Save the Planet This Earth Day

Cleaning up garbage is a great way to get involved on Earth Day. Credit: OCG Saving The Ocean on Unsplash

The Ohio train derailment on Feb. 3, the Biden Administration’s approval of the Willow Project on March 13 and the toxic industrial fire in Indiana on April 12 are making tackling the climate crisis extremely challenging. But as April 22 approaches, we’re offered a moment to reflect on the escalating problems our planet faces and bring about positive change. 

With the climate crisis continuing to worsen, dangerous weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, directly affecting our health and the future of our planet. According to NASA, the loss of sea ice, melting glaciers and ice sheets, intense heat waves and a rise in sea levels are already apparent. Similarly, the World Health Organization predicts an additional 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. More immediately, the National Centers for Environmental Information says 2023 will be among the 10 warmest years ever recorded. Without immediate action, these events will only be exacerbated. 

Do some planting on April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. Credit: Eyoel Kahssay on Unsplash

As the planet continues to grapple with the growing climate crisis, the celebration and acknowledgement of Earth Day becomes more important each year. Established more than a half-century ago, April 22 brings the world together in promoting environmental issues across the globe. 

To encourage a healthy and sustainable Earth, New York City (NYC) is going car-free for the day with Citi Bike offering free unlimited 30-minute rides, Los Angeles (LA) is waiving its National Park fees and Rome, Italy is hosting a five-day festival. 

The birth of Earth Day began in 1969 when California experienced its worst oil spill to date, turning its beaches black. US senator and environmentalist Gaylord Nelson sprang to action and marked April 22, 1970, as the first Earth Day. He chose this date due to its convenient landing between Spring Break and finals week as he sought to highlight the importance of clean air and water through college teach-ins in order to galvanize activism. 

National rallies taking place on the first Earth Day assisted in the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts into law, proving that taking action really works. 

The next steps for this generation are to reduce carbon pollution, stop deforestation and repair the planet. Whether you’re in NYC, LA, Rome or somewhere in between, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the planet and raise awareness for environmental protection. So when April 22 rolls around, turn your lights off during the day, shut the water off when brushing your teeth, walk or bike to your destination and any other planet-saving tactics. And as the sun sets and Earth’s celebratory day drifts away, remember that it’s not just one day a year that we need to care for our planet, rather 365 days 24/7.