Did you miss this year’s Earth Day, or did you wonder about this?
Here are some facts about Earth Day that will help you prepare to contribute positively next year. Earth Day is set aside to commemorate our planet and raise awareness of the need to hold different sectors and groups responsible for their part in the environmental disaster. The official Earth Day website refers to this as “everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable.” It affirms our commitment and collective desire to protect our planet.
Once upon a time, we had an “Earth” with clean air, water, and calm climatic conditions until the dawn of oil explorations, which had unrepentant consequences for all living species. The history of Earth Day can be traced to the book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson, which revealed the impact of chemicals on the environment and created awareness of the possible effect of human activities on the Earth. However, in 1969, when an attention-grabbing oil fire erupted on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River, Senator Gaylord Nelson took a different approach and began teaching about campus environmental protection. Later that year, around the fall, he proposed the concept of “Earth Day” to showcase the widespread and deep support for an environmental movement. The first Earth Day event was marked on April 22, 1970. This event only became internationally recognised in 1990 and was celebrated by about 200 million people in 141 countries, with recycling highlighted as one of the global environmental challenges.
In 2009, the United Nations general assembly renamed it “International Mother Earth Day.” This global initiative has inspired many people to act for a cause. Each year, Earth Day has a specific theme highlighting how individuals and organisations can take progressive steps to make the earth conducive and habitable for all species. The 53rd Earth Day was themed “Invest in Our Planet”. Also, every year, several events that small groups or communities can engage in are highlighted on Earth Day’s website, along with opportunities to participate in events organised in localities worldwide. You can also organise an Earth Day event in your locality during future celebrations. Remember that the earth is ours to keep and preserve for future generations.