Did you know the very first Earth Day in 1970 was a nationwide teach-in all across the US? And that this single event not only instigated far-reaching government policies, but also launched a global movement to address the urgent crisis facing our planet?
It’s hard to remember what life was like back in 1970, when boat-sized gas-guzzling cars cruised every street, and industries sputtered toxic waste into the air and rivers with abandon. Only a tiny sliver of the population was on alert: Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking 1962 book Silent Spring, together with the first photos of Earth taken from space – images of a little blue marble spinning alone in the void that highlighted our planet’s vulnerability – set the stage for the success of the very first Earth Day 45 years ago.
Launched by Gaylord Nelson, then a US senator from Wisconsin, Earth Day 1970 brought together Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, tycoons and labor leaders, urban sophisticates and farmers. Organizers and participants from coast to coast hit the streets and visited public parks and universities to educate people about the irreversible damage to our planet. The day’s success set in motion the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency and laid the groundwork for the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
“It was a gamble,” Gaylord said. “But it worked.”
Much has changed since then: recycling is now the norm, hybrid vehicles are commonplace, and plastic is out. We have gained new tools to protect the planet, including many that are essential to the Rainforest Alliance’s work: climate-smart agriculture (agroforestry), carbon markets, biological pest control, and new communication platforms to strengthen peer-to-peer training networks.
Unfortunately, the last 45 years have also seen rapid population growth and rampant consumption taking their toll: polar ice caps are now melting, and oceans are acidifying. Most of our species and ecosystems, as well as many indigenous forest communities, are under threat. The stakes, for our planet and its people, are higher than ever before. When government leaders descend upon Paris in December for the UN climate change conference, the world will be watching to see whether they take the bold action we need.
With or without an effective international accord, we can do our part by living mindfully, making responsible choices and supporting positive change. Let’s set the stage by making this 45th Earth Day every bit as successful as the first one in 1970.
Armed with knowledge, we have the power to put our planet’s future at the top of the global agenda, where it belongs.
Still have questions after the teach-in? Never fear: our experts will be on hand to chat about climate change, sustainable tourism and responsible forestry during our Earth Day Twitter party, at 10 am EST/3 pm GMT – #RAEarthDay.
Learn more about the Rainforest Alliance’s work to protect lives, lands and livelihoods around the world.
Content on this page is provided by the Rainforest Alliance, supporter of the Vital Signs platform.
