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The Independent UK

National

The Associated Press

What is Earth Day and why do we celebrate it?

Earth Day Earth

Millions globally will observe Earth Day on Wednesday, an annual event aimed at inspiring environmental activism for planetary preservation.
The concept originated with US Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was moved by a 1969 offshore oil spill and proposed a national “teach-in” on environmental issues.
The inaugural Earth Day took place on 22 April 1970, strategically timed to maximise student participation.
The event significantly impacted US policy, leading to landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, and is considered the genesis of the modern environmental movement.
Now a global phenomenon observed in over 192 countries, Earth Day has increasingly focused on climate change since 2000, with this year's campaign being “Our Power, Our Planet”.

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Earth Day 2026: History of the global movement fighting for our planet

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