ITS HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The idea for Earth Day was first proposed by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1969, in response to a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. Senator Nelson believed that a national day to focus on environmental issues could help raise public awareness and mobilize support for environmental action.
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Millions of people across the United States participated in rallies, marches, and educational events to draw attention to environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. The event also helped to spur the creation of new environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, which have helped to protect the environment in the United States for decades.
Since that first Earth Day, the event has grown into a global phenomenon, with people around the world celebrating the day with a variety of events and activities. Earth Day has become a symbol of the growing environmental movement, and it has helped to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the planet for future generations.
The significance of Earth Day lies in its ability to raise awareness about environmental issues and to mobilize people to take action to protect the planet. By focusing attention on creating solutions for environmental problems, Earth Day has helped to spur important changes in policy and behavior that have helped to protect the environment and improve the quality of life for people around the world. Earth Day also serves as a reminder of our responsibility to care for the planet and to preserve it for future generations.
Earth Week Events
Monday, April 17 – Integral Ecology – Sustainability Pathway, Cana Hall
Tuesday, April 18 – Ecological Spirituality – Matthew Celmer, Cana Hall
Wednesday, April 19 – Backyard Ecology – Geoff Williams, Cana Hall
Thursday, April 20 – Greenhouse Presentation – Sam Tepes, Emmaus Cafe
Friday, April 21 – Intersectional Environmentalism – Justine Johnson, Cana Hall
All event times are 11:45-a.m. - 12:45 p.m. EDT
