Earth Day begins
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22, originating in the United States in 1970 through the initiative of Senator Gaylord Nelson. The inception of Earth Day arose during a time when environmental degradation from industrialization, including pollution and waste, prompted public concern. Nelson's vision was to create a national day for peaceful gatherings to highlight environmental issues and raise awareness. The first celebration saw an estimated 20 million Americans participating in events across the country, including significant gatherings in cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City. This mobilization of citizens not only showcased public enthusiasm for environmental protection but also led to immediate political action, resulting in landmark legislation such as the Clean Water Act and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into a globally recognized occasion, encouraging activities that promote environmental education and stewardship, though participation levels have varied over the years. Today, schools and communities engage in various projects aimed at fostering a sustainable future.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Earth Day begins
The Event A day of public gatherings devoted to raising awareness of environmental problems
Date First held on April 22, 1970
Earth Day focused the growing concern about the degradation of the earth’s land, water, and air and the disappearance of species, legitimizing it as a political issue. It was unique among the demonstrations of the 1960’s and 1970’s because citizens from all points on the political spectrum took part.
By the late 1960’s, Americans were beginning to realize the price exacted by careless industrialization and growth. Thick smog, ocean oil spills, burning rivers, and dangerous waste dumps affected millions of people’s lives. Those concerned, however, initially lacked a way to make themselves heard. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, long an advocate of conservation, decided that a single, national day of peaceful gatherings might be a way to focus attention on environmental problems. With a budget of only $190,000 but using the contacts and visibility that his office offered, he organized the first Earth Day, which took place on April 22, 1970.
The day served as a nationwide rally, a giant information exchange, and a political catalyst. The people turned out to be ahead of the politicians on the need for a cleaner and healthier Earth. Politicians jumped in, however, when they saw the enthusiasm for the cause, and many congresspeople gave speeches for Earth Day events.
Earth Day’s success was boosted by coverage from Time, Newsweek, and TheNew York Times. Gorgeous spring weather on April 22 added to the day’s celebration-of-nature aspect. In Washington, D.C., an estimated 200,000 people filled the National Mall. In New York City, Mayor John Lindsay closed Fifth Avenue for an Earth Day march. Although a net full of dead fish was featured in the parade, this demonstration, like the other events across the United States, was peaceful. In all, approximately twenty million Americans participated, with gatherings held on downtown streets, college campuses, and other localities.
Impact
Earth Day’s success immediately brought environmental issues onto the political agenda. Although President Richard M. Nixon was one of the few national political figures who did not participate, his administration soon helped pass major new measures to guard the environment. He created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by executive order that same year. Much notable legislation followed; the Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 were among the most famous and wide-reaching. New environmental laws continued to be enacted for the next two decades. Earth Day also helped legitimize concern for a healthy Earth in the eyes of most Americans. In subsequent decades, a clean environment was one of the goals that public figures dared not question, whatever their actual feelings on the issue.
Subsequent Events
In the following decades, Earth Day continued to be celebrated every April 22, and the event spread to other countries. Although participation in such events tended to be more modest than on the first Earth Day, it became a nationally recognized, semiofficial holiday. Many schools observe Earth Day each year through hands-on experiences, earth-healing activities, and instruction about environmental issues.
Bibliography
Mowrey, Marc, and Tim Redmond. Not in Our Backyard: The People and Events That Shaped America’s Modern Environmental Movement. New York: William Morrow, 1993.
Nelson, Gaylord. Beyond Earth Day: Fulfilling the Promise. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 2002.