Date:
April 15, 2025
Date:
April 15, 2025
Earth Day is just one week away — a perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come and why this global movement matters now more than ever.
Every April 22, millions of people around the world unite to celebrate Earth Day, raising awareness and taking action to protect our planet. But this day didn’t start as a global event. It began with a powerful idea, and over the years, it grew into a worldwide environmental force. Let’s look at 7 major milestones in Earth Day’s history — one for each day until the big event.
1. The Publishing of Silent Spring – 1962
Leading up to this momentous day, industry was on the rise. With that, so was the amount of smoke and sludge from industry as well as the consumption of leaded gas for inefficient vehicles. Air pollution was thought to be the smell of prosperity. Many Americans were still oblivious to the environmental impacts of industry and how it could also negatively affect health.¹ At the time, American farms were being sprayed with DDT and other pesticides. After observing first hand some of the direct affects of DDT use, Rachel Carson became an advocate against it and published the book, Silent Spring in 1962. This publication brought public awareness that nature is vulnerable to human intervention.²
2. The Birth of Earth Day & the EPA – 1970
On April 22, 1970, Earth Day made its debut. Sparked by public concern after major oil spills, smog, and river pollution, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes mobilized over 20 million Americans to rally for environmental reform.³ This day marked the birth of the modern environmental movement. The momentum from the first Earth Day pushed the U.S. government to act. By the end of 1970, President Nixon signed an executive order establishing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).⁴ It became the central body to regulate pollution and protect our air, water, and land.
3. Earth Day Goes Global – 1990
Two decades later, Earth Day expanded beyond borders. In 1990, over 200 million people in 141 countries took part. This globalization of Earth Day helped set the stage for major international efforts. It boosted recycling efforts worldwide and gave way to the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit.⁵
4. The Internet Amplifies Action – 2000
In 2000, Earth Day embraced the digital era. Hayes spearheaded another campaign with efforts focusing on global warming and pushing for clean energy. Activists, used the internet to organize and connect, mobilizing hundreds of millions of people across the globe. There were around 5,000 environmental groups worldwide reaching hundreds of millions of people in 184 countries.⁶ This milestone showed that technology could be a powerful tool for environmental awareness and action.
5. Earth Day and Climate Change – 2010
The 40th anniversary of Earth Day reignited climate advocacy. This brought a bold campaign focused on climate change, green jobs, and ending reliance on fossil fuels. During this time a billion people around the world took action. They gathered for climate rallies and events, pushing leaders to commit to clean energy solutions. In 2011, Earth Day Network launched the “Billion Acts of Green” campaign to promote individual action. It encouraged people to make simple, sustainable changes. This campaign proved that every small effort adds up, showing that individuals can drive global impact.
6. The Paris Agreement – 2016
The United Nations signed the Paris Agreement on Earth Day of 2016. This significant climate accord brought world leaders from 175 nations into a common cause, undertaking ambitious efforts to combat climate change, adapt to the affects, and enhance support to assist developing nations.⁷ For that reason, this charted a new course in global climate efforts.
7. Earth Day 2020 – A Digital Turning Point
Amid a global pandemic, Earth Day marked its 50th anniversary. Over 100 million people participated through livestreams, virtual cleanups, and digital teach-ins. Despite the challenges, Earth Day 2020 became the largest online mass environmental event in history.⁸
Why It Still Matters
Earth Day reminds us that change is possible — and it starts with awareness, action, and unity. From grassroots rallies to global climate agreements, Earth Day has sparked real progress. But the work isn’t over. As we count down to April 22ⁿᵈ, let’s celebrate these powerful moments and commit to protecting our planet — not just on Earth Day, but every day.
What will your impact be this year?
