Earth Day 2015: 45 Years Since the Birth of the Modern Environmental Movement
Forty-five years have passed since the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 when 22 million Americans observed a future where our planet was one of clean land, water and air. Considered by many to be the birth of the modern environmental movement, the inaugural event capitalized on the evolving mindfulness of our planet’s sustainability, using the momentum of the anti-war movement to push these concerns to the forefront. Earth Day 2015 will continue the tradition of protecting our planet through a global celebration of events, activities and education.
The brainchild of then Wisconsin U.S Senator, Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day 1970 garnered an extraordinary political coalition, enlisting support from a myriad of normally opposing groups. It also led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as the passing of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
In 1990, Earth Day went global, being celebrated the world over in 141 countries by a collective 200 million people. The turn of the century added a focus on global warming and clean, renewable energy to the movement. Earth Day 2000 was backed by 5,000 environmental groups and 184 countries, using the Internet as a vehicle to organize activists and sending world leaders a singular, strong message that the Earth’s citizenry demanded ‘quick and decisive action on clean energy’.
Earth Day 2015 marks the movement’s 45th anniversary and will continue to be celebrated the world over to raise awareness and expand support for environmental protection on a global level. The largest civic event in the world, more than one billion people around the globe participate in Earth Day events and activities each year.
In the Silicon Valley, both Palo Alto and Redwood City have planned Earth Day 2015 festivities.
Earth Day at the EcoCenter is a series of family-oriented events held on April 18th from 12:30-3pm that will educate and inform on ways to become earth-friendly. This event is held at 2560 Embarcadero Center, Palo Alto.
Also held on April 18th from 10am to 5pm at 500 Discovery Parkway in Redwood City, Earth Day on the Bay is a free family-oriented day filled with a variety of activities, including Eco-voyages on the Bay, an Environmental Faire and film festival.
For more information on how you can promote and include Earth-wise activities in your family or community, visit the Earth Day Network.
