Earth and its importance
Earth is a beautiful planet in our solar system. It is only known planet in the universe that supports life. Humans, all other animals and plants evolve on the earth over the time by using resources and nourishment provided by the earth. We are in the universe because there is earth that supports life. Earth is the common home for all living beings on it.
Effects of human activities on earth
In the past humans lived in natural habitats (forests) by the ways that had not been harming the earth and its environment. With development and for need of industrialization human started using natural resources at much increased rate and the activities that cause harms to earth and its environment also increased.
Santa Barbara Oil Spill and WED
A number of industrial accidents effected the environment negatively, one of this type was Santa Barbara oil spill.
Santa Barbara is a city in southern California (US). On January 28, 1969 one of the largest oil spill occurred from an oil well here that killed thousands of sea birds and marine animals. The harm caused by this oil spill attracted the attention of environmentalists and nature lovers.
An American politician and environmentalist Gaylord Nelson who also served as US Senator and Governor called the people to unite for protection of environment. Gaylord Nelson and Denis Hayes chose April 22, 1970 to be observed as first “Earth Day”. Denis Hayes was a young activist at that time, he acted as a national coordinator of the event and helped to organize and name “Earth Day”
Twenty million People participated in protest for protection of environment on this day. First “Earth Day” was observed only in US.
Gaylord Nelson is known as founder of the “Earth Day”. In 1990 Denis Hayes made this day an international day. April 22, 1990 was first “World Earth Day”. Two Hundred million People across 141 countries participated in protest for protection of environment on April 22, 1990.
Why “World Earth Day” is observed?
This day marks the anniversary of first “Earth Day” (an environmental movement in 1970).
This day honors the achievements of the environmental movements.
This day is a reminder for us to raise awareness to protect the environment and made resource sustainable.
This day is to educate ourselves about climate change, global warming and other challenges and to work to find better solutions to these problems that can change our ways of living to those that are more compatible with environment and increase sustainability on earth.
World Earth Day Theme of year 2023 is “Invest in our Planet”.