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On 22nd April 2009 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 22nd April as the “International Mother Earth Day”. The resolution was adopted to reaffirm the agenda of sustainable development and also to acknowledge the role of earth as a mother, who sustains and nurtures all the species, including humans, animals and plants.
The resolution was introduced by the unitary plurinational state of Bolivia and was supported by 50 other member states of the United Nations.
The term “Mother Earth” implies the interdependent relationship which exists between all the species of planet earth and to acknowledge earth’s role in sustaining them all.
“International Mother Earth Day” is aimed at sharing responsibilities and setting agendas for a peaceful coexistence with nature.
There is reason behind the title of this celebration as “Earth Day”. It was suggested by number of people in 1969 and the idea came with “birthday” as Earth day (rhyming word of birthday).
World Earth Day 2019 Date (International Mother Earth Day)
International Mother Earth Day 2019 was observed on Monday, April 22nd 2019.
There is reason behind the title of this celebration as “Earth Day”. It was suggested by number of people in 1969 and the idea came with “birthday” as Earth day (rhyming word of birthday).
World Earth Day 2019 theme was “Protect Our Species”. It mainly focused on saving species which are on the verge of extinction due to climate change, deforestation, pollution and illegal poaching.
Earth Day Network, the organisation which spreads awareness on environmental issues across the globe organized various events to raise awareness on saving the endangered species of the world. It urged people to say no to herbicides and pesticides and follow a plant based diet.
Environmental activists organized various processions and held rallies on the occasion to spread the awareness about saving our planet and making it the best planet to live. Focus was also made on fighting climate change, deforestation, pollution and protecting endangered species.
NASA, the international space agency, celebrated the World Earth Day by organizing a photo contest with hash tag #PictureEarth. The contestants had to take a picture of nature and post it on social media with the same hash tag. The best pictures were showcased on the NASA’s blog on 22nd April.
World Earth Day Information and History
Many countries have been celebrating “Earth Day” since 1970, decades before the introduction of “International Mother Earth Day”. The initiative to celebrate Earth Day was taken by Gaylord Nelson – the senator of California in 1969.
An oil spill on the coast of California on January 28, 1969 which killed thousands of marine animals, invoked the then senator Gaylord Nelson to take action. He called in a forum to discuss the issue of environment and the human impacts on it; surprisingly his first tech in on 22nd April 1970 was attended by 20 Million people.
Further In 1992, the UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development) was held in Rio de Jenerio, Brazil from 3rd to 14th June. In the conference 178 countries adopted the agenda of Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and principles for the sustainable management of forests.
In 2005 the United Nations General Assembly declared 2008 as the “International Year of Planet Earth”. The day was adopted with a view to promote education of earth sciences, acknowledging its importance in sustainable use of natural resources as well as for sustainable development.
Noting the fact that many countries have been celebrating Earth Day on 22nd April; Bolivia under its then President, Evo Morales Ayma, introduced a resolution to celebrate 22nd April as “International Mother Earth Day”. The resolution was backed by over 50 member states, and was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 22nd April 2009.
The inaugural function of “International Mother Earth Day” was celebrated in 2010; since then it us being observed annually across the globe.
Why April 22 is Celebrated as International Mother Earth Day?
Our Earth is the only planet in the Universe where life is possible till date. It is very necessary to maintain the natural assets of the earth in order to continue the life on the earth. In the rush of the crowd, the most intelligent creature of the God called human is slowly losing its humanity and forgot to take care of the planet that gave it life and started using its resources very ruthlessly. The 22nd of April has been marked as an Earth Day to make the human race get aware about the importance of their planet.
A USA senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson had founded the day to make the people aware about day to day increasing rate of the industrialization as well as the careless attitude of the people living on the earth. The step was taken by him to promote the idea of natural balance among people as well as encourage them for respecting the assets of the planet. It is very necessary to take care of the environmental issues to stay healthy and alive as cruel people have mercilessly utilized its resources and depleted its life supporting resources over the centuries.
