What is Earth Day

Prior to delving deep into the essential aspects of Earth Day, it is important to know, what is earth day? It is basically an international event that takes place once in every year. This global event helps us to realize the importance of our earth and its diverse nature. In other words, each participants of this program tries to make this world a better place to live in.

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22nd. It started way back in the year 1970 on April 22nd. Since then every year, people from different quarters celebrate for a common cause – To Save Our Planet and increase its longevity.

History of Earth Day
The concept of Earth Day was introduced by Gaylord Nelson who was a senator in United States of America. He introduced the concept in the year 1970. In 1970, when Earth Day was celebrated for the first time, as many as 20 million demonstrators participated in various activities related to Earth Day. This event was perhaps the largest event that was organized in USA’s history. Thereafter, stringent laws pertaining to protection of the environment was introduced in USA.

The concept that originated in United States of America was made global in the year 1971 on the 21st day of March. The Secretary General of United Nations U Thant made this event an international one in 1971.

United Nations celebrates this day on March 20th or March 21st depending on the vernal equinox day. The Peace Bell at UN is rung commemorating this eventful day.

What happens on Earth Day
The commencement of the celebrations on Earth Day is marked by ringing of the peace bells worldwide. Ringing of the Peace Bell is popular in countries like Russia, Austria, and Palestine.

In India, a rally is held in which as many as 1200 kids take part. With banners and placards showing slogans of Earth Day and how to preserve the planet, children assisted by elders walk down the streets. Drawing contests are held. Short dramas and pantomimes are enacted too.

In many countries, children plant trees. For instance, in Kenya, children plant as many as 1000 trees in the Karura Forest of Nairobi. Theme parties are held in China. Talking about Down Under, children dressed like animals walk down the streets with banners and flags.

It is not only about children and their participation. Way back in the year 1993, “What are We Gonna Do”, is the song that was composed by a rock band Dramarama to celebrate Earth Day. What is Earth Day’s Importance in Our Daily Lives
We are living in a planet that is threatened. Problems facing us include depletion of ozone layers that protect us from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and global warming. Other problems that we are facing include consequences of deforestation that is eventually leading to soil erosion.

It is important for us to remember that we form a part of the ecosystem. This ecosystem is in turn made up of food chain and food pyramid (comprising flora and fauna). Every level in the food chain is interdependent. If the balance in one level is upset, the survival of the other levels is at stake too. We, human beings are indulging in activities that are upsetting the equilibrium of the ecosystem.

Moreover, the natural resources are running out very slowly. If the imbalances (whether they are man made or natural) are not restricted, it is sure to lead to the end of the world. To address such problems and find solutions to the same, Earth Day is observed every year.