World Earth Day 2025: Why Is It Celebrated, What Is the Reason Behind It? Let’s Understand

Earth — our only known life-supporting planet — today faces numerous environmental challenges including climate change, deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss, and excessive exploitation of resources. To address these issues at a global level and promote collective action, World Earth Day is observed every year on April 22. This day aims to spread awareness and inspire concrete action for the protection of nature and the environment.

History of Earth Day

During the 1960s, the rapid industrialization in the US and other parts of the world resulted in severe environmental degradation — including air, water, and noise pollution. The death of marine life, contamination of rivers, and rampant deforestation raised deep concerns among scientists and civil society.

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was observed under the leadership of U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. Over 20 million Americans participated in the movement, which focused on environmental education, policy reform, and public awareness. This movement became a catalyst for major environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and more.

In 1990, Earth Day became a global event with participation from over 200 million people across 141 countries. In 2009, the United Nations declared April 22 as International Mother Earth Day.

What is Earth Day & What is the Theme for 2025?

Earth Day is an international observance dedicated to our planet. It promotes environmental awareness, conservation, and sustainable development. Each year, on April 22, nearly one billion people across the globe participate in activities that raise awareness about the climate crisis and inspire positive change.

Theme for Earth Day 2025: “Our Power, Our Planet”

The focus of this year’s theme is to mobilize global support for renewable energy and triple clean energy production by 2030.

According to experts, achieving this goal is crucial to keeping global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5°C. Official Earth Day campaigns aim to promote environmental literacy and bring like-minded communities together to combat deforestation, biodiversity loss, and other ecological threats.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 highlights that over half of the top ten global risks in the next decade are related to the environment. This underlines that issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources are threatening not only our planet but also our socio-economic future.

How Did Earth Day Begin?

Earth Day began on April 22, 1970, in the United States. On that day, millions of Americans took to the streets in cities and towns to protest the damage being done to the Earth and its natural resources.

Famed TV presenter Walter Cronkite called it “a historic call by humanity for its own survival.” New York’s bustling Fifth Avenue was brought to a standstill by demonstrators. In Boston, students staged a “Die-In” to symbolically protest environmental destruction.

What Was the Background Behind the 1970 Protests?

Post-WWII consumerism and industrialization had a devastating impact on the environment:

• Massive oil spills

• Industrial pollution

• Lack of regulatory controls

In 1969, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin proposed environmental “teach-ins” on American university campuses. Along with Congressman Pete McCloskey and activist Denis Hayes, he turned this idea into a nationwide movement.

What Was the Outcome of the Protests?

Earth Day 1970 had a profound impact on American policy:

• Formation of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Passage of laws like the National Environmental Education Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act

• Later, laws related to water quality, endangered species protection, and chemical regulation followed

When Did Earth Day Become Global?

In 1990, Earth Day went global, with 200 million people in 141 countries participating in recycling drives and awareness campaigns. This global momentum laid the foundation for the 1992 Earth Summit organized by the United Nations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Why Tripling Renewable Energy by 2030 Is Crucial

Climate experts agree that to prevent global warming from exceeding 1.5°C, we must triple the production of clean and renewable energy by 2030. Fossil fuels are the primary cause of greenhouse gas emissions, and replacing them with clean alternatives is essential for climate mitigation.

Objectives of Earth Day

• Awakening global consciousness about the environment

• Conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable usage

• Encouraging climate policy formation

• Promoting environmental education in schools and colleges

• Mobilizing public participation in green movements

Current Challenges Facing Earth

1. Climate Change

Global warming is increasing the Earth’s average temperature, leading to melting polar ice, rising sea levels, and intensified natural disasters.

2. Pollution

Air, water, and soil pollution are severely affecting human health. Vehicles, factories, plastic waste, and chemicals have damaged ecosystems.

3. Deforestation

Excessive urbanization, agricultural expansion, and the timber trade have led to massive deforestation, affecting biodiversity.

4. Biodiversity Crisis

Thousands of species are on the verge of extinction due to habitat destruction, hunting, pollution, and climate change.

5. Plastic Pollution

Each year, about 300 million tons of plastic is produced, most of which ends up in the oceans, posing a lethal threat to marine life.

Activities Observed on Earth Day

• Tree plantation drives

• “Say No to Plastic” campaigns

• Rallies, poster-making, speech & essay contests in schools and colleges

• Beach, lake, and park clean-up drives

• Promotion of solar energy and green technologies

• Use and awareness of eco-friendly products

• Webinars, seminars, and social media awareness campaigns

Earth Day Across Countries

India

Environmental awareness has grown significantly in recent years. Schools, NGOs, and government bodies engage in tree planting, river cleaning, and anti-plastic campaigns.

United States

Home of Earth Day, the U.S. observes the largest environmental gatherings. Millions participate in cleanups, scientific displays, and lobbying efforts.

European Nations

Europe emphasizes carbon reduction and environmental policy. Earth Day is both a government-led and civic initiative.

Conclusion

World Earth Day is not just a date — it is a warning, a motivation, and a movement. It reminds us that the Earth is our responsibility. If we don’t change our behavior, policies, and lifestyles today, the coming generations may not inherit a safe and beautiful planet.

Saving the Earth is not the job of one person or one nation — it is a collective responsibility.

So let us pledge this Earth Day: “We will keep our planet clean, green, and sustainable.”