Earth Day Facts here! Earth Day: Theme, History and Significance

Julia | 04 - 22 - 2022
Earth Day facts

International Earth Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the nature and significance of the planet. It is also a day that focuses on the awareness to protect the environment – which is spoiled by mankind due to various reasons. All living beings have a deep sense of connection towards Earth and humans should learn to cherish the bond by healing nature. This Earth Day, let’s dive into the history, and importance and also check out some of the interesting earth day facts.

History of Earth Day

The practice of celebrating Earth Day was born by US Senator Gaylord Nelson in the early 1960s. Senator Nelson was worried about environmental issues not being addressed in political spaces – his concern for the environment increased after witnessing the aftermath of the California oil spill in 1969. 

Nelson’s inspiration from the Vietnam War protests also contributed to the origin of Earth Day. The Senator prepared for a Nationwide grassroots demonstration on April 22, 1970. The day was perfectly planned to gather more college students – the day chosen was between the spring break and final exams. 

How Much of the World’s Oxygen Is Produced by the Amazon Rainforest?
  • A. 20%
  • B. 15%
  • C. 30%
  • D. 5%

The demonstration received widespread support with the massive participation of 20 million Americans. 

Interesting Earth Day Facts

Apart from the importance and significance of Earth Day, there are countless facts about Earth Day that would amaze the kids as well as adults. Let’s check out some interesting Earth Day facts.

  • Earth Day was recognized globally in 1990

After 12 years of celebrating Earth Day nationally, the importance of Earth Day spread globally with Earth Day in 1990, which was recognized by over 200 million people in 141 countries. This was the first International Earth Day. 

  • 2022 marks the 52nd Earth Day

Known by the United Nations as International Mother Earth Day, the 2022’s Earth Day is the 52nd anniversary of this globally recognized event. 

Earth Day is unique when compared to other events as every year follows a theme for the day – the themes are related to various environmental factors. The Earth day theme for 2022 is “Invest in our Planet.”

  • Earth Day Events

Earth Day is always highly anticipated as various events happen across the globe to support and preserve nature. Events related to the current year’s theme are hosted by various initiatives during Earth Day.

On Earth Day 2012, more than 100,000 people rode bikes in China in an attempt to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and save fuel. Likewise on Earth Day 2020, 20 million people worldwide tuned into the 12-hour Earth Day Live event, which was hosted remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Celebrate this Earth Day with the exclusive quiz! 

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