Who would have thought that I would post a second blog celebrating an earth science theme event! First Geology Day and now Earth Day :D I am really sticking to a theme here are not I haha!
The history of Earth Day is actually quite revolutionary. It represents the day environment awareness and protest began in the United States and around the world, opening peoples eyes to the dangers and long-term harm of industrial air and water pollution. In the 1960s, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson has appalled by Americas lack of respect and appreciation for the environment and how companies considered the smell of smoke and pollution a sign of success and progression. He wanted to find a way to get the governments attention. After the huge oil-spill in Santa Barbara, California in January 1969, Gaylord Nelson used the student anti-war protest energy to mobilize and motivate the youth to join together and spread the awareness of environmental preservation and stability.
This environment movement began on the 22nd of April in 1970, marking this Earth Day as the 50th anniversary! Senator Gaylord Nelson chose the 22nd of April because it was between Spring Break and Final Exams. This way, Gaylord got a lot of student attention and support, rallying them together for a common cause. In 1990, Earth Day when global and countries around the world began sharing news on pollution, deforestation, ice cap melting, climate change and environmental preservation. It is a day where we have the opportunity to help teach the world how to better take care of our home. We take it for granted, and now future generations are going to pay the price. Hydrocarbon emissions, oil spills, coal fires and dumping of plastic and chemicals into our oceans has caused serious global climate change and environmental impacts. To this day, people are getting frustrated with the lack of responsibility governments are taking to reduce waste and pollution. Companies are motivated by profits and keeping investors happy, which is understandable since that is how they grow and develop. However, if they think these issues will disappear over time then we are in trouble. Earth Day is the chance for billions of people to make a change and spread awareness. Recycle, use reusable cups or mugs for coffee, tea or water, take public transportation (Not right now though! Stay at home to stop the spread of COVID-19!), or cycle/walk to work if it is close-by. Small changes can have huge effects on helping the environment. Like ripples in water.
To help spread awareness, let us use the #EarthDay2020 tag on twitter and Instagram. Tag a favourite photo you have or have seen online and share it with the public! Show them why the Earth needs to be protected and preserved. I recently shared a photo of Earth rising over the Moon's horizon taken by Apollo 8 astronaut on my Twitter account, @GavinOnTheMoon.
Let us support our planet and participate in Earth Day 2020!
If you want to learn more about Earth Day, check out earthday.org.
See you guys next time!