what is earth day presentation

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 in the United States and on either April 22 or the day the spring equinox occurs throughout the rest of the world.

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• National Geographic Education: Introduction to Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earths natural resources for future generations . Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 in the United States and on either April 22 or the day the spring equinox occurs throughout the rest of the world. Environmental activism during the 1960s inspired Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson to create a national celebration uniting the environmental movement. With the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, Nelson organized the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, educating participants in the importance of environmental conservation . Attended by 20 million people across the United States, the event strengthened support for legislation such as the Clean Air Act (updated in 1970) and the Endangered Species Act (1973). In 1990, Hayes organized a global Earth Day, with more than 200 million participants in more than 140 countries. Earth Day now brings together citizens and activists from around the world to raise awareness and take action regarding such environmental concerns as global warming and renewable energy . Today, the Earth Day Network (EDN) , which brings together more than 20,000 partners and organizations in 190 countries, supports the Earth Day mission year-round. This mission is founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race , gender , income , or geography , have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment. The Earth Day Network pursues this mission through education, public policy , and activism campaigns. These campaigns bring together more than one billion participants every year, making it one of the largest public, secular events in the world. The Earth Day Network pursues a set of core goals:

• Broaden the meaning of environment to include issues such as climate change , green schools and environmental curricula, green jobs , and renewable energy ;
• Diversify the movement by providing civic engagement opportunities at the local, state, national and global levels around the world. Recognizing that climate change impacts our most vulnerable citizens first and most severely, EDN often works with low-income communities to bring their voices and issues into the movement.
• Mobilize communities by working with partner organizations to provide opportunities for all citizens to become active in the environmental movement.

Earth Days Core Issues This set of goals underlines Earth Day events and actions around the world, which can be organized into ten core issues. Advocacy : Supporters encourage individuals and organizations to meet with elected officials to discuss environmental issues. The online program "Million Acts of Green," for instance, encourages visitors to adopt lifestyle changes such as composting, reducing your carbon footprint, or recycling e-waste.

Climate Change : Supporters raise awareness about climate change , human contribution to those changes, and opportunities to slow the phenomenon . Many Earth Day supporters, for instance, encourage citizens to support the landmark Paris Climate agreement, set to be signed on Earth Day 2016.

Conservation & Biology : Supporters work to conserve the world's biodiversity . On Earth Day 2010, for instance, participants in Sri Lanka planted more than 100 medicinal plants throughout the tropical rain forest at Yagirala Forest Reserve. These plants can be used by local populations and will create habitats for different organisms, enhancing the biodiversity of the island nation. Education : Earth Day education programs provide educators, students, and the general public with resources and solutions to create a healthier, more sustainable planet. On Earth Day 2010, for instance, teachers and students in the Compostela Valley region of the Philippines participated in a day-long conference. At the conference, they learned about tree planting and care, participated in nature hikes, and presented their environmental action projects to the community. Energy : Advocates support projects that develop renewable energy sources and technologies as means of transitioning off of nonrenewable sources, such as coal and oil . Citizens of Qatar, for example, are invited to switch off their power for one hour on Earth Day in a symbolic stance against human contributions to global warming. Food & Agriculture : Supporters raise awareness about some farming practices, such as the use of chemical pesticides , which contribute to environmental degradation . Supporters also advocate for a greater support of organic , local, and sustainable agricultural techniques. Member organizations of this issue group include Articultores , based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which raises awareness about urban gardening and brings citizens and youth together to plant in abandoned sites in cities. Green Economy : Supporters advocate for the creation of green industries and jobs that are connected to renewable energy sources. For example, the Students in Free Enterprise group in Saskatchewan, Canada, sponsors a prize for student projects that make best use of recycled materials. Green Schools : The Earth Day Network sponsors the National GREEN Schools Campaign. The GREEN Schools Campaign includes a focus on healthy school lunches, environmental classroom activities, outreach to local and national leaders, and an emphasis on sustainable building techniques. Recycling & Waste Reduction : Supporters work to reduce the amount of waste that people produce, and increase the amount that we recycle and reuse. The Beach Bunch group of Brunei, for example, organizes beach-cleaning campaigns. Sustainable Development : Supporters promote environmental practices that respect biodiversity and the natural world. Costa Rica, for instance, has implemented the Viaje Limpio program, in which individuals and companies pay a fee for the greenhouse gases they produce through travel. This money goes to protect the rainforest, water resources, and biodiversity of Costa Rica. Viaje Limpio helps the Costa Rican economy, because biodiversity and the rain forest are important natural assets that bring thousands of tourists to the country every year. In only 40 years, Earth Day has evolved from a single day celebrating the environmental movement in the United States to a global network that empowers more than a billion people to better understand, protect, and improve the environment.

Why April 22? Earth Day falls on April 22. The day was chosen by the original event's organizer, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (for the state of Wisconsin), for simple reasons. Earth Day was an event focused on college students, and April 22 did not interfere with Spring Break, final exams, major religious holidays such as Easter, and was late enough in spring to anticipate decent weather for outdoor activities.

Margaret Mead's Holy Day "Earth Day is the first holy day which transcends all national borders, yet preserves all geographical integrities, spans mountains and oceans and time belts, and yet brings people all over the world into one resonating accord, is devoted to the preservation of the harmony in nature and yet draws upon the triumphs of technology, the measurement of time, and instantaneous communication through space." <br> Margaret Mead, cultural anthropologist

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Earth Day 2024

By: History.com Editors

Updated: January 31, 2024 | Original: October 27, 2009

Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues, and Earth Day 2024 will occur on Monday, April 22. The holiday is now a global celebration that’s sometimes extended into Earth Week, a full seven days of events focused on green living and confronting the climate crisis. The brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson and inspired by the protests of the 1960s, Earth Day began as a “national teach-in on the environment” and was held on April 22 to maximize the number of students that could be reached on university campuses. By raising public awareness of pollution, Nelson hoped to bring environmental causes into the national spotlight.

Earth Day History

By the early 1960s, Americans were becoming aware of the effects of pollution on the environment. Rachel Carson’s 1962 bestseller Silent Spring raised the specter of the dangerous effects of pesticides on the American countryside. Later in the decade, a 1969 fire on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River shed light on the problem of chemical waste disposal. Until that time, protecting the planet’s natural resources was not part of the national political agenda, and the number of activists devoted to large-scale issues such as industrial pollution was minimal. Factories pumped pollutants into the air, lakes and rivers with few legal consequences. Big, gas-guzzling cars were considered a sign of prosperity. Only a small portion of the American population was familiar with–let alone practiced–recycling.

Did you know? A highlight of the United Nations' Earth Day celebration in New York City is the ringing of the Peace Bell, a gift from Japan, at the exact moment of the vernal equinox.

Who Started Earth Day?

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1962, Senator Gaylord Nelson, a Democrat from Wisconsin, was determined to convince the federal government that the planet was at risk. In 1969, Nelson, considered one of the leaders of the modern environmental movement, developed the idea for Earth Day after being inspired by the anti- Vietnam War “teach-ins” that were taking place on college campuses around the United States. According to Nelson, he envisioned a large-scale, grassroots environmental demonstration “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.”

