How Did Earth Day Come About?

Organizers of the first Earth Day hoped to create awareness of the problems with pollution. They also wanted to show that environmental protection was a national issue. They organized a demonstration on April 22nd, 1970. These efforts led to more environmental laws in Congress.

Before 1970, air and water pollution were commonplace. However, after a massive oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, Senator Gaylord Nelson became concerned. He was inspired by his lifelong love of nature and wanted to create a national movement to persuade the nation to fight environmental destruction.

Senator Nelson was disappointed that environmental issues did not receive the national focus they deserve. He thought that a national grassroots movement would attract attention from the media. He also wanted to use the energy of the student anti-war movement to spark environmental reform. He convinced President John F. Kennedy to join him on a conservation tour.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in the United States on April 22, 1970. The event was modeled after the anti-Vietnam War teach-ins that were popular at college campuses.

Senator Nelson wanted to use the energy of these rallies to inspire people to care about the environment. He hoped that Earth Day would help educate people about the environmental problems and help them persuade the nation to take action.

The first Earth Day was a success. Thousands of people participated in the demonstration to show support for environmental reform. The event paved the way for the Environmental Protection Agency and other government initiatives.