Earth Day is an annual global event. It is observed on April 22. It celebrates the environmental movement and raises awareness about pollution. It also focuses on ways to maintain a clean habitat.

This year marks the holiday’s 52nd anniversary. Many will be celebrating the occasion. However, few people know about the history of the event. Few understand why we celebrate it.

The event was first celebrated nationally in 1970. Its inception began following a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, CA in 1969.

After viewing the devastating effects of the accident, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson (D-WI) got the inspiration to rally national support for environmental protection and safer industrial regulations. Nelson enlisted the help of Congressman Pete McCloskey (R-CA). Together, they garnered bipartisan support for a “national teach-in on the environment.” This event took place on April 22, 1970.

More than 20 million Americans held rallies, demonstrations and participated in activities promoting a clean and safe environment from coast-to-coast. Participants marched on government institutions and advocated for legislation to protect the Earth on local, state and national levels.

As a result, Earth Day led to the foundation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It also resulted in the eventual passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

Former U.S. Senator and Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson (D-WI), also known as the founder of Earth Day.

For its 20th anniversary in 1990, Earth Day went global with over 200 million people participating in 141 countries. The movement’s success further increased worldwide recycling efforts. It also led to the formation of the United Nations Earth Summit in 1992.

Today, climate change poses an increasing global threat. As a result, Earth Day’s continued efforts in fighting for the environment are crucial. Supporting green initiatives like clean energy is more urgent than ever.