“We need to build a global citizenry fluent in the concept of climate change and inspired by environmental education to act in defense of the planet.”
— EARTHDAY.ORG President Kathleen Rogers
From an idea born in 1969 within UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – a specialized agency of the United Nations), San Francisco peace activist John McConnell envisioned a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace. It was to be held on the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere, March 21st, 1970. From that seed of an idea a national, and then international, holiday was born, now celebrated each year on April 22nd by a billion people in nearly 200 countries across the globe.
This year’s theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet” and there are many ways to celebrate ranging from educating yourself and others about plastic pollution, sustainability in cleaning and clothing, how to help as an individual or as a business, plant and animal conservation and so much more. The Earth Day organization also wants to hear from you about, “What is your First Earth Day story?”
You can follow the links below to learn more about how to get involved:
- EarthDay.org
- Action.earthday.org/my-first-earth-day
- EarthDayAustin.com @Huston-Tillotson University
- TheTrailConservancy.org/signature-events/earthday/
- Sustainability.utexas.edu/events/ut-earth-month-2025
- Offices.austincc.edu/energy-and-sustainability/earth-week/
- En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day
