Today, more than a billion people gather across the globe to celebrate Earth Day. It has gained immense popularity and recognition since its inception. Slowly, people are recognizing and are becoming more aware of the importance of the environment in their lives.
History of the Earth Day Celebration
Since its inception from the year 1970, the world has been celebrating Earth Day with full enthusiasm and zeal. Back in the year 1970, on 22nd April, several Americans took to the streets to protest against the growing environmental deterioration and ignorance. They demanded some strict and stringent action to be taken for protecting the environment. Further in the year 2016, the United Nations (UN) chose the ‘Earth Day’ as the day to sign the Paris Climate Agreement into force. The concept was first founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson. Till date, over 190 countries have signed the pact to overcome. In the year 2009, the United Nations has renamed the event as “International Mother Earth Day”
Earth day 2020: Theme
The theme for Earth Day 2020 is “Climate Action”. This year marks the 50th anniversary of celebrating Earth Day all over the world. Speaking of today’s context, there are several environmental problems that need to be addressed. Air Pollution, Biodiversity degradation, environmental pollution, soil pollution, etc to name a few. These issues are treated as being the burning issues in front of the whole world. Every year, this day is observed dedicated specially to “Mother Earth” to raise awareness of the growing environmental concerns over the world.
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How we could help celebrate EARTH DAY
- By planting trees
- By organizing awareness camps in our neighborhood
- By organizing awareness activities in schools and colleges
- By initiating the 3R’s process and incorporating the same in our lifestyles
- By avoiding the use of vehicles for the day
- By turning off our appliances, lights, etc at home to save and conserve electricity
- By turning vegetarian and pledging not to consume meat products
- By pledging to reduce our waste concentration
There are many more ways by which an individual could contribute to the cause of Earth day. The Earth day flag is called “Ecology Flag” which was designed by famous cartoonist Ron Cobb. It was first published in the Los Angeles press on 07th November 1969. The Earth day also has a unique “Earth Anthem” of its own.
“Joyful joyful we adore our Earth in all its wonderment
Simple gifts of nature that all join into a paradise
Now we must resolve to protect her
Show her our love throughout all time
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a newborn world
Now we must resolve to protect her
Show her our love throughout all time
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a new born world.”
(William Wallace, Earth Day Anthem)
The governments of the different countries of the World have come upon the same pace to help combat the deterioration of the environment. With the growing awareness among the students and the younger generations around the globe, Earth Day celebrations are becoming a huge success with every passing year.
Since its inception, several major and important treaties have been signed by the UN to help combat the issue. Its high time we all should come together forward for the betterment of the environment. Together we can contribute towards making this planet a better place to live.