Earth Day

What Is Earth Day?

Every April 22nd is "Earth Day." It originates from 1970, when US Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed a day dedicated to thinking about environmental issues. Free from any specific organization, religion, or political affiliation, it became a day for anyone to freely express their commitment to protecting the planet, and it has since grown into one of the world's largest environmental observances, with hundreds of millions of participants in over 190 countries.

Historic Milestones in Environmental Protection

Earth Day became a catalyst for humanity to seriously reconsider the balance between economic growth and environmental impact.

• The impact of 1970: More than 20 million Americans took part in demonstrations and rallies on the first Earth Day. This led to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the establishment of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, laying the groundwork for modern environmental regulation.
• A link to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): On Earth Day in 2016, the signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement—the international framework for tackling global warming—was held at UN headquarters. This day has come to symbolize global solidarity in respecting planetary boundaries and passing on a rich natural world to future generations.

The Science of Global Warming and Ecosystems

The planet we live on is changing at an unprecedented pace.

• Greenhouse gas concentrations: Atmospheric CO2 concentration has risen about 50% compared to pre-industrial levels. This has been scientifically shown to trap heat and raise the global average temperature by about 1.1°C, a major driver of extreme weather and sea level rise.
• Biodiversity loss: An estimated 8.7 million species exist on Earth, yet species are currently going extinct tens to hundreds of times faster than the average rate over the past 10 million years. A disrupted ecological balance poses a scientifically documented risk to our food, water, and health.

Interesting Facts About Earth Day

• Earth Day has no single organizer: Anyone can host an Earth Day event under its name. This decentralized philosophy—"everyone is a protagonist for the Earth"—is the driving force behind the diverse range of actions taken worldwide.
• The "Blue Marble" seen from space: The photo of Earth taken by Apollo 17 in 1972, known as "The Blue Marble," showed humanity a fragile, beautiful planet floating in the darkness of space—and instilled a strong sense of environmental awareness about protecting our one and only home.
• The rise of renewable energy: The cost of solar and wind power has dropped dramatically over the past decade. Advances in technology are shifting us toward an era where protecting the environment and growing the economy can go hand in hand.
• The plastic cycle: About 8 million tons of plastic flow into the ocean every year. Since plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, "reducing" consumption is the most effective scientific countermeasure—even more so than recycling alone.
• The "Earth Day Network": Tree planting, litter cleanups, and environmental education events take place simultaneously in cities around the world. It's a day when you can feel how one small action can become part of a massive wave involving hundreds of millions of people.

Tips for Spending Earth Day

• On April 22nd, try making just one "Earth-friendly choice" in your daily life—bringing your own bag or bottle, choosing locally produced food, or turning off unnecessary lights. Recognize that even a small step can shape the planet's future.
• Spend time in nature and feel the Earth's pulse. Take a walk in a park, breathe in the scent of fresh greenery and soil, and reconnect with the fact that you, too, are part of this giant living system we call Earth—a deeply restorative way to shake off the fatigue of a new season.
• Think about the "story" behind the things around you. Where in the world was the coffee you're drinking or the clothes you're wearing made, and what impact did that have on the planet? Being mindful of ethical consumption can turn your everyday choices into something you can feel proud of.
• Read the latest environmental documentaries or articles. Rather than getting caught up in emotional debate, understanding the current situation through scientific data can turn anxiety into the intellectual strength to take concrete action.

The Ground Beneath Our Feet and the Blue Sky Above Are Treasures We All Share—and a Source of Hope for Tomorrow

April 22nd is a day to feel gratitude for being sustained by this beautiful planet, and to pledge to give something back. Environmental problems can feel so vast that it's easy to think one person's actions don't matter. But just as a single drop creates ripples across the ocean, your actions today can make a real difference somewhere on Earth. As a new season begins, why not add one new habit to help keep our shared home beautiful? The cup of coffee you choose, the piece of litter you pick up—these small acts can help shape a clearer blue sky for children decades from now. We are all crew members on this spaceship we call Earth.