Earth Day is an annual event which just so happens to be celebrated worldwide on April 22. And, in honour of this day, here I present to you 10 Earth Day facts that you (probably) didn’t know about unless, you know, you like to Google everything.
1. A New Environmental Theme Will Be Announced This Year In Preparation For Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary (2020)
For example, 2017’s theme for Earth Day had been Environmental and Climate Literacy. This was intended to further knowledge amongst voters as well as to work and strive for climate policies and laws that will expedite green technology, environmental protection, and even jobs.
2. NASA Planted a Monumental “Moon Tree” In order To Celebrate Earth Day (2009)
This occurred on Earth Day 2009. That is, NASA, in partnership with the United States National Arboretum and American Forests, planted a Moon Sycamore on the arboretum’s grounds in Washington, D.C. And if that isn’t support for a wonderful cause, then I don’t know what is!
3. Despite Only Commencing As An American Movement, Nowadays Earth Is Considered An International Phenomenon
In 1990, Earth Day extended to encompass countries across the globe, with 200 million people in 141 nations taking part in it. Furthermore, Earth Day actually brought attention to the emerging Clean Energy movement while widening its reach to about 184 countries. This was possible due to the help of five thousand environmental organizations. And, after more than 40 years, more than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities. Realizing this, it is now the largest secular civic event in the world.
4. An Unprecedented Slate Of Environmental Legislation Was Ignited By Earth Day
That is to say, just 8 months after the very first Earth Day, Richard Nixon approved the formation of a new organization. This organization, the Environmental Protection Agency, was responsible for monitoring the nation’s natural assets.
5. As Is Usually The Case, Earth Day Was Confronted By Criticism From The Outset
This may very well be one of the lesser-known Earth Day facts. Apparently, the first Earth Day faced much opposition from various conservative groups.
6. Earth Day’s Actual Date Of Celebration Was Selected Particularly To Mobilize College Students
Yet another of the lesser-known Earth Day facts. Harvard graduate student Denis Hayes was enlisted to take charge of the Earth Day project. For the first ever Earth Day, Hayes made a calculated decision; April 22 the majority of college campuses fell right in the center of Spring Break and final exams. How convenient.
7. On The Very First Earth Day, Twenty Million Americans Marched And Protested
On April 22, 1970, protests, fundraisers, demonstrations, nature walks, concerts, speeches, and every other type of civic gathering occurred at colleges, VFW halls, public squares, and numerous parks throughout the United States.
8. In Early Efforts To Promote Environmental Conservation, Even John F. Kennedy Had A Role
In short, on September 24, 1963, JFK commenced a conservation-themed multi-state tour, 11 states in five days. Despite this tour, however, it would take another seven years until Earth Day was finally a reality.
9. Internationally, Earth Day Is Actually Known As Mother Earth Day
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly took it upon themselves to designate April 22 as International Mother Earth Day due to the symbol of Mother Earth serving, in numerous countries and cultures, as a frequent metaphor and representation of our planet.
10. Earth Day Was Established Due To The Efforts Of Senator G. Nelson
Attributing inspiration from the anti-war movement of the time, Nelson required support from both sides of the political spectrum. And, as a result, Earth was born on April 22, 1970.
At the end of the day, there are plenty more Earth Day facts that are to be discovered. So, with that in mind, what are some of your all-time favorite Earth Day facts? Let me know in the comments below!
Featured Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/4JL_VAgxwcU
