Earth Day is an annual event observed on April 22nd to advocate for environmental protection. Inaugurated on April 22, 1970, it has grown to encompass a diverse range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG, engaging over a billion individuals across more than 193 nations. The designated theme for 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastics." The year 2025 will mark the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.
1918: Soviet Adoption of the Gregorian Calendar
In 1918, the Soviet Union adopted the Gregorian calendar.
1920: Lenin Institutes Subbotnik
In 1920, Vladimir Lenin instituted subbotnik, days on which people would have to do community service, which typically consisted in removing rubbish from public property and collecting recyclable material.
1946: Walter Reuther Leads the UAW
Walter Reuther began leading the United Auto Workers (UAW) in 1946.
1955: Lenin's Birthday Proclaimed a National Holiday
In 1955, Nikita Khrushchev proclaimed Lenin's birthday, April 22, a national holiday celebrating communism.
1960: Grassroots Activism Against DDT
Pre-1960, grassroots activism against DDT emerged in Nassau County, New York, contributing to the growing ecological awareness in the US.
1962: Silent Spring Published
Rachel Carson's influential book, Silent Spring, was published in 1962, inspired by the growing environmental concerns and activism of the time, including opposition to DDT and nuclear weapons testing.
1962: Publication of Silent Spring
Rachel Carson's influential book, Silent Spring, was published in 1962, raising awareness about the environmental impact of pesticides and contributing to the growing environmental movement.
1968: Human Ecology Symposium
In 1968, Morton Hilbert and the U.S. Public Health Service organized the Human Ecology Symposium, an environmental conference for students, marking the beginning of Earth Day's development.
January 28, 1969: Santa Barbara Oil Spill
On January 28, 1969, a well called Platform A, drilled by Union Oil off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, blew out, spilling millions of gallons of oil and killing numerous marine animals. This disaster mobilized activists to create environmental regulation, environmental education, and Earth Day.
1969: Environmental Disasters
In 1969, several environmental disasters, including the Santa Barbara oil spill and the Cuyahoga River fire, galvanized public concern about the environment and contributed to the momentum for Earth Day.
1969: Earth Day Idea Introduced
John McConnell first proposed the idea of a global holiday called "Earth Day" at the 1969 UNESCO Conference on the Environment.
1969: Planning for Earth Day at Columbia University
In the winter of 1969, students at Columbia University gathered to discuss plans for Earth Day with Denis Hayes.
1969: John McConnell proposes a day to honor the Earth
In 1969, at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace.
January 23, 1970: Project Survival at Northwestern University
On January 23, 1970, Northwestern University hosted Project Survival, an early environmental awareness event, as part of the lead-up to the first Earth Day.
January 28, 1970: Environmental Rights Day and Declaration
On January 28, 1970, the first anniversary of the Santa Barbara oil spill, Environmental Rights Day was created, and the Declaration of Environmental Rights, inspired by the Declaration of Independence, was read.
March 21, 1970: Proposal for a Day to Honor the Earth
On March 21, 1970, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, to be observed on the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere.
April 1970: First Earth Day
The first Earth Day was held in April 1970, following a federal proclamation from U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson and years of planning by Morton Hilbert and students.
April 22, 1970: First Earth Day
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, as a nationwide environmental teach-in focused on the United States.
1970: The First Earth Day
The first Earth Day, held in 1970, is compared to the 20th anniversary in 1990, highlighting the growth in participation, marketing, and resources.
1970: Walt Kelly's Anti-Pollution Poster
On 1970 Earth Day, Walt Kelly created an anti-pollution poster featuring his comic strip character Pogo with the quotation "We have met the enemy and he is us." This poster promoted Earth Day, and environmental groups aimed to use the day to inspire action for change in human behavior and policy.
1970: First Earth Day Mobilizes Millions
The first Earth Day in 1970 brought 20 million Americans out for peaceful demonstrations advocating for environmental reform.
1970: Debate Over Political Engagement Following Earth Day
In 1970, after the success of the first Earth Day, there was debate among organizers about whether to leverage the momentum for political change, with some advocating for engagement in the congressional elections that year.
