Celebrated annually on April 22, Earth Day has evolved into one of the most significant global observances dedicated to environmental awareness and action. First commemorated in 1970, Earth Day emerged in response to growing concerns about pollution, ecological degradation, and the unchecked industrialization that marked post-World War II America. What began as a national movement in the United States has since grown into an international phenomenon observed in more than 190 countries. Over the decades, Earth Day has inspired the creation of government agencies, landmark environmental legislation, and widespread grassroots mobilization.
As Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary in 2025, it remains a powerful reminder of the enduring need for environmental stewardship, policy change, and community-level activism.

Gaylord Nelson, the ‘founder’ of Earth Day and his vision

The inception of Earth Day is credited to Gaylord Nelson, a US senator and former governor from Wisconsin. Known for his deep commitment to conservation, Nelson’s political career was rooted in advocating for natural resource protection and sustainable policies. During his time as governor from 1959 to 1963, Nelson gained recognition for championing environmental reforms in Wisconsin.
Elected to the US Senate in 1962, Nelson found that environmental issues were not a priority in Washington. Frustrated by the lack of political will, he sought ways to bring ecological concerns to the forefront of national discourse. His defining moment came in 1969 after visiting the site of the Santa Barbara oil spill—then the largest in US history. On his return flight to Washington, he read about campus “teach-ins” being used to protest the Vietnam War. This sparked the idea to mobilize a similar approach for environmental education and advocacy.

First Earth Day – April 22, 1970: The day America mobilised for the planet

Nelson proposed April 22, 1970, as a national day of environmental education. The date was strategically chosen to avoid conflicts with college exams and spring breaks, ensuring maximum participation among students.
Instead of a top-down initiative, Nelson’s approach emphasized grassroots participation. Schools, colleges, and local communities were encouraged to organize events that reflected their unique concerns and contexts. This decentralized strategy led to a powerful and widespread response.
According to reports, approximately 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day—engaging in protests, cleanup drives, tree plantings, and educational activities. The diversity of events across the country illustrated the broad concern for the environment and marked one of the largest single-day public demonstrations in US history.

Legislative and institutional outcomes

The massive public turnout on Earth Day 1970 sent a clear message to lawmakers. It directly contributed to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in December 1970. Additionally, it laid the groundwork for foundational environmental legislation, including:

These laws institutionalized federal responsibility for environmental protection and set legal standards that still govern environmental policy in the United States.

Earth Day in the 21st Century

Over the past five decades, Earth Day has grown into a global environmental movement, with millions participating in events focused on climate change, plastic pollution, deforestation, and clean energy. As per reports, in 1990, Earth Day went international, with events held in 141 countries. Today, Earth Day is coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network (EDN), which supports thousands of organizations in advocating for a sustainable future.
Each year, Earth Day is organized around a specific theme. Recent themes have included:

The themes reflect shifting global priorities and are designed to unite people under common goals while encouraging tangible action.

Local action and community engagement

While national and international efforts remain crucial, much of the meaningful work occurs at the local level. According to Paul Robbins, Dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, municipalities—especially smaller cities and school districts—are emerging as important agents of change.
One example is the Juda School District in Wisconsin, which installed solar panels on its buildings, reducing both energy costs and carbon emissions. Initiatives like these, replicated across communities, contribute to substantial environmental progress.
Local environmental education, waste reduction campaigns, community gardens, and renewable energy projects have become staples of Earth Day observances in towns and cities across the United States and beyond.

Corporate and private sector involvement

The business community has also become increasingly engaged in Earth Day. In contrast to 1970, when corporate interest in sustainability was virtually nonexistent, today many companies use Earth Day to announce green initiatives, launch eco-friendly products, or showcase sustainable practices.
From energy-efficient buildings to carbon offset programs and eco-conscious packaging, Earth Day serves as a platform for businesses to demonstrate environmental responsibility—often driven by consumer expectations and investor interest in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics.

The ongoing challenge of climate change

Despite notable progress, Earth Day in 2025 also serves as a stark reminder of unresolved challenges. Climate change continues to be one of the most urgent threats facing the planet. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and sea-level rise require sustained international cooperation and policy innovation.
Tia Nelson, daughter of Gaylord Nelson and an environmental advocate, acknowledges the progress while emphasising that “we’re not where we need to be.” She calls for expanding the environmental conversation beyond existing advocates to reach new audiences and political constituencies.
Her father’s original question remains relevant: “Are we able? Yes. Are we willing? That’s the unanswered question.”