What will you do on Earth Day?
About 15% of the world’s population will take part in the event, designed to raise awareness of environmental challenges.
Seniors are being encouraged to do their bit for the environment on Earth Day, which is held annually on 22 April.
Earth Day dates back to 1970 when it was first celebrated in the United States. It has since become a global phenomenon and one of the most significant environmental movements in history.
The idea was first proposed by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was alarmed by the growing environmental crisis and the lack of political action to address it.
He envisioned a national day of environmental teach-ins, similar to anti-war protests, to raise awareness about environmental issues and to encourage people to take action to protect the planet.
On 22 April 1970, more than 20 million Americans took to the streets to protest environmental degradation and to demand action from their government.
This historic event marked the birth of the modern environmental movement, and it led to the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of several landmark environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Since then, Earth Day has grown into a global event, recognised in more than 190 countries around the world.
This year, participants are being encouraged to “join the great global clean up”, including calling on governments to sign a Global Plastics Treaty that would:
Negotiate a new legally binding global instrument on plastic pollution, including measures along the entire life cycle of plastic.
Promote a circular economy action plan and ban single-use plastic.
Establish National Action Plans to prevent litter/plastics from entering our rivers and oceans.
Enhance investment planning and stimulate innovation to prevent plastic from entering any ecosystem.
We are also urged to join a global clean-up via events being held across the world, including many Australian cities and regional centres.
Even if you can’t take part in the clean-up, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the state of the environment and the desire to leave a better world for future generations.
Through National Seniors Australia research, we know that older Australians care deeply about the future.
Seniors are concerned about climate change and they’re interested in recycling, nature conservation and species diversity. They know they have a key role to play.
National Seniors takes this challenge seriously and has created the Healthy Earth, Healthier Future campaign to help deliver a better future. The campaign promotes practical actions to tackle the pressing issues of today, to create a better tomorrow.
Further reading: Healthy Earth, Healthier Future; Earth Day
