A member of the Environmental Health Citizens' Association of Korea, wearing a mask representing the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus, holds a banner during the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea. EPA
A member of the Environmental Health Citizens' Association of Korea, wearing a mask representing the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus, holds a banner during the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea. EPA
A member of the Environmental Health Citizens' Association of Korea, wearing a mask representing the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus, holds a banner during the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea. EPA
A member of the Environmental Health Citizens' Association of Korea, wearing a mask representing the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus, holds a banner during the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, at Gwanghwamun Squ

What is Earth Day? A history of the 50-year-old global movement to save our planet


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

Fifty years ago today, in 1970, the first Earth Day was marked.

It began in America, where a growing number of people were becoming concerned about the vast amounts of leaded gas that were being consumed through the automobile industry.

Air pollution was rife. But it was also generally accepted as a normal part of everyday life.

For the most part, the population was oblivious to the damage we were all doing to our planet.

A brief history of the Earth Day movement

Senator Gaylord Nelson, a junior senator from Wisconsin, was paying attention, however. In January 1969, he was deeply moved by a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California and, inspired by the student anti-war movement, he wanted to merge that rebellious spirit with a raising consciousness of air and water pollution.

Nelson decided to organise college teach-ins with the help of Pete McCloskey, a Republican congressman with a mind for conservation, and activist Denis Hayes. They chose April 22, as it was a weekday that fell between spring break and final exams, therefore ensuring as much student participation as possible.

Hayes went on to recruit 85 national staff to promote the events across the country to a broadening group of people. That's when they changed the name to Earth Day, a move that captured the media's – and the nation's – attention. Ultimately, about 20 million Americans, 10 per cent of the population at the time, were inspired to head out into the streets and public spaces to demonstrate against the environmental impacts of industrial development.

A milestone event and a catalyst for change

It was an important moment for many reasons. Not only did it spark a 50-year-long venture that is still ongoing to this day, but it also brought together a range of different communities. Groups that had been leading the fight on specific issues, such as oil spills and the use of pesticides, united under the guise of Earth Day.

Republicans and Democrats, people of varying social classes, big-city folk, farmers and businessmen all joined in.

A photo from 1969 of state forestry conservation crews gathering up oil-soaked straw on a beach in Santa Barbara, California. AP
A photo from 1969 of state forestry conservation crews gathering up oil-soaked straw on a beach in Santa Barbara, California. AP

It led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and paved a path for the introduction of a range of new environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act.

From America to the world: Earth Day goes global

It might have taken 20 years, but Earth Day eventually went global in 1990, when a group of international environmental leaders approached Hayes. This saw 200 million people in 141 countries get involved, as a focus was put on worldwide recycling efforts.

Today, more than one billion people mark Earth Day globally. More than ever, people are aware of the detrimental impacts industry has on our planet, and they're willing to stand up and say something about it. Naturally, the internet has made it possible for organisers to reach out to people in the furthest corners of the planet.

What's new for Earth Day 2020?

Of course, firstly, many of the events will be entirely digital as we continue to try and curb the spread of Covid-19 and practice social distancing.

We find ourselves today in a world facing global threats that demand a unified global response

To mark the 50th anniversary, the Earth Day Network organisers have chosen to focus on climate action. "The enormous challenges – but also the vast opportunities – of acting on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary year," reads a statement on the official website.

"At the end of 2020, nations will be expected to increase their national commitments to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, so the time is now for citizens to call for greater global ambition to tackle our climate crisis."

There are a number of campaigns that have been designed to engage at least one billion people. This includes Earthrise, the Great Global Cleanup, Earth Challenge 2020, Foodprints for the Future and Artists for the Earth.

Further details on each of these campaigns can be found on the website.

Romanian school student Mihai, 15, prepares a slideshow he will share in the online Earth Day 'digital storm' event. EPA
Romanian school student Mihai, 15, prepares a slideshow he will share in the online Earth Day 'digital storm' event. EPA

They've also set up the Global Advisory Committee for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day in 2020, which enlists worldwide leaders and activists to help engage their communities. This includes actor Leonardo DiCaprio, Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco, former president of Finland Tarja Halonen, former US Secretary of State John Kerry, actor and producer Anil Kapoor and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, to name a few.

"Earth Day 2020 will be far more than a day," the statement continues. "It must be a historic moment when citizens of the world rise up in a united call for the creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery that we need to meet our climate crisis and seize the enormous opportunities of a zero-carbon future."

How can you get involved?

There are a number of ways, all listed on the "take action" section of the website. These include adding your voice or story to a worldwide "map of support", organising a digital event (or a physical one when social distancing regulations come to an end), spreading the word in your community through social media, downloading campaign materials and more.

Why is this movement so important?

As we deal with the global pandemic, the fact that something drastic needs to change – and urgently – has never been so prevalent.

For Earth Day 2020, we will build a new generation of environmentalist activists

Hayes says: "We find ourselves facing an even more dire, almost existential, set of global environmental challenges, from loss of biodiversity to climate change to plastic pollution, that call for action at all levels of government."

Earth Day Network president Kathleen Rogers says progress has slowed and "our adversaries have become better financed".

"We find ourselves today in a world facing global threats that demand a unified global response. For Earth Day 2020, we will build a new generation of environmentalist activists, engaging millions of people worldwide."

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

Arabian Gulf League fixtures:

Friday:

  • Emirates v Hatta, 5.15pm
  • Al Wahda v Al Dhafra, 5.25pm
  • Al Ain v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, 8.15pm

Saturday:

  • Dibba v Ajman, 5.15pm
  • Sharjah v Al Wasl, 5.20pm
  • Al Jazira v Al Nasr, 8.15pm
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”

 

 

Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Brief scoreline:

Wales 1

James 5'

Slovakia 0

Man of the Match: Dan James (Wales)

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

THE BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Whenever I have any free time I always go back to see my family in Caltra, Galway, it’s the only place I can properly relax.

Favourite film: The Way, starring Martin Sheen. It’s about the Camino de Santiago walk from France to Spain.

Personal motto: If something’s meant for you it won’t pass you by.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.