What is Earth Day?

(AI Explainer) Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 that promotes environmental awareness and action. It began in 1970, spearheaded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was inspired by the growing public concern over pollution and environmental degradation. The first Earth Day saw 20 million Americans take to the streets in a unified call for better environmental protections. It helped catalyze the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of major U.S. environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act. Today, Earth Day is a global movement involving more than 1 billion people in over 190 countries, making it one of the largest civic observances in the world. It serves as both a celebration of the planet and a reminder of the urgent environmental challenges we face—from climate change, deforestation, and pollution, to the loss of biodiversity and the overuse of natural resources. Each year, Earth Day has a theme that reflects current environmental priorities. Recent themes have included topics like "Invest in Our Planet", "Restore Our Earth", and "Climate Action". Activities often include community clean-ups, tree planting, recycling drives, educational events, and global campaigns encouraging individuals and governments to make more sustainable choices. Earth Day empowers people to take individual and collective action. Whether it’s switching to renewable energy, reducing plastic use, supporting green policies, or simply spending more time in nature, the goal is to build a healthier, more sustainable future. At its heart, Earth Day is about connection—to the Earth, to one another, and to the shared responsibility of protecting the only home we’ve got. It’s a day of reflection, education, and mobilization—but its spirit is meant to inspire action year-round.