About World Earth Day

• The World Earth Day, also known as the International Mother Earth Day, is celebrated every year on April 22 under which countries across the globe come together to create more awareness about the dire need to protect our environment.
• The day focuses on the global climate crisis that is worsening with each passing day.
• On this day, the emphasis is on the increasing environmental problems, including overpopulation, loss of biodiversity, depleting ozone layer and rising pollution.

History of Earth Day

• Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 when the peace activist John Mc Connell proposed to honor Mother Earth and the concept of peace during a UNESCO conference in San Francisco.
• World Earth Day was earlier decided to be celebrated on March 21, 1970 as the day one of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

Why is Earth Day Celebrated?

• In 1969, Santa Barbara in California was ravaged by a massive oil spill which served as a motivation for the Senator to work towards the protection of the environment.
• On Earth Day, millions of people connect to discuss environmental issues like pollution and deforestation. Many people participate and organize events to hold discussions around topics of environmental literacy to educate young minds about various climate issues.

What was the impact of the first Earth Day

• By the end of 1970, the U.S. had set up the United States Environmental Protection Agency to take care of matters related to environmental protection.
• The country also passed several environment-related laws including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act.

What is the theme for the 2022 Earth Day?

• • The theme of this year’s Earth Day is “invest in our planet”.
  • The focus is on activities that promote a partnership between businesses, governments, and citizens for urgent action towards environmental protection in order to ensure a sustainable future.

• In 2020, the world observed the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. 

• In 2021, the theme was to ‘Restore our Earth’ and in 2020, the theme was ‘Climate action’.

Why in news?

• Every year, people across the world celebrate Earth Day on April 22 to show their support for the protection of the earth and the environment.
• Events on the day include plantation drives, protests, awareness sessions, competitions for children, and so on.

References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/earth-day-the-history-and-impact-of-the-environmental-movement/article65338361.ece
2. https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-world-earth-day-2022-know-history-significance-theme-this-year-2947701