Nelson announced the Earth Day concept at a conference in Seattle in the fall of 1969 and invited the entire nation to get involved. He later recalled:

“The wire services carried the story from coast to coast. The response was electric. It took off like gangbusters. Telegrams, letters and telephone inquiries poured in from all across the country. The American people finally had a forum to express its concern about what was happening to the land, rivers, lakes and air—and they did so with spectacular exuberance.”

Denis Hayes, a young activist who had served as student president at Stanford University, was selected as Earth Day’s national coordinator, and he worked with an army of student volunteers and several staff members from Nelson’s Senate office to organize the project. According to Nelson, “Earth Day worked because of the spontaneous response at the grassroots level. We had neither the time nor resources to organize 20 million demonstrators and the thousands of schools and local communities that participated. That was the remarkable thing about Earth Day. It organized itself.”

On the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, rallies were held in Philadelphia, Chicago , Los Angeles and most other American cities, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In New York City , Mayor John Lindsay closed off a portion of Fifth Avenue to traffic for several hours and spoke at a rally in Union Square with actors Paul Newman and Ali McGraw. In Washington, D.C. , thousands of people listened to speeches and performances by singer Pete Seeger and others, and Congress went into recess so its members could speak to their constituents at Earth Day events.

The first Earth Day was effective at raising awareness about environmental issues and transforming public attitudes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Public opinion polls indicate that a permanent change in national priorities followed Earth Day 1970. When polled in May 1971, 25 percent of the U.S. public declared protecting the environment to be an important goal, a 2,500 percent increase over 1969.” Earth Day kicked off the “Environmental decade with a bang,” as Senator Nelson later put it. During the 1970s, a number of important pieces of environmental legislation were passed, among them the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act. Another key development was the establishment in December 1970 of the Environmental Protection Agency, which was tasked with protecting human health and safeguarding the natural environment—air, water and land.

What Do You Do For Earth Day?

Since 1970, Earth Day celebrations have grown. In 1990, Earth Day went global, with 200 million people in over 140 nations participating, according to the Earth Day Network (EDN), a nonprofit organization that coordinates Earth Day activities. In 2000, Earth Day focused on clean energy and involved hundreds of millions of people in 184 countries and 5,000 environmental groups, according to EDN. Activities ranged from a traveling, talking drum chain in Gabon, Africa, to a gathering of hundreds of thousands of people at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

Today, the Earth Day Network collaborates with more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. According to EDN, more than 1 billion people are involved in Earth Day activities, making it “the largest secular civic event in the world.”

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Earth Day: What is it and why does it matter?

Earth Day highlights the actions we can take to address environmental problems.

What is Earth Day?

• Establishment

Earth Day theme

• Earth Day importance
• How to take part

Additional resources

Earth Day is a worldwide event that occurs annually on April, 22. It celebrates the environmental diversity of Earth and highlights ways of protecting our planet. 

When we hear terms like "code red for humanity" and " climate change ", it can feel difficult to focus on the small actions individuals and communities can take to address the climate crisis. But Earth Day strives to highlight how everyone can be part of the change. 

Read on to learn more about Earth Day, its importance and how we can make a difference through small actions or community involvement.

Related: 10 devastating signs of climate change from space

Earth Day is an annual event that started in 1970 when 20 million Americans — 10% of the population of the U.S. at the time — came together to demonstrate the importance of increasing protection for our planet, according to the official Earth Day website EARTHDAY.ORG . 

Nowadays it works with more than 150,000 partners in over 192 countries with 1 billion individuals involved, according to the official Earth Day website . Earth Day celebrates our planet and highlights the need to hold sectors accountable for their role in the environmental crisis.

How well do you know Earth? Take the Earth Day quizzes to find out.  

"Everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable" EARTHDAY.ORG states.

Environmental problems have become so urgent and widespread, that scientists and environmental organizations alike are saying addressing climate change is more urgent than ever. Jane Goodall, a chimpanzee researcher for the past 60 years, is among those scientists calling for a whole-systems approach to examining how to protect our climate.

"None of us can do it alone. It's quite ridiculous. The problems are huge," Goodall said at the 2021 Nature Conservancy in California Summit, available on YouTube . 

"We need every single organization that cares about the future of the planet to get together and to work out ways that we can share these small pools of money available, and find ways of lobbying those billionaires who have so much money to help us so that we don't have to fight and squabble over funding," Goodall added.

Related: 15 places on Earth that look exoplanetary

When and why was Earth Day established?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that 1970 was a very different world for all of us. Not only was there no Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, nor even an EPA, but overall, "there were no legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment," the agency states.

Americans and others, however, were already aware of the toll on the environment that chemicals were taking. Events such as the publication of Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring" (1962) which showed the environmental effect of chemicals, and a 1969 oil slick fire on Cleveland's Cuyahoga River, both caught a lot of public attention, according to History.com .

That began to change in 1969, when Senator Gaylord Nelson (D.-Wis.) borrowed from the idea of anti-Vietnam War "teach-ins", or discussions, on campuses across the United States, History.com added. Nelson, an environmentalist, wanted to adopt the same type of grassroots approach to protecting the environment. It was Nelson who first announced the concept of an Earth Day in the fall of 1969, and following massive public support, the first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. 

My primary objective in planning Earth Day was to show the political leadership of the nation that there was broad and deep support for the environmental movement," Nelson, who died in 2005, said in 1980 .

"While I was confident that a nationwide peaceful demonstration of concern would be impressive, I was not quite prepared for the overwhelming response that occurred on that day," Nelson continued. 

"Two thousand colleges and universities, 10,000 high schools and grade schools, and ... more than 20 million Americans participated in one of the most exciting and significant grassroots efforts in the history of this country."

Each Earth Day has a specific theme, this year it's "Invest In Our Planet.", according to the official website . This theme is not only meant to talk about individual actions we can take to make Earth cleaner, but also about how we spend our dollars on companies that take conservation seriously.

"In 2023 we must come together again in partnership for the planet. Businesses, governments, and civil society are equally responsible for taking action against the climate crisis and lighting the spark to accelerate change towards a green, prosperous, and equitable future," said Kathleen Rogers, President of EarthDay.org in a statement .  "We must join together in our fight for the green revolution, and for the health of future generations. The time is now to Invest In Our Planet," Rogers continued. 

– What makes Earth unique?

– What is the average temperature on Earth?

– Earth Observing System: Monitoring the planet's climate  

EarthDay.org is asking companies to take environmental social governance (ESG) standards seriously. Though many green initiatives were enacted in 2022 by governments around the world, almost every country is not on track to meet Greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality by 2050, according to EarthDay.org . 

Following on from discussions three years ago. In 2020, the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland saw 120 large companies pledge to commit to four pillars of ESG — governance, planet, people and prosperity — with dozens of metrics to follow across the pillars. 

The forum also produced a report with more details on individual metrics. For example, under the pillar "planet", key metrics companies can follow include reporting on greenhouse gas emissions, land use and ecological sensitivity, water consumption, air pollution, single-use plastics and solid waste disposal, to name a few.

Return on investment is still possible for companies that use ESG metrics carefully, according to a 2021 TED talk by John Kerry, moderated by former presidential candidate Al Gore. Kerry, now the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, noted that companies like Tesla (a huge electric car manufacturer) are showing the value of turning away from traditional alternatives.

