Earth Day 2021: History, theme, significance and importance of Earth Day

Every year on April 22, Earth Day is observed. Earth Day is dedicated to the bountiful Mother Nature and with each passing year, as the world battles a climate crisis, Earth Day is gaining significance. In 1990, Earth Day became an ''environmental movement, working with more than 75,000 partners in over 192 countries to drive positive action for our planet''.

This year, we mark the 51st Earth Day and earthday.org calls on everyone to "be a part of the change". 

Earth Day 2021: Theme

The theme for Earth Day 2021 is "Restore Our Earth and it ''focuses on natural processes and emerging green technologies that can restore the world's ecosystems. In this way, the theme rejects the notion that mitigation or adaptation is the only way to address climate change.''

Earth Day 2021: History and significance

Earth Day is observed on April 22 since 1970. The day is commemorated every year to highlight environmental issues like loss of biodiversity, increasing pollution among others. On April 22, 1970, when the first Earth Day was marked, around 10 per cent of the entire United States population — back then around 20 million — took to streets across cities and colleges to protest against the negligence of the environment. The protesters also demanded a new way forward for the planet.

According to the earthday.org, the following topics will be discussed at the digital event on April 22:

Climate and environmental literacy, Climate restoration technologies, Reforestation efforts, Regenerative agriculture, Equity and environmental justice, Citizen science, Cleanups

People observe Earth Day by planting trees, cleaning roads, beaches, conducting various programmes to motivate people to adopt ways for sustainable living. Schoolchildren are made aware of the environment and the various hazards it is facing and to make our Earth a sustainable place to live.