EARTH DAY 2022
- The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970
- A major impetus for creating Earth Day was the devastating oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, Jan. 28, 1969
- U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin led the movement to create Earth Day, which drew some 20 million Americans to gather on April 22, 1970
- There was no Environmental Protection Agency at the time, it began operating in December 1970
- The United Nations formally recognized Earth Day in February 1971
- Some 200 countries now celebrate Earth Day on April 22 or the vernal equinox
- The theme of Earth Day 2022 is "Invest in Our Planet"
- Earth Day events are available at earthday.org/earth-day-2022
| - Special Thanks EarthDay.org |
