EARTH DAY History & 2013 Guide!

Curious how Earth Day began?  With the special environmental event less than 10 days away (April 22), I thought it would appropriate to take a look at how Earth Day got started and this year’s theme!  The information was provided by Earth Day Network, an organization dedicated in environmental education!

Celebrating Earth Day does not have to be an exhausting or costly event.  It could be as uncomplicated as swapping out one of your personal care products for something more earth friendly or finding ways to reduce your water usage like turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth.  The important aspects to remember is even the little things make a difference and it is the collective efforts globally that add up to significant change.  Most people assume they need to go completely green all in a single day, which may be wallet draining and grueling, so they give up on the idea.   Even though making a total change at once would be fantastic, it isn’t necessary!  Keep it simple, fun, and be a positive example to your children!

What is the history of Earth Day?

The first Earth Day took place in 1970 and spawned the modern environmental movement. That “national environmental teach-in,” when 20 million Americans took to the streets to demand an end to environmental degradation, led directly to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Today, more than a billion people across 193 countries take action for Earth Day every year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Earth Day continually expands and invigorates the environmental movement. For a more detailed history of Earth Day, go to http://bit.ly/10RrOGu.

Who is Earth Day Network?

Earth Day Network (EDN) grew out of the first Earth Day and now works with over 22,000 partners in 193 countries to broaden, diversify, and mobilize the environmental movement. EDN coordinates Earth Day each year, mobilizing people around the world on environmental challenges impacting our health, quality of life and the natural world. Year-round, EDN is a leader on environmental education and green school buildings. EDN also plants millions of trees worldwide – in the places that need them most – and works to expand the emerging green economy and protect natural lands. Denis Hayes, organizer of the first Earth Day, is chairman of Earth Day Network’s board of directors. www.earthday.org

What is the theme of Earth Day 2013?

The Face of Climate Change.  www.earthday.org/2013

• WHY: Climate change can seem like a remote problem for many, but the fact is that it’s already impacting real people, animals, and beloved places all over the world. These Faces of Climate Change are multiplying every day. Fortunately, others are too: those stepping up to do something about it. For Earth Day 2013, EDN will tell the world these stories. The Face of Climate Change will not only personalize and make real the massive challenge that climate change presents, it will unite Earth Day activities around the world into one call to action.
  • About:http://bit.ly/17pqazS | One-pager: http://bit.ly/17ppvyy | Resources: http://bit.ly/ZLIxHC

• HOW: EDN is collecting and displaying images that show The Face of Climate Change. On and around Earth Day, an interactive digital display of all the images will be shown at thousands of events around the world. The display is also available online to anyone who wants to view or show it. www.earthday.org/faces

Why focus on climate change in 2013?

2012 was marked by many climate change milestones. Arctic sea-ice cover reached a record low in September, a new high-water mark in a long-term decline. The United States experienced its hottest year ever; this, after the World Meteorological Organization announced that the first decade of this century was the hottest on record for the entire planet. Public perception of extreme weather events as “the new normal” grew as unusual superstorms rocked the Caribbean, the Philippines and the northeastern United States; droughts plagued northern Brazil, Russia, China, and two-thirds of United States; exceptional floods inundated Nigeria, Pakistan, and parts of China; and more. Meanwhile, international climate change talks stagnated. But glimmers of hope for a political solution began appearing in recent months, perhaps most notably in U.S. President Barack Obama’s high-profile promises to tackle climate change during his second term.

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