"Most of the CEOs I am talking to, at least now, are increasingly aware of the potential of these [environmental] alternatives," Kerry said. Of Tesla, Kerry said the company is "the most highly valued automobile company in the world, and it only makes one thing: electric cars. If that isn't a message to people, I don't know what is."

Importance of Earth Day

While protecting our planet has always been a theme of Earth Day, that call for coverage is becoming more urgent by the year. In August 2021, worldwide scientists released the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report , which is a state of affairs of human-caused climate change.

This latest report was so alarming that António Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, termed it "a code red for humanity." Guterres noted that the IPCC has been asking for years to limit global warming worldwide to 1.5 degrees Celsius. As of the 2021 report, the average is already 1.2 degrees.

"The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk," Guterres added in the statement. 

"Global heating is affecting every region on Earth, with many of the changes becoming irreversible ... The only way to prevent exceeding this threshold is by urgently stepping up our efforts, and pursuing the most ambitious path."

While experts sometimes disagree about the impact of climate change, the fact that it is happening and the fact that it is caused by humans is fully agreed upon by the climate community. The IPCC is one tool by which experts seek to minimize and manage the damaging effects of climate change, which are sure to continue for many more decades at the least.

To take a single aspect of global change monitoring that feeds into IPCC reporting, we can point to the value of Earth-observing satellites observing the effects of climate change from space.

Satellites can see the impact of wildfires, melting ice, seasonal warming or shifting, increasing floods and other effects of climate change. Decision-makers use satellites and artificial intelligence to predict crop yields, sea levels, extreme weather like tornados and other effects with direct impacts on humans and the ecosystem. 

How you can take part in Earth Day

Earth Day events take place in many countries around the world. Consult the official map to see what is taking place close to you. 

The official Earth Day website has a list of 52 activities that you can do in small groups or from home if you prefer to participate that way. For example, you can use your computer instead of a printer, to view materials. The website also suggests actions as small as picking up trash while you run, to as large as organizing community cleanup or contacting your local political representative for climate change or environmental pollution prevention strategies.

You can also sign up to volunteer with EARTHDAY.ORG, become an Earth Day member and even register your own Earth Day event for people to take part in. 

Agencies like NASA have Earth Day activities for you to enjoy in the community or at home, keep checking back for the list of this year's activities. The Old Farmer's Almanac also has 10 mini-activities that you can do such as planting flowers to attract pollinating creatures like bees, stopping pesticide use in your garden, and managing your water consumption carefully. 

Learn more about the first Earth Day with the Library of Congress . 

The European Space Agency has a list of Earth Day projects and activities available for the public. Explore a variety of Earth Day lessons and activities from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory .  

Bibliography

Earth Day.org, "Earth Day", 2023, earthday.org

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, "Sixth Assessment Report", Aug. 9, 2021, https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/

NASA, "Earth Day 2022", April 8, 2022, https://www.nasa.gov/earth-day-2022

United Nations, "Secretary-General's statement on the IPCC Working Group 1 Report on the Physical Science Basis of the Sixth Assessment", Aug. 9, 2021, https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/secretary-generals-statement-the-ipcc-working-group-1-report-the-physical-science-basis-of-the-sixth-assessment

United States Environmental Protection Agency, "The First Earth Day in April 1970", July 15, 2021, https://www.epa.gov/history/epa-history-earth-day

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History of Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day with these tips for helping our environment.

Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation . By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when a United States senator from Wisconsin organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, Earth Day was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe.

( Learn more at National Geographic .)

You can celebrate and protect the planet at the same time. Check out these Earth Day ideas to help save the planet any time of year.

BECOME A WASTE WARRIOR

The number of garbage trucks Americans fill each year would stretch halfway to the moon. Toilet paper tubes, made from cardboard, take two months to decompose in a landfill. A plastic bottle sticks around for way longer—it can take over 450 years to break down! But instead of turning to the trash bin, you could turn these items into an awesome telescope or a flower planter. Before you throw something away, think about whether it can be recycled or repurposed. You can also limit waste by reducing the amount of things you buy. For example, check the library for that book you have to read before visiting the store.

PLANT A TREE

Researchers estimate roughly 15 billion trees in the world are cut down each year, so help offset that loss by planting a tree of your own. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen for people to breathe. They also provide shelter and food for animals such as squirrels and owls . Depending on where trees are planted, their shade can even reduce the need for air-conditioning in hotter months. How many more reasons do you need to go green?

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

Does that lamp  really need to be on while the sun is out? Electricity doesn’t just happen—it has to be produced from things around us. A lot of times it comes from fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that contribute to climate change . But electricity can also be made from renewable sources like wind, water, the sun, and even elephant dung! No matter where it’s coming from, try conserving electrical energy by using only what you need.

LIMIT YOUR WATER USAGE

It might seem like it’s everywhere, but clean, drinkable water is a limited resource. In fact less than one percent of the water on Earth can be used by humans. (The rest is either too salty or too difficult to access.) Turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth can conserve up to eight gallons of water a day. To help save even more water, challenge yourself to take a shorter shower (but still get clean!).

OFFER YOUR TIME

With a parent’s permission, volunteer to pick up trash at a nearby park, start a collection drive for recyclable items, or organize a screening of an environmentally themed movie. By getting involved and working with others, you’re not just helping the Earth—you’re making new friends too!

SPREAD THE MESSAGE

Talk to your friends and family members about what you’re doing and ask them to help. Need to get the conversation started? Get everyone together and reconnect with nature by taking one of our Get Outside challenges, or check out some other green tips you can share. The more people do, the better off our planet will be!

BE A PLANET HERO!

• In its lifetime, one reusable bag can prevent the use of 600 plastic bags.

• Recycling one can of soda will save enough energy to power a tv for three hours.

• Shutting down a computer when it's not in use cuts the energy consumption by 85 percent.

• For every mile walked instead of driven, nearly one pound of pollution is kept out of the air.

more to explore

Learn about plastic and how to reduce your use., save the earth, save the earth tips, endangered species act.

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Earth Day: What is it, when is it and why is it important?

Earth Day takes place on 22 April each year. Image:  UNSPLASH/Markus Spiske

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This article was last updated on 11 April 2024. It was originally published on 19 April 2022.

• Earth Day takes place every year on 22 April and is one of the biggest environmental protest movements on the planet.
• The theme of Earth Day this year is 'Planet vs. Plastics' - campaigners are calling for a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040.
• The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024 finds that environmental risks make up half of the top 10 risks over the next 10 years.

“Good evening, a unique day in American history is ending. A day set aside for a nationwide outpouring of mankind seeking its own survival.”

Those were the words of US TV presenter Walter Cronkite as he described the aftermath of the first Earth Day back in 1970.

Here’s what you need to know about Earth Day in 2024.

What is Earth Day and what is the theme in 2024?

Earth Day is an international day devoted to our planet. It draws attention to the environment and promotes conservation and sustainability. Each year on 22 April, around 1 billion people around the world take action to raise awareness of the climate crisis and bring about behavioural change to protect the environment.

