Celebrating Earth Day: Protecting Our Planet
The celebration of Earth Day is a call to action, encouraging individuals to learn about environmental stewardship, participate in conservation efforts, and work towards a more sustainable future, and with the help of local ecological and conservation organizations, such as The Wild Center, AdkAction, and The Nature Conservancy, people can get involved and make a positive impact on the planet.
Earth Day, observed on April 22, has become a global phenomenon, with over 1 billion people participating in activities that promote environmental protection and conservation, highlighting the importance of being good stewards of the earth and preserving its natural resources for future generations.
The first Earth Day, held in 1970, was marked by rallies, teach-ins, and speeches across the U.S., with an estimated 20 million Americans participating, and since then, it has grown into a global movement, with people from all over the world working together to reduce pollution, mitigate climate change, and protect the planet's natural resources. In Delaware, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) celebrates Earth Day as a month-long event, with activities such as tree plantings, beach cleanups, and hikes, and has made significant strides in environmental protection, including the passage of the Coastal Zone Act in 1971.
The state has also made progress in reducing pollution, improving public health, and adapting to climate change, and is part of a regional partnership to reduce greenhouse gases and is transitioning to cleaner energy. However, challenges persist, including managing forever chemicals and meeting water quality goals, and the state is working to protect its natural resources, including the Great Dune at Cape Henlopen State Park, which was saved from destruction in 1970 by a protest led by John Stenger.
As the world celebrates Earth Day, it is a reminder of the importance of taking care of the earth and its resources, and the need for collective action to address the environmental challenges facing the planet, and by participating in activities such as recycling, planting trees, and neighborhood clean-ups, individuals can make a difference and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.