Earth Day 2024: April 22 has been observed annually by billions of people around the world as Earth Day, a collective effort to raise awareness about the condition of our environment, for the past 50 years. Why should the observance of this holiday continue? Certain individuals may perceive it merely as an additional holiday or an opportunity to don a flower crown and green attire, akin to St. Patrick’s Day.
However, in light of the pressing environmental issues that are presently being examined and confronted by notable scientists, politicians, and young climate change activists, certain individuals are embracing more eco-friendly practices on a daily basis, not limited to April 22nd of each year. To save the tortoises, implement composting, recycling, repurposing, carpooling, thrifting, and metal straws.
An Overview Of Earth Day
The conception of Earth Day originated in 1969, when Gaylord Nelson, a United States Senator, observed the consequences of an enormous oil discharge in Santa Barbara, California. In 1970, thousands of colleges and institutions throughout the United States organized demonstrations in support of a sustainable, healthy planet, on which he implored all citizens to take a stand.
This included air pollution caused by factories and highways, habitat degradation, and the extinction of species. The first Earth Day contributed to the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts and the establishment of the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a result of these nationwide demonstrations.
Presently, we confront comparable issues, which regrettably are even more disorderly than the initial oil disaster. The acceleration or cessation of increasing natural disasters, extreme weather events, and rising global temperatures may appear insurmountable for an individual, let alone billions or millions of them.
Images of animals on land and in the ocean with garbage in their stomachs or around their bodies have surfaced, coral reefs are reportedly dying, and multinational corporations and industrial facilities continue to pollute our air and living spaces. However, even a modest action—such as collecting litter from the sidewalk that would have otherwise become entangled in the ocean or around the neck of an animal—has a significant effect; it is a crucial change and a positive step in the correct direction.
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Earth Day 2024 FAQs
What theme will Earth Day 2020 entail?
Earth Day Network reports that the theme for this year is “Climate Change,” which signifies a fresh challenge each year.
How ought I to commemorate Earth Day?
To locate an event to participate in, such as a climate strike rally or group cleanup, please refer to the worldwide interactive map available on the website of Earth Day Networks. There are a variety of methods to take action on Earth Day to support our planet and to become more involved in your local community.
Is it appropriate to wear green on Earth Day?
While wearing holiday-themed apparel is encouraged to raise awareness, one should prioritize their actions on this day rather than their attire.
Engaging in Earth Day Activities
Mitigate your carbon emissions
Generate innovative approaches to rearranging an aspect of your daily routine or your commute. Carpool with companions to reach your destination, ride public transportation, walk, skate, scooter, or bicycle there instead. Depending on the weather, this novel mode of transportation might be even more enjoyable than sitting in traffic.
Recycle and reuse your clothing.
Your closet and purchasing habits may appear inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but they can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Purchasing thrifted or gently used apparel online prevents the consumption of fresh resources that would otherwise be used to produce additional garments that will be discarded, reused, or repurposed. Research has indicated that online purchasing contributes to environmental sustainability by conserving approximately 30% of the resources required for item sales. Launch the Amazon Prime application.
Make a change to your diet
It is widely acknowledged that the livestock industry bears the majority of the responsibility for the quarter to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions that can be attributed to food production. The BBC recently reported that food-related emissions would decrease by about 60% if the entire globe adopted vegetarianism and abstained from red meat by 2050. Substantially reducing global emissions to veganism would reduce output by about 70%. Consider testing out the recently introduced ‘Beyond Meat’ patties.
Five Earth Day facts that will astound you
All-time highs in carbon dioxide
As per the National Geographic Society, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been at an all-time high since the 1700s, possibly as a result of natural processes as well as human-caused industrialization advancements.
Less food waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Lack of awareness among many may be hindrance to the fact that increased food waste and inactivity result in greater greenhouse gas emissions required for waste transport and biodegradation.
Changes in climate influence temperatures and weather.
The U.S. Global Change Research Program reports that precipitation has increased by 5% and temperature has risen by 2 degrees over the past 50 years. Extreme weather has become more frequent over the past half-century; in 2019, it shattered more than 120,000 records in the United States.
It is a subject of political debate.
Despite the consensus of at least 97 percent of climate scientists (as reported by the Earth Day Network) that climate change is probable attributable to human activity and the endorsement of this view by nearly 200 scientific organizations worldwide, this remains a subject of extensive debate in 2020.
The leading carbon dioxide emitter
Earth Day Network reports that China, with a population of 1.4 billion, is the leading emitter of carbon dioxide at present, accounting for 30% of global carbon emissions. Nevertheless, despite having a population of approximately 328 million, the United States ranks second in the globe in terms of carbon emissions, trailing only China by 15%.
EARTH DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 22 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 22 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 22 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 22 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 22 | Saturday |
