The History of Earth Day
Written by Camryn Mahnken
Happy Earth Day, everyone!
Have you ever wondered why the U.S. celebrates Earth Day every April?
Well, we have generations before us to thank, as the modern environmental movement of the 1970’s led to the creation of Earth Day as a national holiday.
Many factors played into the attention given to the environmental movement decades ago. Leading up to 1970, the U.S. was experiencing increased levels of air pollution, high carbon dioxide levels, and increased water contamination.
When scientist Rachel Carson published her book “Silent Spring” in 1962, people were confronted with the realities of what human action was doing to the environment. She highlighted how the use of pesticides were affecting bird populations and warned against harmful actions that could be threatening to other species and their habitats. “Silent Spring” is often credited with starting the environmental movement, as it was followed by protests and petitions for environmental protection bills like the Clean Air Act of 1963 and the Water Quality Act of 1965.
Even with those policies implemented, there was still an onslaught of environmental problems in years to come. 1969 was known for the California oil spill in January and the Cuyahoga River bursting into flames due to chemicals and oil on its surface in June. American environmentalists knew they had more work to do.
The environmentalists planned Earth Day to address environmental ignorance, and on the very first celebration of it in 1970, nearly 20 million people gathered nationwide in protest. The protest was the largest in American history until it was surpassed by 2020’s racial justice demonstrations.
The first Earth Day united people against a common enemy: environmental degradation. Whether you were a college student learning about the endangerment of animals in your science class or a factory worker seeing first hand the effects of polluting power plants, nearly everyone had a reason to support the cause.
The first Earth Day was a demonstration that left its mark. Later that year, President Nixon worked to establish the Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resources Defense Council. In the years following, Congress would pass dozens of environmental legislation pieces. These laws would go on to protect our wildlife, biodiversity, and humans from diseases and environmental harm. The protestors of the 1960’s identified a pressing issue and knew they had to fight for change.
In 2021, climate justice is still as relevant, if not more, than it was when Earth Day was first created. On this year’s Earth Day, it’s important for us to remember why we celebrate. Do we celebrate because our planet is beautiful and we want to appreciate the resources and life it gives us? Of course. But we also celebrate because 51 years ago, a change was made possible by those who saw the need for it and acted accordingly.
This Earth Day, celebrate by taking action in your own community against environmental harm. Organizing with groups like the Sierra Club and the Sunrise Movement to prioritize climate change policy and enact environmental protections can make a difference at global level. Proposing an idea to the Student Sustainability Fund on campus can make a difference at the local level. Donating to charities like The Clean Air Task Force or the Missouri Coalition for the Environment can make a difference at both levels. Let your actions reflect your love for our planet just as the actions of those before us did.
Happy Earth Day!
Disclaimer: Camryn Mahnken is a member of the Sunrise Movement.
(Credit to photos: Photo1 Charles W. Harrity, Photo2 NYC Municipal Archives, Photo3 Julian Wasser)