Earth Day 2025

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is an annual celebration that raises awareness for environmental threats and shows support for environmental protections, while also celebrating the progress and achievements made to better the planet. Over one billion people celebrate it each year from many countries all around the globe. 

When did Earth Day start and who started it?

The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970, organized by Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson and graduate student Denis Hayes. It was attended by 20 million people and worked to educate participants on environmental conservation.

Why is Earth Day important?

Earth Day pushes governments and businesses to take action towards a healthier planet. The organization behind Earth Day, Earthday.org, has already “led to the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States,” by taking actions like founding the Environmental Protection Agency. With the continued support of concerned and participating citizens around the world, Earth Day can continue supporting environmental literacy and education, environmental laws, environmental movements, and more. 

What is Earth Day’s 2025 theme?

Each year Earth Day has a different theme. The theme for this year is “Our Power, Our Planet,” which urges people to “make smart energy choices” and advocate for or support the use of renewable energy by businesses, industries, institutions, families, and more. This theme also calls for “renewable energy generation, globally, to be tripled by 2030,” which would help support a healthy and sustainable future.  

How can students get involved in Earth Day?

Students can get involved in Earth Day by participating in their local Earth Day festival. At Durham Central Park, students and families can participate in a free Earth Day festival on April 27th. Students can register and find out more at: https://www.dprplaymore.org/299/Earth-Day-Festival.

Sources:

1) earthday.org

2) "Earth Day Festival," Durham Parks & Recreation

3) "Earth Day," National Geographic