World Earth Day 2023: History, Theme and Significance

World Earth Day, also known as International Mother Earth Day, is observed on April 22 every year, it is celebrated to raise awareness related to the environmental problems around the world and encourage actions that safeguard the planet. The first Earth Day was observed in 1970 in the United States and has since evolved as a global event, with millions of people, organisations, and institutions engaging in diverse activities.
World Earth Day 2023: History
Gaylord Nelson, a Senator from Wisconsin, US, established Earth Day in response to growing concerns around pollution, biodiversity loss, and other ecological problems. He was concerned about the fact after seeing the oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in early 1969.
On April 22, 1970, over 20 million Americans participated in protests, rallies, and other events to demonstrate their support to protect the environment. This occurrence is broadly recognised as the inception of the modern environmental movement, which led to the establishment of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of environmental laws like the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act.
World Earth Day 2023: Theme
The World Earth Day theme 2023 is "Invest in Our Planet," calling out companies to opt for sustainable practices. The theme is in continuation of the successful 2022 campaign. The anticipated outcome of this movement is a transformation in the business and political climates, as well as a shift in approaches to addressing climate issues. "Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, and our livelihoods," says earthday.org.
World Earth Day 2023: Significance
World Earth Day is significant because it gives an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental problems and inspire individuals to take necessary actions. The day is also observed to mobilise public support for environmental policies and promote sustainable practices that reduce the impact of human activities on the planet.