What was the immediate inspiration?

Back in January of 1969, there was a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. The spill is considered the third largest oil spill in United States water and was one of the impetuses for Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Gaylord Nelson to organize Earth Day.

When did it start?

Nelson organized the first Earth Day in 1970, pulling together local and national leaders, and rallying over 20 million people nationwide on April 22, 1970.

Where did the name come from?

Julian Koenig, a Nelson staffer, told people he came up with it and liked it because it sounded like “birthday.”

Why is it April 22?

Nelson wanted the annual day to be a teach-in style event with the ability to be held outdoors and didn’t conflict with university exams or holidays like Easter or Passover.

What do people tend to do on Earth Day? Aside from marching, there are massive calls to plant trees, clear up garbage from local parks, visit National Parks, clean up coral reefs, and a general enjoyment of the planet.

Why is this Earth Day different from other Earth Days?

President Trump’s seemingly anti-science agenda, including budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health, and past statements by the President implying that climate change was a hoax by the Chinese, led to those in the scientific community to organize a March for Science on Earth Day 2017 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

There will be speeches, teach-ins, performances, and appearances by scientists, celebs and organizers. The goal of the march, according to EarthDay.org, is to “hold our leaders — both in science and politics — accountable to the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and integrity.”

How can you participate in Earth Day?

The Earth Day Network, the organizing committee for the day year round, has a website with inspiration for activities and organizations you can participate in. Plant a tree, be a better recycler, and learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint. They are also working with the March for Science. The website shares the location of satellite marches outside the D.C. area.

/NY Daily News/

More about: #Earth-Day