1970: UAW Supports First Earth Day
In 1970, Walter Reuther, a staunch environmental advocate and president of the UAW, made the first donation to support the first Earth Day, significantly contributing to its success. The UAW also provided essential resources, including communication infrastructure, printed materials, and mobilization of its members for nationwide participation.
1970: New York City Earth Day and Mayor Lindsay's Support
In 1970, New York City Mayor John Lindsay saw Earth Day as an opportunity to unite the city and promote environmentalism as a progressive issue. Lindsay actively supported the event, providing resources and staff to ensure its success.
1970: The First Earth Day
Denis Hayes and Edward Furia, key figures in organizing the first Earth Day in 1970, led the two separate groups for the 1990 Earth Day events.
1970: Teach-Ins Became Passé
By 1970, the concept of "teach-ins" had become passé, and leading activists on college campuses were more focused on the anti-war and civil rights movements, viewing the environment as a distraction.
February 26, 1971: UN Support for Earth Day
On February 26, 1971, UN Secretary-General U Thant signed a proclamation supporting John McConnell's global initiative for an annual Earth Day.
1972: UN Earth Day Ceremony on March Equinox
UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim observed Earth Day with ceremonies on the March equinox in 1972, establishing a tradition that has continued annually.
1978: Margaret Mead Supports Equinox Earth Day
In 1978, Margaret Mead voiced her support for celebrating Earth Day on the March equinox.
September 11, 1980: First Canadian Earth Day
The first Canadian Earth Day, organized by Paul D. Tinari, was held on September 11, 1980. The day featured educational lectures, garbage cleanup, and tree plantings.
1980: Earth Day 1980: Festive and Celebratory
In 1980, Earth Day adopted a more festive and celebratory tone, with a major festival held in Washington, D.C., near the White House.
May 5, 1990: Tomorrow's World
On May 5, 1990, Warner Bros. Records released "Tomorrow's World," an Earth Day-themed single written by Kix Brooks and Pam Tillis, featuring a multitude of country music artists. It reached number 74 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
1990: Two Groups Sponsor Earth Day
In 1990, two separate groups, The Earth Day 20 Foundation and Earth Day 1990, sponsored Earth Day events, each with different approaches to organization and marketing.
1990: Earth Day Goes International
In 1990, Denis Hayes, the original national coordinator of Earth Day in 1970, organized events in 141 nations, making Earth Day an international event.
1990: The 20th Anniversary of Earth Day
In 1990, the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, 200 million people in 141 countries mobilized, bringing environmental issues to the world stage. This Earth Day significantly boosted recycling efforts globally and paved the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
1990: Earth Day 1990
The Earth Day in 2000 is described as combining the big-picture feistiness of the first Earth Day with the international grassroots activism of Earth Day 1990.
1992: United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro
The 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro was held after the success of the 1990 Earth Day, which brought renewed focus to environmental issues.
2000: Earth Day Focused on Global Warming and Clean Energy
The Earth Day in 2000 focused on global warming and clean energy, combining the spirit of the first Earth Day with the global activism of the 1990 event, utilizing the internet to connect activists worldwide.
2003: Water for Life Campaign
The theme for Earth Day 2003 was the Water for Life Campaign. Events and educational initiatives focused on water quality and conservation were held globally.
2004: Voter Registration and Tree Planting
In 2004, Earth Day Network in the U.S. focused on voter registration and tree planting.
2005: Healthy Environments for Children
The theme for Earth Day 2005 was Healthy Environments for Children.
2006: Science and Faith
Earth Day 2006 focused on science and faith, with events held across Europe, including a "Festival on Climate Change" in Utrecht, Netherlands, addressing oil dependence.
2007: Global Warming in the Pulpit Pledge Campaign
In 2007, the Global Warming in the Pulpit Pledge campaign encouraged faith leaders to address global climate change.
March 20, 2008: Global Earth Day Celebrations
On March 20, 2008, Earth Day was celebrated globally with ceremonies at the UN, New Zealand, and various other locations, including the ringing of bells in several cities.
