Their actions led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Now, over one billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world.
Earth Day marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement that began in the height of hippie and flower-child culture in the US. Did you know that 1970 brought the death of Jimi Hendrix, the last Beatles album, and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”? Protest was the order of the day, but saving the planet was not the cause. War raged in Vietnam, and students nationwide increasingly opposed it.
At the time, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news. Although mainstream America remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson´s New York Times best seller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment for the modern environmental movement, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries, up until that moment, more than any other person, Ms. Carson raised public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.
Earth Day 1970 capitalized on the emerging consciousness, channeling the energy of the anti-war protest movement , and putting environmental concerns front and center. Learn more at Earthday.org
Why do we need an Earth Day?Because it works! Earth Day broadens the base of support for environmental programs, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world through a broad range of events and activities. Earth Day is the largest civic event in the world, celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds , faithsand nationalities. More than a billion people participate in campaigns every year.
What is Earth Day Network?Founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970, Earth Day Network (EDN) promotes yearround environmental citizenship and action, worldwide. Through Earth Day Network, activists connect, interact and impact their communities, and create positive change in local, national and global policies. EDN´s international network reaches over 22,000 organizations in 192 countries, while the domestic program assists over 30,000 educators, coordinating thousands of community development and environmental protection activities throughout the year.
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Washington, D.C. (March 5, 2015) - Earth Day Network and The Global Poverty Project have joined forces to further the movement to end extreme poverty and solve climate change through Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day, a free event on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 18, 2015.
Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day will be headlined by No Doubt, Usher, Fall Out Boy, Mary J. Blige, Train, and My Morning Jacket, with special guests Common and D’Banj. The event will be hosted by will.i.am and Soledad O’Brien.
Marking the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day comes during a pivotal time to protect the planet and ensure that world leaders address key issues facing the next generation. Timed to coincide with the spring meetings of the World Bank Group - which is helping to bring key developing country voices to the platform - Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day will bring together global policymakers, finance ministers, environment and development NGOs, industry executives, and high-profile artists. Together, these world leaders will work to educate and inspire citizens to take immediate action to end extreme poverty and solve climate change. The event is part of a widespread effort to mobilize global citizens in the climate and environmental movement and the poverty and development movement, and to drive bold commitments from governments, businesses, and individuals.
Maybe you will be inspired to become a Global Citizen and organize an Earth Day event or activity this year. It’s a great way to engage your community and to protect OUR planet. There are organizations to help you with guidelines, suggestions, resources and toolkits to make a successful Earth Day event. If you are interested, send an email to info@earthday.net! Once you figure out your plan, let them know and they’ll help you spread the word. The bigger the story we can tell on Earth Day 2015, the larger impact we will have.
Our April message from The Happy Herald: Take Time to Take Care of the Earth. Thank you!
Take Action at DoSomething.org, one of the largest networks for young people and social change! Volunteer with millions of members.
1. Earth Day originated in the U.S. but became recognized worldwide by 1990.
2. On Earth Day 2009, Disney released a documentary film called "Earth" that followed the migration paths of four animal families.
3. Every year on April 22, men, women, and children collect garbage, plant trees, clean up coral reefs, show movies, sign petitions, and plan for a better future for our planet.
6. Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day while he was working as a US senator.
7. Earth Day was renamed officially by the UN in 2009 as International Mother Earth Day.
8. On Earth Day 2012, more than 100,000 people rode bikes in China to reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel.
9. In an Earth Day celebration in 2011, 28 million trees were planted in Afghanistan by the Earth Day Network.