The History of Earth Day
Did you know back in the day if a community had bad weather conditions on earth day it would be associated with their lack of support for the environment? This started after the original Earth Day which was on April 22, 1970. People all over the world came out in not tens, thousands, or hundreds but in millions all over the world. They participated in protests, cleanups, and marches, and they raised their voices in their concerns for their planet. Until the big day of April 22, 1970, the world and its main powers remained carefree and clueless about the harm they were causing to their motherland. Their ignorance had caused so much damage and irreparable loss: the air we breathe got contaminated with pollution, our marine life felt the hazards of impurities being dumped into their water, and the land we live on saw the destruction of land pollution. Moreover, trees had been cut down on a massive scale to aid urbanization, the natural resources began depleting faster than anyone had ever imagined. All of this unfairness and for what? Personal greed and self-interests of the masters.
What led to the spark in 1970?
There was a need for voices to be raised and finally on Earth Day in 1970, the world saw a massive rise in the consciousness of people for environmental protection. One of the reasons for the ignition of this historic event is considered to be the release of Rachel Carson’s book: Silent Spring which came out in 1962. The book was one-of-a-kind in those days; it raised concerns about the environment and made the revelation that there exists a direct link between your health and the pollution fed into your environment. The book opened people’s eyes!
Another connection can be drawn towards the efforts of Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was from Wisconsin, US. He wanted to direct students' frustrations from the anti-war movements toward environmental concerns and grow their public consciousness. He succeeded by organizing teach-ins and hiring an activist to organize them properly. In a way, they had recognized the potential of the said cause and made sure to plant its seeds. At this point, it was brought into the national spotlight!
Importance of Earth Day
Many factors can be attributed to the importance of Earth Day. Here are a few:
There is a complete day attributed solely to the education of the masses towards our mother earth. If we can have days dedicated to individuals, historic events and so much more, then why not for the home we live on.
This particular day stresses the importance of the global concern, this in turn makes it a viable demand from the government. They can be asked to make policies and laws in compliance with environmental prosperity.
It acts like an alarm to get us thinking about global warming and its harmful effects on our planet. The damaged ozone layer is damaging our land and our seas. It is eating away at our greenery.
It makes us reflect on our human choices; mankind has forgotten about the word ‘sustainability’. These terms advocate for greener earth with choices that do not burden the earth. Also, through sustainability, we won’t be depleting the earth of its resources and will leave an equitable share of them for future generations.
Knowledge and awareness are crucial parts of any movement. One must not underestimate their power! Thus, this day plays a significant part in schools where children and even college individuals are seen celebrating it. This cause and its importance are fed into young minds and it will inevitably kindle the need to advocate for its cause. The activities and teach-ins at educational institutes are thus, a huge addition to the importance of Earth Day.
What are the impacts since the first Earth Day?
The first Earth Day brought forward many benefits; the fruits of the efforts in 1970 can be seen to this day.
The first and foremost impact of the first Earth Day was the rapid rise in awareness regarding the environment. This trend was mostly observed among Americans. Hence, it can be classified as a huge success and milestone.
For the first time in history, policies were being passed on a national level- all for safeguarding the environment. These include the water quality improvement act, the clean air act, the toxic substances control act, the endangered species act, and the surface mining control and reclamation act.
After a few days after the historic marches of Earth Day in 1970, the world witnessed the establishment of the environmental protection agency which was a huge achievement of the time.
Last but not the least, one major impact of the first Earth Day can be seen as the continuation of the annual Earth Day on April 22 to this day 52 years later.
How can we all make a difference on Earth Day?
The people in the past (52 years ago to be precise) have done a lot to raise awareness and lay the foundations for our fight for mother earth. The least we can all do is to honor it, uphold the traditions, and continue to advocate for a safer and greener earth. Remember, we owe it to the land that is our home and the future generations that it awaits. Here’s a list of what you can incorporate into your lives:
Raise awareness; in your local schools, centers, and even among children around you.
Stop using plastic; nothing harms the environment more than this. Also, you can play your part in making sure your community takes part in recycling.
Attend any environmental march or protest taking place in your area. You must keep in mind that change often requires baby steps.
Also, try not to use your car on 22 April. Instead, choose to walk or use a cycle. Even a day of fewer fumes in the air can do a lot.
Hence, we must all play our minor parts and join our hands for a more environmentally conscious world globally! The more we do today the less our children have to suffer tomorrow.
