth Day to increase its visibility.
This year, the global theme for Earth Day is “Planet vs. Plastics,” focusing on the critical issue of plastic pollution. According to Earthday.org, this theme unites a broad coalition—students, parents, businesses, NGOs, and governments—to demand a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040 and advocate for a plastic-free future for the health of both people and the planet.
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