Islamabad (Web Desk): The International Earth Day was observed on Tuesday across the globe including Pakistan.
This year theme of the day is “Our Power, our Planet”.
This theme emphasizes power of individuals to protect planet and highlights importance of collective action towards environmental sustainability.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, during a time when industrial pollution was widespread and largely unregulated.
Factories and power plants released smoke and sludge freely into the environment, and many people saw air pollution as a sign of economic growth and prosperity, especially in the United States (US).
Amid growing concerns about environmental degradation, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, often recognized as the founder of Earth Day, was inspired to take action after witnessing the destruction caused by a massive oil spill off the coast of California.
Determined to raise public awareness about environmental issues, Nelson joined forces with activist Denis Hayes to organize a nationwide day of protest and education. Their efforts led to the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, when more than 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums in a unified call for cleaner air, safer water, and healthier communities.
This large-scale demonstration marked a turning point in the environmental movement, creating momentum that led to significant policy changes and the eventual establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Over the years, Earth Day has evolved into a global event, with people from more than 190 countries participating in activities that promote sustainability and environmental protection.
As the climate crisis has intensified, the importance of Earth Day has only grown. Increasingly frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the rapid loss of wildlife habitats highlight the urgent need for collective action.
Earth Day now serves as a vital reminder of the role individuals and organizations can play in protecting the planet. It encourages a wide range of practical actions, from local clean-up drives and educational events to broader efforts in energy conservation and waste reduction. These initiatives aim to safeguard natural resources for future generations and foster a more sustainable way of living.
With the 2030 climate goals looming, there is a renewed emphasis on expanding clean electricity generation and cutting global carbon emissions.
The 55th anniversary of Earth Day underscores a worldwide demand for climate justice and sustainable development. From grassroots tree-planting campaigns to major international conferences, the message is clear: the time to act is now, for the well-being of the planet and the generations to come.
