Author Rachel Carlson’s writings in the early 1960s helped spark the global environmental movement that would eventually lead to the establishment of Earth Day. Carson’s book, “Silent Spring,” showed her passionate concern for the future of the planet and all life on Earth, imploring humans to act as responsible stewards.
Earth Day, which is being marked on April 22 this year, began because of a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, smog, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire. On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet. Their goal? To raise awareness about mankind’s role in protecting our natural world. Environmental protection is important to our physical health and the health of our planet.
This year will mark Earth Day’s 50th anniversary and the theme is climate change. Climate change impacts us in many ways: agriculture and food security, air pollution, drinking water supply, transportation, energy, ecosystems/biodiversity and more — all of which impact human health.
Earth Day has become a popular day for many communities to gather together and clean up litter, plant trees or simply reflect on the beauty of nature. For 50 years, Earth Day has increased awareness of the planet we live on, our impact on the environment and how that changed environment impacts us.
Despite the global coronavirus pandemic, Earth Day can and will be celebrated in many ways this year. Although people can’t gather in large groups, there are many online events being offered, in addition to activities you can do at home on your own. For ideas to inspire or motivate you, check out:
- The largest digital Earth Day event, Earth Day Challenge 2020;
- Earth911’s complete guide to Earth Day 2020;
- The Smithsonian’s Earth Optimism Summit, which showcases how actions large and small can be successful; and
- The Old Farmer’s Almanac guide to activities.
It’s also not too late to join our Ecochallenge team. We’re currently in 10th place and are beating UNO, but we would love your help. Our Earth needs your help, too. Individual actions do make a difference and global change requires all of us working together to protect the environment and make it a healthier place to live.