Why we celebrate Earth Day

Every year, on April 22nd, all around the world people celebrate Earth Day to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This celebration, first held in 1970, now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally. But, how did Earth Day start in the first place? And why is it still relevant to this day?

The history of Earth Day

In January 1969 Senator Gaylord Nelson, who had been concerned about the degradation of the environment in the US, witnessed massive oil spills in Santa Barbara. Inspired by student anti-war protests, he decided to organize a tech-in (i.e. a meeting to discuss a specific political or social issue) on college campuses to raise awareness about air and water pollution. Together with activist Denis Hayes, they chose April 22, a weekday falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, to maximize the greatest student participation.

The following year they decided to change the name to Earth Day, which sparked national media attention. The first Earth Day inspired 20 million Americans to take to the streets, parks and auditoriums to demonstrate against the impacts of 150 years of industrial development. 

In 1990, with its focus on recycling, Earth Day went truly global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. 10 years later, the new millennium approached and the campaign focused mainly on global warming and the push for clear energy. In 2010, for its 40-year anniversary, nearly one billion people took action around the world for Earth Day. The importance of Earth Day is also represented by the fact that the United Nations chose precisely April 22nd to sign the Paris Agreement, the most significant climate accord in the history of the climate and environmental movement. Today Earth Day continues to build upon the work and legacy of its founders, aiming at developing the creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery that we need to meet our climate crisis. 

How you can participate

The first place to start if you want to find opportunities related to Earth Day is the official website. 

The Earth Hub is a collection of resources aimed at inspiring and empowering individuals to take action. You can take quizzes to test your knowledge about the earth, read fact sheets on the world’s most urgent issues, follow the latest news on global issues and sign petitions driving real change. 

Every year on April 22nd you can also participate in one of the events happening all over the world or even create your own initiative! Events range from cleanups to conferences, from art shows to marches. To get inspiration, here you can find the map with the events of Earth Day 2025, whose theme was “Our power, our planet” and focused on renewable energy. 

What are you waiting for? Start planning for next year’s Earth Day to make your voice heard!