Every year on April 22, millions of people across the world celebrate Earth Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about climate change, pollution, and conservation.
This movement originated in the United States during the late 1960s. At the time, pollution was under regulated. Rivers were used to dump industrial waste, and pesticides were harming wildlife. The 1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill was a significant turning point that inspired Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, to come up with the idea to create a national day to focus on educating people about protecting the environment. With the help of activist Denis Hayes, the first Earth Day was launched on April 22, 1970.
The impact of Earth Day came immediately. By the end of 1970, the U.S. government created the Environmental Protection Agency, and passed crucial legislation such as the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act.
Over time, these efforts helped shape policies made later on and increased awareness about how important it is to protect natural resources. However, despite this progress, new issues like climate change, rising sea levels, and growth in technology increased worry about the Earth itself.
Still, concerns about the environment remain strong, especially among the younger generations who ultimately will face the long term consequences.
“I feel very worried, and I’m definitely concerned,” expressed Senior, Natalia Carranza. “Climate change regulations are being cut, and people keep using AI which is bad for the environment.”
Feelings about the future and how society takes part in environmental change are similar. Another student shared, “I’m extremely worried, people keep using AI and AI isn’t going to slow down,” said senior, Peyton Hinman. “No one really cares about protecting the environment anymore, people are apathetic towards it and I do not see it getting much better.”
This reflects that anxiety and frustration is growing among young people about the future of the planet and the path that environmental policies are heading. Despite these concerns, Earth Day inspires people to take action globally.
Today, Earth Day is celebrated in more than 190 countries around the world and it unites over 1 billion people. While environmental challenges have evolved, Earth Day’s main idea still remains the same, protecting the Earth involves a combined effort. The future of the planet is depending on the younger generations to speak out and turn their concerns into action.