Participation in Earth Day can take many forms, including small home or classroom projects like planting a herb garden or picking up litter. People also volunteer to plant trees, join other ecological initiatives or take part in street protests about climate change and environmental degradation.

Official Earth Day campaigns and projects aim to increase environmental literacy and bring together like-minded people or groups to address issues such as deforestation, biodiversity loss and other challenges .

The global theme for this year's Earth Day is ' Planet vs. Plastics ', which recognizes the threat plastics pose to human health and with campaigners demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040.

From 23 to 29 April 2024, governments and NGOs from around the world will gather in Ottawa to continue negotiating the terms of the United Nations Global Plastic Treaty .

How did Earth Day begin?

Millions of people took to the streets of US cities and towns on 22 April 1970 in mass protests over the damage being done to the planet and its resources. Amid the demonstrations, protesters brought New York City’s usually bustling Fifth Avenue to a halt, while students in Boston held a “die-in” at Logan Airport. The environmental impact of the post-war consumer boom was beginning to be felt at that time. Oil spills, factory pollution and other ecological threats were on the rise, with little if any legislation in place to prevent them.

The protests brought together people from all walks of American life – accounting for about 10% of the US population – to demonstrate and voice their demands for sustainable change. The Earth Day website calls it the birth of the modern environmental movement.

What led to the street protests in 1970?

Concerned about increasing levels of unchecked environmental destruction, Junior Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin suggested a series of “teach-ins” on university campuses across the US in 1969 to raise awareness of environmental threats. Nelson was joined by Congressman Pete McCloskey and activist Denis Hayes to organize the teach-ins, but the group soon recognized an opportunity to broaden the event’s appeal beyond student populations.

The newly named Earth Day protest events attracted national media attention and support from around 20 million Americans across age and political spectrums, occupations and income groups.

What did the protests achieve?

The Earth Day demonstrations left an indelible mark on US policy. By the end of 1970, the US Environmental Protection Agency came into being and a stream of laws followed to help protect the environment . These included the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Clean Air Act. Further legislation was soon introduced to protect water quality and endangered species, and to control the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides.

When did Earth Day go global?

Earth Day went beyond the US in 1990. Around 200 million people from 141 countries joined efforts to boost recycling around the world that year, paving the way for the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Climate change poses an urgent threat demanding decisive action. Communities around the world are already experiencing increased climate impacts, from droughts to floods to rising seas. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report continues to rank these environmental threats at the top of the list.

To limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C and as close as possible to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, it is essential that businesses, policy-makers, and civil society advance comprehensive near- and long-term climate actions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The World Economic Forum's Climate Initiative supports the scaling and acceleration of global climate action through public and private-sector collaboration. The Initiative works across several workstreams to develop and implement inclusive and ambitious solutions.

This includes the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, a global network of business leaders from various industries developing cost-effective solutions to transitioning to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. CEOs use their position and influence with policy-makers and corporate partners to accelerate the transition and realize the economic benefits of delivering a safer climate.

Contact us to get involved.

This “Earth Summit”, as it became known, led to the formation of the UN Convention on Climate Change and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity , along with the Commission on Sustainable Development to monitor and report on the implementation of Earth Summit agreements.

And as citizens were increasingly concerned with corporate impacts on the natural environment, big and small businesses started to feel the pressure to consider sustainability in their practice.

Have you read?

Is climate inaction a human rights violation?

How Earth observation from space helps advance climate change research

Why is earth day important today.

As the millennium loomed, the Earth Day movement turned its attention to the growing reality of the impending climate crisis with a clear message for world leaders and business: urgent action is needed to address global warming.

It’s a message that is even more relevant today. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that without further immediate action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, the world is on course for temperatures 3.2°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. This level of warming would be catastrophic for the planet and all life on it, including humans.

The year 2023 was the hottest ever recorded .

The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024 finds that environmental risks make up half of the top 10 risks over the next 10 years, with extreme weather events, critical change to Earth's systems, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse being the top three.

Nature is our biggest ally in fighting the climate crisis and has slowed global warming by absorbing 54% of human-related carbon dioxide emissions over the past 10 years. Yet, we are losing animals, marine species, plants, and insects at an unprecedented rate, not seen in 10 million years . Threats from human activity for food production and ocean use, infrastructure, energy and mining endanger around 80% of all threatened or near-threatened species .

Earth Day has become a leading light in the fight to combat climate change and nature loss. As we celebrate its 54th anniversary, we must make use of this truly global movement to act, as citizens and governments, as consumers and businesses, and as individuals and communities. Our survival could well depend on it.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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Earth-Day Toolkit

NASA’s fleet of satellites see the whole Earth, every day. This year, you can celebrate Earth Day with NASA wherever you are! Host your own Earth Day event—supported by NASA science—with activities, demonstrations, handouts, posters, videos, and more. Whether you’re planning a formal presentation or are hosting a stand-alone exhibit, we have you covered.

In 2024, NASA is showcasing how NASA sees Earth’s oceans like no one else. NASA and its international partners have added two state of the art sensors to the satellite fleet that explore the complex connections between sea, air, land, climate, and more in ways never before possible at the global scale. Celebrate Earth’s oceans and waterways this Earth Day! Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Reto Stöckli

Engage your audience while they wait for their turn to participate in an activity or as part of a formal presentation. Check out these five videos from NASA. 

How NASA Satellites Help Model the Future of Climate

Engage your audience while they wait for their turn to participate in an activity or as part of a formal presentation. Check out these videos from NASA. 

Ocean Color Countdown with PACE

This video explains how the color of our oceans, lakes and rivers can tell us a lot about what's going on just beneath the surface.  

Tracking Carbon from Wildfires to Ocean Blooms

Explore how NASA’s satellite data allows scientists to get a clearer picture of how carbon as it links land use and fires, atmospheric aerosols, and marine communities, and ultimately improves those uncertain the data we put into climate models. 

Guiding Farmers With NASA Satellites

Growing competition over finite water resources will have serious implications for Indian farmers, as well as India’s food security. 

What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate?

Watch this video to find out--and to learn about how NASA satellites are keeping an eye on conditions on Earth!

Demonstrations

Involve your audience by showing science in action. These demonstrations can take place in front of an audience and be led by a presenter. Hands-on activities can be completed by your audience. 

Clouds or Snow? A Satellite Mystery

Build your own cloud in a bottle activity and read about how satellite data is used to differentiate clouds from snow in satellite imagery.  

Motion in the Ocean

Create your own ocean currents in a giant test tube using simple materials and recycled tennis ball tubes.  

Sea Ice vs. Land Ice

What’s the difference between sea ice like in the Arctic and land ice in Antarctica? See what happens when sea ice and land ice melt in this DIY activity. 

Sipping Snow in the Sierras

Explore how snowmelt becomes water for you and for crops too in Sipping Snow in the Sierras. Plus, you can do a cool experiment and find out how much water snow leaves behind. 

Engage your audience. Download and print these hands-on activities for a variety of ages.

• Meandering River Flip Book

Make a Stained Glass Earth!  

Eo kids: fresh water   , weather sats ar  , meandering river flip book  .

Best suited for ages 8+

Use the link above to make a flip book showing the change over time of two different rivers which we can observe using Landsat and other remote sensing instruments. 

