Every year, millions of people across the globe gather to mark Earth Day and celebrate the environmental movement. This global event, which takes place annually on April 22, aims to highlight the importance of protecting the environment. Earth Day was established in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes, a Harvard graduate student, who were motivated by growing concerns about environmental damage, particularly following a significant oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. The first Earth Day saw an impressive turnout of 20 million people across the United States, and it has since evolved into a worldwide event celebrated in nearly 200 countries, involving more than one billion participants, according to organizers.
"Celebrating Earth Day is often the first environmental action for a lot of people," said Earthday.org president, Kathleen Rogers. As Earth Day 2025 approaches, the official theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," will focus on renewable energy. The organizers are calling for worldwide electricity generation from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, to triple by 2030. This ambitious goal mirrors a pledge made at the COP28 global climate conference in 2023, where countries agreed to increase their renewable capacity significantly.
Earth Day has proven to be a catalyst for environmental progress. Within a few years of its inception, the U.S. government established the Environmental Protection Agency and enacted several critical environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. Recent Earth Day events have led to the planting of hundreds of millions of trees and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. Observers note that Earth Day plays a vital role in pushing environmental issues back onto national and international agendas. "With a host of issues driving our environmental challenges down society's priority list, events like Earth Day remind us of the long-term cost of short-termism," remarked Yvo de Boer, former UN climate chief.
However, not all views on Earth Day are positive. Critics argue that the progress made can create a false sense of security. Many environmental indicators, such as global temperatures and species extinctions, continue to trend negatively due to human activities. Some individuals and companies have also been accused of using Earth Day as an opportunity for misleadingly promoting their environmental credentials, a practice known as "greenwashing." In 2022, climate activist Greta Thunberg criticized Earth Day, stating it had become an occasion for those in power to express their "love" for the planet while simultaneously contributing to its destruction. "We all know greenwashing is happening and it is infuriating," Rogers told BBC News. "Governments need to take robust action and crack down on any business or industry lying to consumers."
As Earth Day 2025 draws near, it promises to be a moment for reflection and action. The theme emphasizes the need for collective efforts in education, advocacy, and community support. The United Nations Environment Programme has warned that countries are not doing enough to reduce emissions and are on track to miss the targets set in the 2015 Paris climate agreement. This backdrop adds urgency to the Earth Day celebrations.
In addition to the official theme, local events are planned around the world, including beach clean-ups and community gardening initiatives. Individuals can also take personal steps to celebrate Earth Day by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. Simple actions, such as using reusable bags, recycling, and conserving water, can collectively make a significant impact. For instance, using a reusable bag can prevent the use of 600 plastic bags over its lifetime, while recycling a soda can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours.
Moreover, community-driven initiatives are gaining traction. For example, Stick Nation, a community of nature enthusiasts, is mobilizing its followers to raise funds for environmental nonprofits during Earth Month. Boone Hogg, one of the founders, stated, "We're just trying to see how big of an impact Stick Nation can make and see how much good we can put out into the world throughout the month of April." The funds raised will support organizations such as One Tree Planted and the World Wildlife Fund.
Another innovative initiative is the Buy Nothing Project, which originated from a small Facebook group created by Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller in 2013. This project encourages neighbors to share items they no longer need, promoting a circular economy and reducing waste. Today, it boasts millions of members across approximately 128,000 groups worldwide. Clark noted, "What happens is, just that kind of dopamine, that feel-good experience spurs others to participate." This sense of community is crucial as people look for ways to contribute positively to the environment.
DePhane Marcelle Weaver, who runs the Garden Exchange Stands Org, emphasizes the importance of local gardening efforts. Her organization relies on volunteers and neighborhood plant stands where residents can exchange plants, seeds, and gardening knowledge. "If people can overlook all the tensions of today with what's happening and just focus on what's really important—helping each other—then we can make a difference," she said.
As Earth Day 2025 approaches, the call to action is clear. The theme "Our Power, Our Planet" resonates strongly in a world increasingly aware of environmental challenges. With the backing of millions of individuals and community initiatives, Earth Day serves as a reminder of the collective power we possess to effect change. Whether through grassroots movements, local actions, or global pledges, the spirit of Earth Day continues to inspire and mobilize people around the world to protect our planet for future generations.
