Earth Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Earth Day has been commemorated annually on 22 April by billions of people around the world for the past 50 years to raise awareness about the health of our environment. Why are we still celebrating this holiday? Some people may view Earth Day as just another holiday or an excuse to wear green and a flower crown, similar to St. Patrick’s Day. However, with serious concerns about our changing environment being studied and addressed by prominent scientists, politicians, and young climate change activists alike, some people are adapting to more environmentally friendly ways of living every day, not just on April 22. Save the tortoises by composting, recycling, reusing, carpooling, thrifting, and using metal straws.

The background of Earth Day

Earth Day originated in 1969, when US Senator Gaylord Nelson witnessed the aftermath of an enormous oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. In 1970, he urged all Americans to take a position for the environment, and thousands of American colleges and universities organised protests for a healthy, sustainable planet. This included air pollution from factories and highways as well as the destruction of animal habitats and extinction of species. The first Earth Day contributed to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

Unfortunately, the problems we face today are even messier than the original oil catastrophe. It may seem impossible for a single human, let alone millions or even billions of humans, to slow down or stop the increase of natural disasters, extreme weather, and global temperatures. It has been reported that coral reefs are dying, we see images of animals on land and in the ocean with trash in their stomachs or wrapped around their bodies, and factories and corporations continue to pollute our air and living spaces around the globe. But a small action, such as picking up litter on the pavement that could have otherwise ended up around an animal’s neck or in the ocean, still has an effect; it is a step in the correct direction and a significant change.

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EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES

Reduce your environmental impact

Consider innovative methods to vary your commute or a portion of your daily routine. Instead of driving, carpool with companions, take public transportation, walk, skate, scooter or ride a bike to your destination. Depending on the weather, this novel mode of transportation may be more enjoyable than sitting in traffic.

Repurpose and recycle your clothing

Your wardrobe and purchasing habits may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they can actually have a negative impact on the environment. By purchasing thrifted or gently used clothing online, no new resources are used to produce clothing that will be repurposed, reused, or discarded. According to a number of studies, online shopping is healthier for the environment because it requires about 30 percent fewer resources to sell items online. Launch the Amazon Prime app!

Alternate your diet

Most people are aware that food production accounts for one-quarter to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with the meat industry bearing the preponderance of responsibility. The BBC recently reported that food-related emissions would decrease by approximately 60% if the entire globe became vegetarian and stopped eating red meat by 2050. If the world became vegan, emissions would decrease by approximately 70%. It might be time to sample the new ‘Beyond Meat’ burgers.

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5 FACTS ABOUT EARTH DAY THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

According to the National Geographic Society, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has never been higher, owing in part to natural causes and in part to the industrialization of the world by humans since the 18th century.

Many individuals may not be aware of this, but the more food we throw away and do not consume, the more greenhouse gases are produced to transport and biodegrade the waste.

According to the U.S. Global Change Research Programme, the temperature in the United States has increased by 2 degrees and precipitation has increased by 5% over the past 50 years. In the past 50 years, more extreme weather phenomena have occurred; in 2019, extreme weather in the United States broke over 120,000 records.

Even though 97 percent or more of climate scientists agree that climate change is probable due to human activity (according to the Earth Day Network) and nearly 200 scientific organisations around the world have issued statements supporting this view, it remains a hotly contested topic in 2020.

According to Earth Day Network, China, with a population of 1,4 billion, is the leading emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for 30% of global carbon emissions. However, the United States, with a population of approximately 328 million, ranks second behind China as a leading emitter, accounting for 15% of global carbon emissions.