Best suited for ages 5+

Use the link above to create your own colorful “stained glass” window-style ornament of Earth that shows off its bright colors when light shines through. 

Best suited for ages 9-14

Use the link above to dive into this diverse resource on fresh water with articles and hands-on activities about how NASA studies freshwater on Earth.  

Best suited for ages 10-18

Use the link above to learn about the satellites that monitor extreme weather and climate change in this immersive augmented reality app and complete a series of missions, exploring weather satellites and their instruments.  

Invite speakers in your local area. Need ideas? Reach out to any local colleges, universities, science centers or museum.  Want to find a NASA subject matter expert? Try these resources. 

• Solar System Ambassadors
• NASA Engages

Image Galleries

Inspire your audience. Use these images and stories to show how NASA looks at Earth either in a presentation or as artwork around your event.  

• Earth Observatory Gallery
• NASA Science Visualization Studio

Explore how NASA studies oceans on Earth and beyond. Display these posters to exhibit NASA’s connection to Earth Science. 

Earth Day Posters

View Earth Day posters past and present. Available to download and print for any event.

Details and Download

Viewing Water from Space

This poster features five beautiful natural-color images of US rivers meandering their way through the country’s varied landscape. On the reverse side, you will find a new game called “Rivers: Our National Water Resource.” 

Explore the Globe with NASA

This poster shows how NASA, from the vantage point of space, works to increase our understanding of our planet, improve lives, and safeguard our future. 

Ocean Worlds Infographic

Earth isn't the only ocean world in our solar system. The worlds depicted in this poster represent the best-known candidates in our search for life in the solar system - because where there is water, there is potential for life. 

Print and provide resources for your audience to learn more. 

A Guide to Climate Change for Kids

NASA Climate Kids

Seeing in the Dark

Calving of Larsen C Iceshelf

Ocean Green

Blooming Oceans

Citizen Science Opportunities

Spread the word. Earth Day doesn’t have to be just one day.

GLOBE Observer

Lake Observations by Citizen Scientists and Satellites

Landslide Reporter

Mountain Rain or Snow

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Earth Day free ppt and Google Slides template.

Free Earth Day animated template for Google Slides and PowerPoint.

You can use this PowerPoint template and Google Slides theme to raise awareness of environmental issues. It features beautiful visuals and resources of planet Earth, which you can customize freely to make the presentation your own.

Earth Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental protection’s importance, promote sustainable practices and encourages education, stewardship, and action for the planet’s natural resources and biodiversity.

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Earth Day 2024

Subject: Understanding the world

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Assembly

Last updated

10 April 2024

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This resource contains a fully editable, 35-slide PowerPoint presentation on Earth Day.

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Earth Day 110-Slide Presentation

This is a fully editable and informative, 110-slide PowerPoint presentation on Earth Day. The presentation focuses on:

the history of earth day the aims of Earth Day environmental issues Earth Day projects The Earth Day 2024 theme - ‘Planet v Plastics’ steps we can take to protect the earth

The presentation also contains links to a breathtaking video of planet earth and to the Earth Song.

A simple text version of this presentation more appropriate for younger/SEN pupils is also available:

Simple Text Earth Day Presentation

Earth Day Puzzle Pack - Differentiated Word Seaches, Anagram Puzzles, Crosswords

This resource contains 10 differentiated word searches, anagram puzzles and crosswords.

Great Thunberg Presentation

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Everything You Need to Know About Earth Day 2024

By Emily Chan

As the climate crisis becomes ever more serious, each Earth Day that comes along takes on extra significance. Established in 1970 in the US, the annual event brings together millions of people from around the world in support of the environment, highlighting the urgent action we need to take to save our planet.

Earth Day 2024 comes as a worrying new report found that global concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—the top three heat-trapping gases—reached a record high again in 2023. Meanwhile, a separate study found that Antarctica saw an astonishing rise of 38.5 degrees Celsius above its average seasonal temperature back in 2022, leading to major concerns about the alarming rate at which global warming is affecting our planet.

That’s why it’s more important than ever that Earth Day is seen as a rallying cry for real action on the climate crisis. Want to ensure that you play your part? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Earth Day?

Marked by millions around the world, Earth Day is an annual event designed to shine a light on the serious environmental problems we’re facing, from the climate crisis to air pollution and deforestation.

When is Earth Day 2024?

Earth Day takes place on April 22 every year, but the entire month of April (sometimes called Earth Month)—and especially the week running up to Earth Day (sometimes called Earth Week)—is a time when environmental issues take center stage.

Why is Earth Day on April 22?

Earth Day was the brainchild of US senator and environmentalist Gaylord Nelson, following a 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California . He came up with the idea of having college teach-ins to highlight the importance of clean air and water, with April 22 chosen as a convenient date between Spring Break and finals.

Organizers decided to name the date Earth Day , with the first event in 1970 leading to an astonishing 20 million people across the US taking to the streets—around 10 percent of the country’s population at the time. The event undoubtedly had a major impact, with President Richard Nixon creating the Environmental Protection Agency just months later in December 1970, as well as signing the Clean Air Act.

Earth Day later became an international campaign in 1990, when environmental activists asked one of the original organizers, Denis Hayes , to help create another event to spotlight the ecological challenges facing our planet.

What is the Earth Day 2024 theme?

The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet v Plastics , highlighting the fact that 380 million tonnes of plastic are now produced every year—while only 9 percent of plastic ever produced has been recycled. Campaigners are now calling for a 60 percent reduction in plastic by 2040. “The Planet v Plastics campaign is a call to arms, a demand that we act now to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being upon our planet,” Kathleen Rogers, president of Earthday.org, explains.

How can you celebrate Earth Day?

There are thousands of events taking place around the world this Earth Day. You can find out what’s happening near you via this map , or even create your own event. Organizers have put together a number of ideas for celebrating Earth Day via its handy action tool kit , from avoiding single-use plastic to taking part in The Great Global Cleanup campaign. Other suggestions include signing the Global Plastics Treaty petition and saying no to fast fashion, the majority of which is made from plastic.

What else can you do to help the planet?

Of course, at Vogue we believe that every day should be Earth Day, so it’s vital that we continue to take action throughout the whole year. If you want to find out more about the challenges we’re facing, here are the books to read , the documentaries to watch, and the activists to follow .

By Elise Taylor

By Jenny Berg

By Marley Marius

Beyond that, here are some other ways you can live more sustainably , including making more eco-friendly fashion choices, switching to renewable energy, flying less, and eating less meat, fish, and dairy. You can also join a local campaign group, write to your politicians, and donate to environmental charities such as Greenpeace , 350.org, and Rainforest Alliance.

This story was originally published by British Vogue .

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Earth Day 2024: everything you need to know

Earth Day 2024 will put the spotlight on plastics

Earth Day 2024 is just around the corner. While we all should strive to consider the Earth in our everyday choices, Earth Day serves as a reminder to be conscientious about the products we use and the waste we produce, and to keep sustainability in mind when we make choices. From sustainable cities to low-impact travel companies , we do have more ways to be mindful of the planet. Even NYC restaurants and bars are aiming to be more sustainable. This Earth Day you can participate in an Earth Day event near you, and learn about how you can help protect the planet and combat climate change.

