Earth Day has been celebrated worldwide for over 50 years. Its creation sparked a worldwide environmental movement. But, it has also influenced legislation and regulation over the years.
Snopes takes a closer look at the holiday’s influence and history as we celebrate the 52nd anniversary.
1960s.Before Earth Day, Rachel Carson’s 1962 publication was published. Silent SpringA research-based fable that placed the link between pollution, human health, and politics at the forefront of politics. This book is being called a watershed moment. It tells the story of real communities that were exposed and sets the stage to establish government responsibility for regulation.
1970s.After the industrial revolution, the years leading to 1970’s establishment of Earth Day were markedly characterized by consumption, pollution, little regulation, and little environmental regulation. Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nels was particularly inspired and used the momentum to create a public awareness around water pollution and air pollution.
Nelson organized a teach in on April 22, 1970. It was a bipartisan collaboration that saw 20 million Americans participate in a demonstration to protect environmental assets. The demonstration brought together groups for a more efficient day of advocacy. In that year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, also known as the EPA, was established. Other landmark legislation included the National Environmental Education Act, and the Occupational safety and health Act. The Endangered Species Act was also created, along with sweeping changes to the Clean Water and Clean Air acts.
1990s.Denis Hayes, an environmental activist, organized a worldwide celebration to raise awareness about recycling efforts two decades after the first Earth Day. This was the beginning of the 1992 United Nations Earth Conference on Environment and Development. In 1995, Sen. Nelson received the Presidential Medal of FreedomThe highest award given to civilians in the U.S. Earth Day was celebrated by 200 million people in 141 different countries over the course of a decade.
2000s.The topic of climate change and global warming became a major topic all over the globe. Organisers shifted the 2000 celebrations to include a focus on global warming as well as a push for clean energies. Digital media enabled conversations between 5,000 members in 184 countries.
2010s.Greta Thunberg was a teenager activist who brought environmental activism into the spotlight. Earth Day celebrations in the 2010s focused on fighting climate change deniers and a divided environment community. The celebration now has 75,000 partners from more than 190 countries.
Today.Earth Day 2022, after the 50-year anniversary in 2020 is now. Invest in Our Planet.
Learn more about Earth Day’s past at earthday.org. Watch this video to learn more about the father Earth Day Sen. Nelson Short filmPBS Wisconsin.
