First tabled at the 1969 UNESCO Conference in California, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honour the planet and promote peace.

The first-ever Earth Day was held on 22nd April 1970, and with coordination by a global advisory committee at EarthDay.org, the efforts continue to protect the health and human life, livelihoods, as well as the planet itself.

Now in its 52nd year and recognized in more than 190 countries, World Earth Day 2022 is themed ‘Invest in Our Planet’ and will once again be observed on the 22nd of April.

No task too small

According to Kathleen Rogers, the President of EarthDay.org, the 2022 initiative hopes to engage up to 1 billion people including governments, institutions, and businesses.

The organisation hopes to push aside obstacles created by the fossil fuel industry, and drive more attention towards building a 21^st economy that’s focused on the health of the planet.

From individuals to governments, each party has a unique role to play in a global partnership in order to affect real change.

Get involved

Whether wanting to play a part in planet conservation as an individual or hoping to join groups already running planned initiatives, the World Earth Day website lists the many ways you can get involved.

Among the many initiatives spearheaded by EarthDay.org include:

• The Great Global Cleanup®, a worldwide campaign to remove trash from neighbourhoods, beaches, rivers, lakes, trails, and parks,
• A petition for Sustainable Fashion to fight climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions by the fashion industry, and to move towards a clothing supply chain that is more ecologically and socially responsible,
• A movement for climate and environmental literacy, to build awareness among students of all ages, and
• The Canopy Project to promote ‘reforestation’ by planting trees across the globe.

For more information on World Earth Day 2022 and how you can get involved, go to www.earthday.org