The 52nd anniversary of Earth Day was observed on 22nd April 2022, underscoring the international commitment to environmental preservation. Celebrated worldwide, Earth Day 2022 followed the theme “Invest In our Planet,” focusing on proactive actions towards protecting our environment.
Origins of Earth Day
The initiation of Earth Day traces back to 1970 when around 20 million individuals marched against environmental degradation. The movement was initiated by US Senator Gaylord Nelson in response to pressing environmental issues, including the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, smog, and polluted rivers.
Recognizing environmental conservation’s significance, the United Nations proclaimed 22nd April as ‘International Mother Earth Day’ in 2009.
Present-Day Earth Day and Its Goals
Presently, a non-profit organization known as EARTHDAY.ORG, formerly referred to as Earth Day Network, coordinates Earth Day globally. Their mission is to build the world’s most extensive environmental movement to stimulate transformative changes for people and the planet.
In line with the 1992 Rio Declaration’s call for collective responsibility, Earth Day emphasizes achieving equilibrium among economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations.
It is noteworthy that the pivotal Paris Agreement aiming to curb global greenhouse emissions was signed on Earth Day 2016. This accord united nearly 200 countries towards a common goal of environmental sustainability.
Other Significant Environmental Days
Several other days focusing on various aspects of environmental health are also celebrated globally. These include World Water Day on 22nd March, Earth Day on 22nd April, World Biodiversity Day on 22nd May, World Environment Day on 5th June, and the Earth Overshoot Day, whose date changes yearly.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is an annual initiative started by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007. This event, celebrated on the last Saturday of March every year, urges individuals in over 180 nations to switch off their lights from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm, according to local time.
The primary objective of Earth Hour is to raise awareness about climate change and highlight the urgency to protect our environment.
Previous Year Questions in UPSC Civil Services Examination
In the 2014 UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates were asked about ‘Earth Hour.’ They were given three statements regarding Earth Hour, and they had to identify which ones were correct:
1. It is an initiative of UNEP and UNESCO.
2. It’s a movement in which participants switch off the lights for an hour on a certain day each year.
3. It aims to raise awareness about climate change and the necessity to save the planet.
The answer was that statements 2 and 3 were correct.