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is held each year on April 22 to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote eco-friendly practices. It was first held in 1970 in the U.S., and has since grown to include a range of events around the world.

Why is Earth Day on April 22?

Earth Day was first proposed to be held on March 21, 1970—the first day of Spring. It was later changed to April 22, a date between colleges’ spring break and final exams, so that it could be held as a “teach-in” to focus on environmental concerns.

What is the Earth Day theme for 2024?

Each year, Earth Day has a theme that focuses on a particular environmental concern. The theme for Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics. The theme aims to raise awareness of plastic pollution, reduce single-use plastic consumption, demand an end to fast-fashion, invest in technologies that can reduce plastic use and demand a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2024.

When was Earth Day first celebrated in the United States?

Earth Day was first celebrated in the U.S. in 1970. Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator, and John McConnell, a San Francisco activist, encouraged Americans to join a grassroots demonstration to raise awareness about air pollution, pesticides and toxic drinking water. More than 20 million Americans participated in rallies around the country. As a result, the U.S. government created the Environmental Protection Agency by the end of the year and followed up with laws like the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

How many countries celebrate Earth Day?

To date, more than 190 countries around the world celebrate Earth Day.

• Gerrish Lopez Contributor, New Orleans

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What is the Earth Day 2024 theme? Find out when Earth Day began and how to go green

While being environmentally conscious is important all year long, Earth Day is an extra opportunity to do your part in keeping our planet happy and healthy.  

Whether you need a refresher on the holiday or want to learn how to go a step further than reducing, reusing and recycling, here’s the rundown on the history of Earth Day and ways to celebrate.  

What is Earth Day? 

Earth Day is observed each year. It aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and promotes eco-friendly practices, such as cutting back on driving and cleaning up litter, to mitigate environmental concerns like pollution, climate change and excessive energy usage, according to Almanac.  

When is Earth Day? 

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22.  

This year, April 22 is on a Monday. It will be the 54th Earth Day celebrated since the occasion was recognized as a holiday.  

The first Earth Day 

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 when Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator, and John McConnell, a San Francisco activist, each asked the country to join a grassroots demonstration to raise awareness about air pollution, the effects of pesticides and toxic drinking water, according to Almanac.  

Rallies took place across the country, with 20 million Americans participating, resulting in the U.S. government creating the Environmental Protection Agency by the end of the year and following up with laws like the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. By 1990, Earth Day became so popular that it was celebrated by more than 140 countries, according to National Geographic Kids .

What is the Earth Day 2024 theme? 

Each year, Earth Day has a theme that highlights an environmental concern.  

The theme for Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics,” which highlights EarthDay.org’s commitment to demanding a 60 percent reduction on the production of all plastics by 2040, the organization said.

According to the National Park Service , the four goals of this year’s Earth Day theme are:

• Widespread awareness; educating people about the harms of plastic pollution and the importance of ending it.  
• Phasing out single-use plastics; an estimated 14 million tons of plastics end up in the ocean annually, reports NPS, and microplastics are found in increasing quantities in our world and the human body.  
• Demanding policies ending fast fashion; nearly 70 percent of clothing is made using crude oil, and the clothing and apparel industry is one of the most polluting, with synthetic textiles contributing to 60 percent of the microplastics in the environment, according to NPS.  
• Investing in innovative technologies; implementing innovative technology, like bioplastic packaging made from renewable sources and using longer wear tires less prone to shedding dust, can reduce plastic use and the environmental impact of society.  

Eco-friendly efforts in Delaware: New law will ban polystyrene, some single-use plastics from Delaware restaurants

Previous Earth Day themes, according to Earth Reminder , include:  

• “Invest In Our Planet” for Earth Day in 2022 and 2023.  
• “Protect Our Species” for Earth Day in 2019.  
• “Environmental and Climate Literacy” for Earth Day in 2017. 
• “Mobilize the Earth” for Earth Day in 20212. 
• “Trees Please” for Earth Day in 2008. 

Ways to celebrate Earth Day 

Big or small, any actions that reduce environmental impacts and promote sustainability are worthwhile in the pursuit of a healthier, livable planet.  

Without having to spend any money, here are a few ways to make your everyday practices more sustainable, from National Geographic Kids: 

• Using a reusable bag, which prevents the use of 600 plastic bags.  
• Shutting down a computer when it’s not in use. This cuts energy consumption by 85 percent.  
• Walking instead of driving, when applicable. Every mile walked instead of driving is nearly one pound of pollution that is kept out of the air.  
• Recycling. A recycled soda can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours. 
• Volunteering to pick up trash or collect recyclables in your area.  
• Spreading the message about sustainability and conservation.  
• Limiting your water usage. Turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth can save up to eight gallons of water a day.  
• Turning off lights when you don’t need them on, that also saves money on bills.  
• Planting native trees and plants to encourage pollinator gardens and support local ecosystems. 
• Reducing, reusing and recycling.  

If you’re looking for more ways to make your habits eco-friendly, Almanac recommends refraining from using pesticides and chemicals in gardens, switching to biodegradable kitchen and household products without chemicals and plastics and assessing your “foodprint” to see how you can reduce food waste.  

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at  [email protected] .

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Earth Day art to color, download, and share

Show your love for the planet with coloring pages, posters, and graphics for Earth Day. Find a background for your next virtual meeting, send an image to a friend, share them on social media, or upload a coloring page into your favorite coloring or painting app. 

Every day is Earth Day

At NOAA, we're thinking about the Earth all day, every day. 

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The theme for Earth Day in 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastics." 

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2023: Invest in our planet

The theme for Earth Day in 2023 was "Invest in Our Planet."

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Browse our resources to guide your environmental education lessons and stewardship activities on Earth Day and throughout the year. These resources can be adapted to a variety of ages and settings.

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NEW! Restore Our Earth

Climate education week toolkit.

Explore 5 days of activities on ecosystem services, the carbon cycle, food sustainability, ecosystem restoration and civic engagement. Use these activities to engage throughout Earth Week, or anytime throughout the year!

NEW! Advocacy Packets

This series of packets will walk students through the process of implementing change in their community. Created by students, for students, these packets are packed with background information, ideas and sample letters to send to stakeholders.

NEW! What is cop 26 and the Paris agreement?

Use this page to learn more about COP26, the Paris Agreement, and what EARTHDAY.ORG is working to accomplish with global leaders. Use this information to spark discussion and plan a Mock Cop event for your students.

NEW! Host a Teach-In

The first Earth Day was a nationwide Teach-In. Host an event to address critical environmental and social issues in your community. Use our brand new Restore Our Earth grab bags to help plan your teach-in.

Climate Civics Toolkit

Explore 5 days of activities to learn about climate and environmental issues, the communities they impact and how to take civic action!

Environmental History Timelines

Use these resources to explore how environmental science, justice and activism has progressed through time. Edit the PowerPoint to add in local examples and add your plans to make history!

Lesson Plans

Use these Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced activities along with the Global Earth Challenge app to explore these environmental topics.

Pollinator Toolkits

Find out how pollinators shape the world around you and how you can protect them!

