World Earth Day 2023: Why and How Is It Celebrated on April 22?

All living things from microscopic organisms to humans to enormous whales’ dwell on this lovely planet Earth, which offers them all the necessities for a wonderful and healthy life, including shelter, food, air, and other basic necessities.

Earth is frequently referred to as mother earth since it nurtures us as our Mother does. Dismayingly, though, we have started to hurt her as a result of our greed. Her failing health requires proper attention and care. To safeguard the planet from problems like pollution and deforestation, people celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Our planet becomes a healthier and better place to live as we continue to plant more trees.

First Earth Day Observation

The first Earth Day event was started in 1970 by a United States senator from Wisconsin to increase public awareness of environmental issues. All around the United States, rallies were held. By year's end, the US federal government had founded the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, Earth Day had drawn participants from over 140 different countries. Later, with the participation of around 192 countries, this initiative gained momentum and over one billion people every year observe this day with great enthusiasm.

Why is the day celebrated in April?

This special event was chosen for this month for a special reason. The reason is that the southern hemisphere is experiencing autumn at this moment, while the northern hemisphere is experiencing spring. In the months of March, April, and May, the US experiences the spring season. During this time, schools and universities provide their students with spring breaks, which encourages a lot of kids to attend the event. The inaugural Earth Day activities in the US involve around 10,000 elementary and secondary schools, 2,000 colleges and universities, and hundreds of towns.

Theme of Earth Day 2023

Earth Day is celebrated each year under a different theme focusing on various issues our planet is facing. As per the official website earthday.org, the global organizer of the event, Earth Day 2023 will be celebrated under the theme ‘Invest in Our Planet’. It has been decided to draw the attention of institutions, governments, businesses, and over one billion people toward the better health of our planet. The organization believes that maintaining the health of the planet is the responsibility of every individual.

Factors responsible for the poor health of our planet

The over usage of polyethylene is one of the key causes of the planet's declining health. Not only is it damaging the land, but it is also contaminating our oceans.

Deforestation for economic growth is another major factor contributing to the terrible condition of our planet.

Lack of awareness about the protection of the planet is another big challenge.

Besides human activities, natural causes like earthquakes, tidal waves, avalanches, storms, wildfires, etc. also play a crucial role in the destruction of our planet.