Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting actions to protect our planet. This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, a testament to its enduring importance in our collective efforts to safeguard the environment.
History of Earth Day
The roots of Earth Day trace back to 1970 when U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson organized the first nationwide environmental teach-in. Inspired by the anti-Vietnam War movement, Nelson sought to channel that energy into environmental activism. The inaugural Earth Day saw 20 million Americans take to the streets, advocating for a healthier, more sustainable environment. Since its inception, Earth Day has played a pivotal role in shaping environmental policy and public consciousness. It led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of landmark legislation such as the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. Over the years, Earth Day has grown into a global phenomenon, with over a billion people in more than 190 countries participating in various environmental activities and initiatives.
Black Beach by Shaunna Stith narrates the story of a young girl named Sam whose favorite beach is devastated by an oil spill, ultimately inspiring her and her community to take action that contributes to the creation of Earth Day and ignites a broader environmental movement.
The Day the River Caught Fire by Barry Wittenstein details the infamous 1969 fire of the Cuyahoga River, illustrating how this environmental disaster became a catalyst for the Earth Day movement and a turning point in American environmental awareness and legislation.
The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells presents a chilling exploration of the catastrophic consequences of climate change, detailing how rising temperatures and environmental degradation could render large parts of the planet uninhabitable by the end of the century.
Earth Day 2025 Theme: Our Power, Our Planet™
For Earth Day 2025, the theme is "Our Power, Our Planet™". This powerful campaign emphasizes our collective responsibility in transitioning to renewable energy sources and creating a sustainable future. The goal is ambitious yet crucial: to triple renewable energy generation globally by 2030. By harnessing clean energy sources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and tidal power, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and build a greener world for future generations.
Join Us in Celebrating Earth Day 2025
- San José Public Library is offering a number of Earth Day programs on and around April 22, including special Earth Day-themed storytimes and a STREAM (Science, Technology, Recycling, Engineering, Arts, and Music) Workshop in which children will upcycle materials into musical instruments. Find these and other Earth Day programs on our events calender.
- Borrow a DIY Home Energy Savings Kit from your local SJPL branch. This no-cost toolkit contains devices that will help you easily reduce energy and water use (and save money on your utility bills!).
- Learn how to Celebrate Earth Day
- Browse our many books, ebooks, and DVDs about Earth Day and environmental issues in our library catalog.
Let's Create a Sustainable World Together!
As we commemorate Earth Day 2025, let's remember that our planet's future is in our hands. Together, we have the power to make a difference. Comment below to share your ideas for making every day Earth Day. Let's harness our collective energy to create a sustainable, thriving world for all. Our power, our planet, our future – let's make it count!
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