Earth Day

Earth Day History

Earth Day aims to highlight and acknowledge the myriad environmental challenges that threaten our Planet Earth. Held annually, this day galvanizes worldwide support, awareness and active responses towards environmental protection. The observance focuses on advocating for cleaner energy sources, reducing individual carbon footprints, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and adopting conservation efforts as well as recycling practices.

Originally observed in 1970, Earth Day was a response to the growing pollution crisis of the industrial world. For India, a country grappling with serious environmental issues such as deforestation, water pollution and air quality degradation, Earth Day holds particular significance. The observance propagates values that seek to address India's specific challenges like water conservation, promoting renewable energy sources, and improving solid waste management. It encourages citizens to adopt sustainable lifestyles, thereby contributing towards environmental restoration and protection.

Earth Day is observed in India in various engaging ways, all centered on raising environmental consciousness. Educational institutions organize events highlighting environmental issues and sustainable practices. Non-profit organizations conduct awareness drives and tree planting campaigns. Online platforms host webinars, discussions and campaigns, urging the Indian populace to consider their responsibilities towards Mother Earth. Earth Day, observed globally on April 22nd, presents an excellent opportunity for every Indian citizen to reaffirm their commitment towards a healthier and greener planet.

Facts about 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.
• The Earth Day Network (EDN), an international environmental NGO, plays an essential role in Earth Day activities in India. India is part of EDN's "Global Earth Day" movements, which aim to involve citizens in environmental conservation activities.
• In 2017, on Earth Day, India started a major project to clean the Ganges River. The River Ganga was declared as the "National River" of India and was looked after by the National Ganga River Basin Authority for its cleansing and preservation.

In the News and Trending in India for Earth Day

Top things to do in India for 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 Kaziranga National Park: Another UNESCO site, located in Assam, it hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses.
• Attend Wildlife Conservation Events: Organisations like the Wildlife SOS in India host events focused on wildlife conservation and the importance of biodiversity.