2008: Earth Day 2008: Call For Climate
On Earth Day 2008, millions of people globally answered the Call for Climate, urging for climate change legislation. Major U.S. cities hosted climate rallies, drawing around 350,000 attendees. The Washington, D.C. rally featured speakers like actor Edward Norton and NASA's James Hansen, emphasizing the urgency of climate action. Performances and extensive media coverage amplified the message for tough and fair climate action.
2009: National Teach-In on Global Warming Solutions
In 2009, the National Teach-In on Global Warming Solutions involved college campuses, civic organizations, and faith groups across the U.S., raising awareness about global warming and possible solutions. Congress members addressed students via video conference.
2010: Partnership with the Peace Corps
In 2010, Earth Day Network collaborated with the Peace Corps and local volunteers to implement environmental programs in several countries, including Ukraine, the Philippines, Georgia, Albania, and India. These initiatives focused on environmental and civic education, tree plantings, village clean-ups, and recycling seminars in rural areas. Earth Day Network also established a satellite office in Kolkata, India.
2010: Climate Rally on the National Mall
In 2010, the Climate Rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. drew over 150,000 activists demanding comprehensive climate legislation from Congress. The event featured notable speakers from various sectors, including faith, labor, and environmental communities, scientists, celebrities, and political leaders, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
2010: Earth Day 40th Anniversary
The 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010 witnessed an estimated one billion people worldwide participating in climate rallies, Billion Acts of Green, and dialogues with civil leaders on building a green economy. The online platform Earthday.org facilitated these actions, with students globally engaging in school greenings like community cleanups and environmental curriculum adoption. A partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment aimed to plant one million trees in 15 countries.
September 2011: Earth Day 2011
In September 2011, Earth Day events encompassed an environmental forum for political leaders, the first Earth Day celebration in Tunis City, primary school events in Iraq, and a tree planting project in 17 deforested countries, resulting in over 1.1 million trees planted. The Billion Acts of Green initiative garnered over 100 million pledges globally. This project was recognized by President Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative for its innovative approach to tackling global challenges.
2012: A Billion Acts of Green
Earth Day 2012 saw the achievement of A Billion Acts of Green, announced at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio. This campaign, promoting individual and organizational actions for carbon emission reduction and sustainability, also engaged elected officials in local environmental solutions. Faith-based programs, including Catholic parishes and churches, participated through sermons and activities, with events at the National Cathedral and a conference at the St. Sophia Cathedral. Mobilize the Earth events, coordinated by Earth Day Network India, took place throughout India, encompassing rallies, seminars, and workshops.
2013: The Face of Climate Change
In 2013, Earth Day focused on personalizing the climate change challenge with the theme 'The Face of Climate Change.' The campaign aimed to highlight the tangible impact of climate change on individuals, animals, and places worldwide. Images collected through #faceofclimate were displayed at various events globally. High-profile organizations and individuals, including the Secretary General of the Organization of American States and the US Secretary of State, participated in the campaign.
2013: MobilizeU
In 2013, the MobilizeU program, designed to educate and engage college students on environmental issues, expanded to 296 universities across six continents and 46 U.S. states. This initiative empowered students to actively participate in environmental action around Earth Day.
2013: Formation of the Black Lives Matter Organization
The Black Lives Matter organization was created in 2013.
2013: Launch of Green Cities Campaign
Earth Day Network launched the Green Cities campaign in the fall of 2013 to help cities worldwide become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint.
2014: Earth Day 2014: Personalizing Climate Change
Earth Day 2014 aimed to further personalize the challenges of global climate change and link them to the upcoming 50th anniversary in 2020. The goal was to unite individuals worldwide in a common call for action on climate change, emphasizing the urgency and personal impact of this global issue.
2014: Earth Day 2014: Green Cities
The theme of Earth Day 2014 was Green Cities.
