Earth Day returns next week for its 55th anniversary — a timely reminder that environmental and climate action is more urgent than ever.
The global initiative has been held annually since 1970, when peace activist John McConnell successfully advocated for Unesco to establish a yearly observance.
It comes at a critical time for the environment, with Donald Trump once again pulling the US out of the international Paris Agreement on climate change.
Hundreds of events have been planned worldwide to celebrate Earth Day — many of which are listed on the official website.
So, when is Earth Day, what is it, what does it stand for and how can you get involved?
Let’s take a look…
🌎 1 WEEK 'TIL #EarthDay2025! Join 6000+ events in 100+ countries! 🌐 https://t.co/DIHjUiZvXh#EarthActionDay #OurPowerOurPlanet
— EARTHDAY.ORG (@EarthDay) April 15, 2025
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is held on April 22 — the same date annually — and in 2025 it will fall on a Tuesday.
Organisers have already begun sharing tips, ideas, and updates on social media in the lead-up to the occasion.
What is Earth Day about?
Earth Day was launched in 1970, when millions of people in America took to the streets to protest for environmental reform.
The brainchild of US Senator Gaylord Nelson, it was founded in the aftermath of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, and led to the creation of landmark environmental laws and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Soon after the first Earth Day, the US passed the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
Earth Day was launched as a way to teach environmentalism and protest against the negative aspects of industrialisation, and coincided with rising public concern about the environment. Earth Day soon grew to become a global environmental movement.
More than a billion people worldwide now take part in marches, petitions, and clean-ups to protect the environment — making it the largest civic observance in the world.
People all around the world are encouraged to do things to benefit the environment, from recycling and planting trees to reducing their carbon footprints.
What is the theme for Earth Day 2025?
For 2025, the theme is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET and is a call to arms for everyone to unite around renewable energy.
”Join us for Earth Day by educating, advocating, and mobilising your communities,” an organiser said.
There are public events, centered around a rally in New York City, but anyone can potentially get involved in roundables being put on to discuss how renewable energy can be introduced.
The organiser added: “These roundtable discussions, hosted on or around April 22, by city governments, faith institutions, universities, grassroots environmental groups and other citizen organizers, aim to foster community discussions on climate action, with a focus on renewable energy adoption.”
You can also join in with a litter pick event, or a Clean Up as it is called, details of which for the UK can be found online.
