Earth Day was created to raise awareness about environmental issues and spur public action; it began in 1970 after a large oil spill in Santa Barbara and was championed by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes. The effort helped catalyze the modern American environmental movement and led to lasting protections and institutions, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and key laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. The day has since evolved into a global event encouraging people around the world to engage in environmental protection every day.[2][4][5]
If you’d like, I can pull up the latest coverage and summarize new developments or notable Earth Day initiatives from this year.
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The April 22 holiday arose from public outrage over a California oil spill. It also helped pave the way for key environmental protections.
www.nationalgeographic.comVisit the official Earth Day site to learn about the world's largest environmental movement and what you can do to make every day Earth Day.
www.earthday.orgCelebrate Earth Day with these tips for helping our environment.
kids.nationalgeographic.comSiskiyou National Forest in California; detail of a DOCUMERICA image. (National Archives ID 542848) The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970. Recognized by many as the birth of the U.S. environmental movement, the nationwide demonstration spurred a dramatic rise in public concern about environmental issues.
www.archives.govGaylord Nelson, the late U.S. senator and governor of Wisconsin, is considered the founder of Earth Day, which started in 1970.
www.cbsnews.comThe worldwide event aims to raise awareness about the need to protect the environment.
www.bbc.comMother Earth (or Mother Nature) is a common personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it in the form of the mother. It recognizes a collective responsibility to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.
www.un.org