World Earth Day

Every year on April 22, we celebrate our mother earth with ‘World Earth Day, which marks the anniversary of the Modern Environmental Movement

What were 3 problems that led to the creation of Earth Day?

Because there was no EPA, no Clean Air Act, no Clean Water Act. There were no legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment. In spring 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a way to force this issue onto the national agenda.

History

Senator Gaylord Nelson was concerned about the deteriorating conditions of the planet so he decided to combine the student anti-war protest energy with an emerging public consciousness regarding air and water pollution. Senator Gaylord Nelson thought about coining Earth Day after he, just like the rest of the world, saw the horror of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.

World Earth Day was celebrated for the first time on 22nd April 1970, when during a UNSEO conference in 1969 in San Fransisco, the peace activist John Mc Connell proposed to honour the mother earth and the concept of peace.

However, World Earth Day was earlier proposed to be held on 21st March 1970, the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Later, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed to hold nationwide environmental enlightenment on 22nd April 1970 and renamed it ‘Earth Day’

Why is Earth Day celebrated?

On Earth Day, millions of people connect to discuss environmental issues like pollution and deforestation. Many people participate and organise events to hold discussions around topics of environmental literacy to educate young minds about various climate issues.

What is the difference between Earth Day and Environment Day?

The main difference between ‘earth day’ and ‘environment day’ is that Earth Day aims to help protect the environment. Environment Day is the United Nations’ most important platform for raising awareness and awareness of the environment.

Themes

Theme 2022

The theme of Earth Day 2022 is to ‘Invest in our planet’. In 2021, the theme was to ‘Restore our Earth’ and in 2020, the theme was ‘Climate action’.

Theme 2021

• This year’s theme is based on emerging green technologies, natural processes, and innovative thinking to restore the world’s ecosystems.
• Major climate-related events are taking place on this day. This includes the Leaders’ Summit on Climate which is hosted by the United States and the Exponential Climate Action Summit to finance zero emissions.

Hindus chant the following hymn every morning in praise of Mother Earth.

समुद्र-वसने देवि, पर्वत-स्तन-मंडिते ।
विष्णु-पत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं, पाद-स्पर्शं क्षमस्व मे ॥

Samudravasane Devi Parvatastanamandale,
Vishhnupatni Namastubhyam Paadasparsham Kshamasva Me

Meaning of the above Shloka: I bow to Mother Earth, who has mountains and jungles on her body and whose clothing is made by the ocean. The wife of Lord Vishnu, please pardon me for touching you with my feet.

WORLD EARTH DAY QUOTES:

The earth has music for those who listen – William Shakespeare

When the wells dry, we know the worth of water – Benjamin Franklin

“The good man is the friend of all living things.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” -Albert Einstein

He that plants trees loves others besides himself – Thomas Fuller

I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we can use – Mother Teresa

The Earth is what we all have in common – Wendell Berry

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