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Follow these daily activities to learn more and find out how to take action. Use them as a way to prepare for Earth Day, or any time during the year!

Test your knowledge on biodiversity, climate change, plastic pollution, deforestation, clean energy and more.

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Whether you are planning activities on April 22nd or stewardship events throughout the year, these menus will give your organization ideas for events and action items on species protection, food sustainability, plastic pollution, climate change and more!

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EARTHDAY.ORG™ is proud of partner with a number of organizations around the world who are as dedicated to science and climate literacy as we are! Explore their online lessons, activities, videos and games.

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Reading list

Not for me, please!: I choose to act green Paperback by Maria Godsey

What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet (Protect the Planet) by Jess French

The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story About Recycling (Little Green Books) by Alison Inches

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals

Save the Scraps (Save the Earth) by Bethany Stahl

WE ARE ALL CONNECTED: CARING FOR EACH OTHER & THE EARTH by Gabi Garcia

Earth Ninja: A Children’s Book About Recycling, Reducing, and Reusing (Ninja Life Hacks) by Mary Nhin

Steve and Eve Save the Planet: I Can Hear Your Heart Beep (Book 1) by Paul Shore and Deborah Katz

Middle School

Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by by Barbara Dee

World Without Fish by Mark Kurlansky

The Incredible Ecosystems of Planet Earth by Rachel Ignotofsky

Going Blue: A Teen Guide to Saving Our Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, & Wetlands by Cathryn Berger Kaye M.A.  

Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do by Andrea Minoglio

Old Enough to Save the Planet (Changemakers) by Loll Kirby

The Green Teen: The Eco-Friendly Teen’s Guide to Saving the Planet by Jenn Savedge

High School 

Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future By Mary Robinson

The Day the World Stops Shopping by J. B. MacKinnon

The Optimistic Environmentalist: Progressing Toward a Greener Future By David R. Boyd

Where the Water Goes: Life and Death Along the Colorado River By David Owen

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Eat for the Planet: Saving the World One Bite at a Time by Nil Zacharias

Wild Hope: On the Front Lines of Conservation Success by Andrew Balmford

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Audubon Events Marking Earth Day 2024

Audubon is holding events at the national, state, and local levels marking Earth Day on and around April 22 to celebrate birds and wildlife. Here are some highlights from across the U.S.: 

Los Angeles, CA  Dia de la Tierra at Rio de Los Angeles State Park —April 21, 2024 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m. PT)   Join Audubon Center at Debs Park staff and partners and support ongoing habitat restoration work at Rio de Los Angeles State Park. Volunteers will plant native milkweed, remove invasive weeds, mulch, and water to enhance bird-focused restoration efforts at the park. 

San Diego, CA Earth Justice Summit hosted by the Birdlife Club at San Diego City College —April 18, 2024 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PT) Join the San Diego Audubon Society and San Diego City College Birdlife Club for the fifth annual Environmental Justice Summit on campus at San Diego City College (SDCC). This free event will feature speakers covering a variety of environmental issues and ideas. San Diego City College Birdlife Club is part of Audubon on Campus, a program for college students interested in conservation work. 

Greenwich, CT Earth Educators at Greenwich Audubon Center —April 13, 2024 (1 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET) Join Greenwich Audubon volunteers for a family day to learn all about our changing climate. During our service days, teens have been planning different activity stations for this event to teach community members and families about how climate change impacts our local community ecosystems as well as birds, both permanent residents and migrating.

Maitland, FL   Earth Day Birdathon Events at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey —April 20 and 21, 2024   Participate in the Earth Day Puzzle Trail as part of Audubon Florida's Birdathon event. In this escape-room experience, participants solve puzzles and clues focused on raptor conservation and qualify to win fun prizes, including a meet-and-greet with a raptor ambassador. 

Naples, FL  Celebrate Earth Day at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary —April 22, 2024 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET)  Visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for an Earth Day celebration with a bird walk, climate change solutions presentation ,   film screening, ukulele performances, a Happiness Workshop (separate registration required) and more. Discounted admission for all: $8 for adults, $4 for children, and free for members. 

Florissant, MO  Earth Day Celebration at Little Creek Nature Area —April 20, 2024 (8 a.m. – Noon CT)  Join Audubon Center at Riverlands staff for the yearly Earth Day event at Ferguson-Florissant School District’s Little Creek Nature Area. This event will feature various outdoor activities including barnyard animals, puppet shows, crafts, live music, birds of prey, nature walks and much more. You can find Audubon down at the pond for some pond exploration! 

New York, NY  Earth Day Festival at Carl Schurz Park —April 20, 2024 (1 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET)  Join NYC Audubon and the Carl Schurz Park Conservancy for an Earth Day celebration with fun and educational activities, and of appreciating this beautiful planet.  

Oyster Bay, NY  Service Day at Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center —April 21, 2024 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET)  Take part in a day of volunteer conservation action with a variety of activities, including a bird watch and garden and plant ID walk. 

Syracuse, NY Earth Day Cleanup with Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps —April 20, 2024 (10 a.m. – Noon ET) Join the Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps for the 5th Annual Earth Day Cleanup Event. Participants will pick up debris along the Onondaga Lake shoreline at Harbor Brook and about birds, other wildlife, and the importance of healthy habitats in the Onondaga Lake watershed. The Corps was founded in 2012 by Honeywell in partnership with Montezuma Audubon Center and Onondaga Audubon and is now an Audubon New York program.

Savannah, NY MARSH! Honeysuckle Popping at Montezuma Audubon Center —April 20, 2024 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET) Volunteer with Montezuma Audubon Center and DEC staff to restore bird habitat by removing invasive bush honeysuckle in the forest habitat. Lunch will be provided by the Friends of Montezuma.

Audubon, PA  Earth Day Native Plant Sale at the John James Audubon Center —April 21, 2024 (Noon – 4 p.m. ET)  Enjoy this Earth Day celebration with a wide selection of native plants from local nurseries available to purchase. Experts will be on hand to help you select plants that work best in your space. From pollinator plants to rain gardens, you’ll find something for all your bird- and eco-friendly gardening needs.

San Antonio, TX  Earth Day Weekend Free Entry Days at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center —April 20 and 21, 2024  Get outside in celebration of Earth Day and enjoy free entry at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. Take home native pollinator plant educational material to learn what plants would work best in your space. 

With eighteen U.S. state programs, 41 centers and sanctuaries, and 450+ local chapters, Audubon is creating a culture of conservation in local communities through education and advocacy focused on birds and important habitats. Learn more about how to get involved this Earth Day here .  

Pledge to stand with Audubon to call on elected officials to listen to science and work towards climate solutions.

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• Q&A: Tips for viewing the 2024 solar eclipse

Q&A: Tips for viewing the 2024 solar eclipse

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On Monday, April 8, the United States will experience a total solar eclipse — a rare astronomical event where the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, blocking out the sun’s light almost completely. The last total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. was in 2017, and the next one won’t be until 2044.

