When is Earth Day Celebration?

Often referred to as Earth Week or Earth Month, Earth Day is a day to promote living in harmony with nature. It is held annually on April 22 to highlight environmental issues. It is estimated that over one billion people participate in Earth Day events around the world.

The first Earth Day was held in April 1970. Senator Gaylord Nelson and his co-promoter, Denis Hayes, wanted to raise awareness about a variety of environmental issues. They planned a teach-in at college campuses across the country. The idea was to use the energy of the student anti-war movement to force environmental issues onto the national agenda.

The event was a success. The first Earth Day drew 20 million Americans to protest against air pollution and other environmental issues. It also inspired legislation. The Clean Water Act was passed in 1970 and the Environmental Protection Agency was established that year.

Another catalyst for the first Earth Day was the massive oil spill that took place off the coast of Santa Barbara. This event spurred Senator Nelson and other environmental advocates to take action.

In 1970, President Richard Nixon established the Environmental Protection Agency. He also created the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. The agency’s mission is to protect human health and the environment. In response to the growing concern about air pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency created new regulations for cleaner diesel fuel and air quality in national parks.