World Earth Day 2024

News Excerpt:

April 22 is worldwide celebrated as World Earth Day.

Historical background:

  • Earth Day's origins can be traced back to 1970. Gaylord Nelson, a US senator, and Denis Hayes, a Harvard student, came up with the idea behind the event.
    • They were both deeply disturbed by the deteriorating environment in the United States and the massive January 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.
    • Gaylord Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student protests into an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution.
      • He recruited Denis Hayes, a young activist, to manage the campus teach-ins and to scale the idea of environment conservation to a broader public.
  • They choose April 22, a weekday between Spring Break and Final Exams, to increase student participation. Its immediate success was evident with a massive turnout of 20 million people across the US.
  • By 1990, Earth Day became a global event transcending national borders.

About the World Earth Day 2024:

  • Date and Theme:
    • Earth Day is an annual event that falls on April 22. It is observed across the globe to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
    • The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics. The theme aims to raise awareness of the serious issue of plastic pollution and its harm to nature.
    • For Earth Day 2024, EARTHDAY.ORG aims to end plastic for planetary health and demands a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.
  • Significance:
    • Earth Day reminds citizens worldwide of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.
    • It encourages them to come together and take action for a healthier planet and a brighter future.
    • The day raises awareness and inspires change, fostering a deep connection with nature.

Conclusion:

Earth Day raises awareness about protecting the planet. People can pledge to avoid using plastics in their homes, go on nature walks, make lifestyle changes that reduce their carbon footprint, and educate their family and friends on ways to save the environment. They can also learn the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle and practise them in their lives.

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