If the weather cooperates, people across the United States — from northeastern Maine to southwestern Texas — will be able to observe the eclipse using protective eyewear. Those in the path of totality , where the moon entirely covers the sun, will have the best view, but 99% of people in the continental U.S. will be able to see a partial eclipse. Weather permitting, those on the MIT campus and the surrounding area will see 93 percent of the sun covered, with the partial eclipse starting at 2:15 p.m. and reaching its peak around 3:29 p.m. Gatherings are planned at the Kresge Oval and the MIT Museum , and a live NASA stream will be shown in the Building 55 atrium .

Brian Mernoff , manager of the CommLab in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is an accomplished astrophotographer and science educator. Mernoff is headed to Vermont with his family to experience the totality from the best possible angle — but has offered a few thoughts on how to enjoy the eclipse safely, wherever you are.

Q: What should viewers expect to see and experience with this solar eclipse?

A: When you’re watching TV (the sun) and your toddler, dog, or other large mammal (the moon) blocks your view, you no doubt move over a bit to try to get a partial or full view of the TV. This is exactly how the path of totality works for an eclipse. If you are exactly in line with the moon and sun, it will be completely blocked, but if you start moving away from this path, your view of the sun will start to increase until the moon is not in the way at all.

The closer you are to the path of totality, the more of the sun will be blocked. At MIT, about 93 percent of the sun will be blocked. Those in the area will notice that things around you will get slightly darker, just like when it starts to become overcast. Even so, the sun will remain very bright in the sky and solar glasses will be required to view the entirety of the eclipse. It really goes to show how incredibly bright the sun is!

Within the narrow path of totality, the moon will continue to move across the sun, reaching 100 percent coverage. For this short period of time, you can remove your glasses and see a black disk where the sun should be. Around the disk will be wispy white lines. This is the corona, the outermost part of the sun, which is normally outshone by the sun’s photosphere (surface). Around the edges of the black disk of the moon, right as totality begins and ends, you can also see bright spots around the edges, known as Bailey’s Beads, caused by sunlight shining between mountains and craters on the moon.

But that’s not all! Although you will be tempted to stare up at the sun throughout totality, do not forget to observe the world around you. During totality, it feels like twilight. There is a 360-degree sunset, the temperature changes rapidly, winds change, animals start making different sounds, and shadows start getting weird (look into “shadow bands” if you have a chance).

As soon as totality ends, and you start to see Baily’s Beads again, put your solar glasses back on as it will get very bright again very fast as the moon moves out of the way.

Q: What are the best options for viewing the eclipse safely and to greatest effect?

A: No matter where you are during the eclipse, make sure you have solar glasses. These glasses should be ISO-approved for solar viewing. Do not use glasses with scratches, holes, or other damage.

If you are unable to obtain solar glasses in time, you can safely view the eclipse using a home-made projection method , such as a pinhole camera or even projecting the image of the sun through a colander.

The best view of the eclipse will be from within the path of totality, but even if you are not within it, you should still go outside to experience the partial eclipse. Use the NASA Eclipse Explorer to find the start, maximum, and end times, and then find a nice spot outside — preferably with some shade — put on your glasses, and enjoy the show.

For a closer view of the sun, find a friend that has a telescope with the correct ISO-certified solar filter. This will let you see the photosphere (or chromosphere if it is an H-alpha scope) in a lot more detail. If you do not have access to a telescope, NASA plans to livestream a telescope view throughout the eclipse. [The livestream will be displayed publicly on a large screen in Building 55 at MIT, rain or shine.]

The only time you can look at or image the sun without a filter is during 100 percent totality. As soon as this period is done, glasses and filters must be put back on.

After the eclipse, keep your glasses and filters. You can use them to look at the sun on any day (it took me an embarrassing amount of time to realize that I could use the glasses at any time instead of lugging out a telescope). On a really clear day, you can sometimes see sunspots!

Q: How does eclipse photography work?

A: This year I plan to photograph the eclipse in two ways. The first is using a hydrogen-alpha telescope. This telescope filters out all light except for one wavelength that is given off by hydrogen. Because it blocks out most of the light from the sun’s surface, it allows you to see the turbulent upper atmosphere of the sun, including solar prominences that follow magnetic field lines.

Because this telescope does not allow for imaging during totality as too much light is blocked, I also plan to set up a regular camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the total eclipse with the surrounding environment as context. During the 2017 eclipse, I only captured close-ups of the sun using a regular solar filter and missed the opportunity to capture what was going on around me.

Will it work? That depends on if we get clear skies, and how many pictures of my 1.5-year-old need to be taken (as well as how much chasing needs to be done).

If you would like to take pictures of the eclipse, make sure you protect your camera sensor. The sun can easily damage lenses, sensors, and other components. Here are some examples of solar damaged cameras . The solution is simple, though. If using a camera phone, you can take pictures through an extra pair of solar glasses, or even tape them to the phone. For cameras with larger lenses, you can buy cardboard filters that slide over the front of your camera or even buy ISO-approved solar film and make your own.

Q: Any fun, unique, cool, or interesting science facts about this eclipse to share?

A: If you want to get even more involved with the eclipse, there are many citizen science projects that plan to collect as much data as possible throughout the eclipse.

NASA is planning to run several experiments during the eclipse , and researchers with MIT Haystack Observatory will also be using four different technologies to monitor changes in the upper atmosphere , both locally and across the continent.

If you are interested in learning more about the eclipse, here are two of my favorite videos, one on “ unexpected science from a 0.000001 megapixel home-made telescope ” and one on solar eclipse preparation .

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Earth Day is observed worldwide to raise environmental awareness and involve citizens and communities in creating a cleaner, healthier world. At the Bureau of Land Management, our goal is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, and you can help us achieve this. Find out how you can get involved in this year's Earth Day events on public lands below!

Earth Day Events

Hometown Pride - Susanville, CA Save the date:  April 20, 2023 Time : 9:00am - 12:00pm

This Saturday April 13, the Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District Office Cultural and Recreation staff, along with the Pueblo of Tortugas, will be hosting a work day at Tortugas Mountain in

Come visit us at the Earth Day Sustainability Fair on Monday April 22. 

Join us for an Earth Day event Saturday April 20 at the Discovery Hill Trail system with the Salmon International Mountain Bike Association (SIMBA).

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area plans to hold a volunteer planting event Monday April 22 from 9 a.m.-noon.

Join BLM Canyons of the Ancients National Monument staff and the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance this Earth Day to help clean up one of the places we love!

The BLM's Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA, in partnership with Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, plans to hold an Earth Week be

The BLM's Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area in Lorton, Va., plans to hold several Earth Day activities from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday April 22, 2024.

The Bureau of Land Management Northeastern States District Office invites you to join the Garlic Mustard Pull-A-Thon to be held from noon-3 p.m., Monday, April 22 at the Granville Dog Exercise Area

The Bureau of Land Management will be participating in the Point Arena annual Almost Fringe Festival on April 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day!

The Redding Field Office will be participating in an event put on by nonprofit partners, Shasta Environmental Alliance at Ca

The BLM and the El Dorado Chapter of the California Native Plant Society are observing Earth Day by offering free guided, public Kanaka Valley birds and plants tours at the Pine Hill Preserve.&nbsp

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument will celebrate Earth Day at their visitor center by hosting volun

Join the San Juan Islands National Monument & our many community partners for the annual Great Islands Clean Up! Bring your family and friends to help clean our local beaches and roadways.