World Earth Day

Earth Day History

Earth Day seeks to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and increase awareness about issues related to our planet's environment. It is an annual event focused on acknowledging the vital role of earth's natural resources and our responsibilities towards safeguarding them. Important aspects encompassed by Earth Day include climate change, deforestation, pollution, energy conservation, and promoting clean, renewable energy sources.

Having originated in the United States in 1970, Earth Day now spans across 192 countries, including Australia. Australians, known for their rich and unique biodiversity, face diverse environmental challenges due to climate change such as severe bushfires, flooding, and the bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef. Earth Day therefore resonates deeply with the Australian populace, providing an opportunity to actively participate in the global movement towards meaningful environmental change.

In Australia, Earth Day is observed with various events and activities organized by environmental groups, schools, and communities. Activities include educational talks, tree-planting events, community clean-ups, conservation projects, and environmental-friendly initiatives. Individuals, schools, and businesses are also encouraged to make sustainable choices, reduce waste, conserve water and energy, and support renewable energy solutions. Earth Day takes place annually on the 22nd of April.

Facts about World Earth Day

• The theme for Earth Day in 2024 was Planet vs. Plastics. The theme in 2023 was Invest in Our Planet.
  
• During the 2015 UN Conference in Paris, France, participating nations concurred on the need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The countries cooperatively pledged to keep global temperature rise below 2C (3.6F). In celebration of Earth Day 2016 on April 22nd, the landmark agreement that testifies to this global commitment was signed at the UN Headquarters in New York by 175 participating nations. The history of Earth Day 2017 dates back to 1970 when it was first celebrated in 1970. It was founded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson to promote ecology and the respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water, and soil pollution.
• Australia has a unique set of environmental challenges, such as the Great Barrier Reef's conservation, bushfire management, managing endangered species, and addressing climate change. Earth Day events focus a lot on these specific issues.
• In 2014, the Australian Earth Day Network gathered over 300,000 pledges from individuals and businesses who committed themselves to various actions in order to help save the Earth.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Earth Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Earth Day

• Try not to use your car for the entire day. Instead, use public transit, walk, or ride your bicycle.
• Change your traditional incandescent light bulbs to energy saving LED or CFL light bulbs.
• Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney: Join the free walking tours or take part in special Earth Day activities like tree-planting and cleanup events.
• Attend The National Earth Day Rally - This is a demonstration event supporting the concepts of sustainability and asking for government action on climate change.