“Earth Day 1970 made it clear that we could summon the public support, the energy, and commitment to save our environment.” —Gaylord Nelson
Will the same be said about Earth Day 2025? Let’s review a little history.
“When April 22, 1970, dawned literally millions of Americans of all ages and from all walks of life participated in Earth Day celebrations from coast to coast… Americans made it clear that they understood and were deeply concerned over the deterioration of our environment and the mindless dissipation of our resource…. That was the important objective and achievement of Earth Day. It showed the political and opinion leadership of the country that the people cared, that they were ready for political action, that politicians had better get ready, too.” These are reminiscences offered by Gaylord Nelson in the EPA Journal, April 1980.
Wisconsin Senator Nelson created Earth Day as a way to energize an awareness of and concern about air and water pollution. On that first Earth Day people participated in teach-ins, attended speeches, debates, rallies, demonstrations, and burials for automobiles.
Nelson continued, “My primary objective…was to show that there was broad support for the environmental movement…. I was not quite prepared for the overwhelming response that occurred on that day…more than twenty million Americans participated in one of the most exciting and significant grassroots efforts in the history of this country.”
In the years that followed legislation was enacted into law to protect the environment including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, and so much more.
Earth Day is an annual event. It has become an international holiday, including one billion people in more than 193 countries.
The theme for Earth Day this year, April 22, 2025, is: “Our Power, Our Planet.”
—Support/Use renewable energy
—Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
What are fossil fuels? They are non-renewal energy sources that come from the remains of ancient plants and animals and include coal, oil, and natural gas.
It’s notable that the theme this year speaks of our power – our planet. Among other challenges, are we also being called to reclaim our own authority over issues that matter to us – to take back control over the environment and actions that affect it? How can we do this in our present chaotic time of funding cuts, department closings, information blackouts and denials – or the threats of such?
There are no easy answers, but reclamation is necessary.
Perhaps carefully examining the elements of the first Earth Day in 1970 and finding ways to creatively replicate them for our own time and situation may be a place to begin. Consider: Local gatherings and events happening throughout the country which include informal learning experiences about environmental issues, opportunities for discussion and friendly debate, ways to illustrate environmental concerns in playful yet substantive ways. Let’s be inventive. Imagine new approaches.
Can it be done? Is Earth Day 2025 the time to do it? Why not!
In Laudato Sí we read, “Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see, because they have been lost forever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right.” #33
Will it be said that Earth Day 2025 “made it clear that we could summon the public support, the energy, and commitment to save our environment”? —Gaylord Nelson
Suggested actions
- Do an internet search for Earth Days activities near you. Participate.
- Reclaim your power by contacting one “opinion leader” in your area with whom to share information and your concerns about the negative impact decisions being made are having on the environment. Stay in regular contact with that person.