2015: Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day
In 2015, EDN hosted Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day, in partnership with Global Poverty Project (GPP) on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
2015: UN Climate Change Conference in Paris
In 2015, the draft climate protection treaty was adopted by consensus of the 195 nations present at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
2015: Earth Day 2015: It's Our Turn to Lead
To recognize the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, the 2015 global theme was termed "It's Our Turn to Lead."
2016: Mayors Participate in Earth Day 2016
Hundreds of mayors across the world participated in Earth Day 2016 primarily focused on urban planning and reforestation.
2016: Signing of the Paris Agreement
On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and 120 other countries. This signing satisfied a key requirement for the entry into force of the historic draft climate protection treaty adopted at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
2016: Signing of Significant Climate Accord
On Earth Day 2016, world leaders from 175 nations broke a record by signing the most significant climate accord in the history of the climate movement.
2017: Launch of Goal for Global Environmental and Climate Literacy
For Earth Day 2017, Earth Day Network launched the goal of global environmental and climate literacy by 2020.
2017: Earth Day 2017: Environmental and Climate Education
The 2017 Earth Day theme is environmental and climate education.
April 2018: Earth Day 2018: End Plastic Pollution
Earth Day 2018's theme, End Plastic Pollution, was dedicated to building a world of educated citizens who understand the environmental, climate, and health consequences of using plastic. In April 2018, the Google search for "Plastic Pollution" saw the highest trends in the previous five years, 5.5 million pages in 17 languages were created on the internet about "Earth Day 2018" and "plastics," and global media outlets with a combined audience of 450+ million people covered the campaign.
2019: Earth Day 2019: Protect Our Species
Earth Day 2019's theme was Protect Our Species.
2020: Earth Day 2020: 50th Anniversary
Earth Day 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the movement, serving as a milestone to reflect on past achievements and to mobilize further action for environmental protection.
2020: Target Year for Global Environmental and Climate Literacy
Earth Day Network set a goal of achieving global environmental and climate literacy by 2020.
2020: 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
On Earth Day 2020, over 100 million people around the world observed the 50th anniversary in what is being referred to as the largest online mass mobilization in history.
2020: Earth Day 2020: Climate Action
The theme for Earth Day 2020 was "climate action". Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the planned activities were moved online.
April 22, 2021: Earth Day 2021: Restore Our Earth
The Earth Day 2021 theme is Restore Our Earth and features five primary programs: The Canopy Project, Food and Environment, Climate Literacy, the Global Earth Challenge, and The Great Global CleanUp.
2021: Biden Administration's Leaders' Climate Summit
In 2021, the Biden administration organized a virtual Leaders' Climate Summit, featuring 40 world leaders and dozens of speakers, including Pope Francis and other dignitaries and experts, to address the global climate crisis.
2022: Invest in Our Planet Earth Day 2022
The theme for Earth Day 2022 was "Invest in Our Planet" featuring programs such as The Great Global Cleanup, Sustainable Fashion, Climate and Environmental Literacy, Canopy Project, Food and Environment, and the Global Earth Challenge.
November 2023: Babies vs. Plastics Report Released
In November 2023, Earthday.org released the report "Babies vs. Plastics," highlighting the health threats of microplastics, particularly for children in the Global South, and raising public awareness about the issue.
2023: Invest in Our Planet: Earth From Space
As part of the "Invest in Our Planet" theme for Earth Day 2023, a collection of images of Earth from various deep space distances in the Solar System was released, highlighting the planet's beauty and fragility.
2023: Invest in Our Planet Earth Day 2023
Earth Day 2023 continued the "Invest in Our Planet" theme with over one billion people participating in activities and initiatives throughout the day.
2024: Planet vs. Plastics Earth Day 2024
Earth Day 2024 focused on the theme "Planet vs. Plastics," with Earthday.org calling for a 60% global reduction in plastic production by 2040.
2024: Planet vs. Plastics
The official theme for Earth Day in 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastics."
2025: 55th Anniversary of Earth Day
2025 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day.
2040: Goal: 60% Reduction in Plastic Production
In 2024, Earthday.org set a goal for a 60% global reduction in plastic production by 2040 as part of its "Planet vs. Plastics" campaign.