Earth Day: A Historic Overview
Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 since 1970, was founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, who aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues. After witnessing an oil spill in 1969, he inspired 20 million Americans to participate in grassroots activities like protests and clean-ups, leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency and key legislation like the Clean Air and Water Acts. While progress has been made, challenges remain, and local initiatives continue to play a vital role in addressing climate change, emphasizing the need for broader engagement and action.