One of the big examples of it is the depletion of the Ozone layer which prevents us from the ultra violet rays of the sun. Another big problem of the environment is death of rivers by getting mixed with the industrial toxic materials which leads to the global warming. Increasing industrialization on daily basis leads to deforestation which ultimately leads to the rise in Earth temperature.
These are the life ending dangers on the earth forever which can be lessens through the small steps such as new trees plantation, inhibiting the deforestation, limiting the vehicles use to reduce air pollution, enhancing the energy conservation through reducing the unnecessary use of electricity. Such small steps become a big step if taken care by the people worldwide together.
Now a day, everything is being packed in the plastic bags or given in it by the shopkeepers. Plastic bags productions are increasing day by day which is very shameful condition for us as these materials are undegradable. The first celebration of the Earth Day was took place in the US on 22nd of April in 1970 to mark the environmental movement as a big matter of fact.
Students group from the US College campuses had participated to protest for the environmental deterioration to increase the public awareness. Another group was protested for the oil spills, toxic dumps, air and water pollution due to industrialization, raw sewage, use and production of pesticides and many more. Since then, 22nd of April was continued to be celebrated as Earth Day officially.
How World Earth Day is Celebrated
People from all over the world celebrate earth day with great enthusiasm and interest on each 22nd of April since 1970 to save the natural assets of their earth. More than 20 million Americans took part in the event celebration and make the streets, parks and auditoriums busy in order to display their themes role based on the public health, environmental issues, industrialization, deforestation and so many.
Students from thousands of colleges, universities and other educational institutions actively take part in the protest against increasing earth issues such as the day to day environment deterioration, air and water pollution, ozone layer deterioration, industrialization, deforestation and etc to prevent the oil spills, set up of polluting factories, power plants, use and production of pesticides and etc.
Various steps have been taken by the governments of many countries towards the safety of earth by implementing the variety of legal rules. A group of environmental leaders organize various events and campaigns to celebrate the earth day. A big crowd of the people gets together from 141 countries to solve the environmental issues by implementing variety of useful measures.
People take part in demonstrating the theme of clean environment in order to build a clean and healthy world to welcome new generations. The aim of celebrating the world earth day is to inspire the public for making better earth environment.
At this day people perform outdoor activities related to the earth safety like new trees plantation planting trees, picking up roadside waste materials, recycling of wastes, energy conservation and so many. Some people request governments to take immediate action to prevent the day by day increasing global warming and other environmental destructions. At this day all the TV channels to show their programs to deal with the real environmental issues to get public aware.
It has not been declared as the public holiday officially by the government. All the schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions are open at this day. April 22 Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.
People who participate in the event celebration, make an earth planet using green and blue colors to indicate the life of animals, plants and symbolize their natural recycling including the green house effect and global warming. At some places in the United States, people celebrate earth day by taking part in a parade getting dressed up in flowers, plants or bugs clothes to make aware that whole environment is our real home. There are many ways to celebrate the earth day:
- New trees plantation at required places.
- Do some outdoor activities with your family such as making the home for a bird on the tree and discuss their role in the ecosystem.
- Motivate people to reduce the use of plastic bags to avoid the soil and water pollution.
- Teach your children about the recycling and reuse of the old materials.
- Take part in picking up the wastes from streets, parks and other places.
- Take part in the amusement activities like singing a song related to the Earth safety to attract more people to the event celebration.
- Take part in the educational sessions like seminars, discussions and other competitive activities related to the safety of natural resources of the earth.
- Motivate people by wearing green, brown or blue clothes for displaying the environmental colors.
- Promote people for energy conservation by various practical means.
- Teach people that every day of their life is earth day, so they should take care of the earth on daily basis.
Significance of World Earth Day Celebration
The founder of the Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, has chosen this day (22nd of April) to increase the awareness among common public, especially among youngsters to get full effect of the campaign of environmental safety. He had selected this day by keeping things in mind that there would not be any disturbances of the exams for the students or any fairs and festival for the common public, so that everyone could pay their full attention towards this event celebration. According to the Gregorian calendar, it is considered that 22nd of April 1970 was the 100th birth anniversary of the Vladimir Lenin.
How To Celebrate International Mother Earth Day
“International Mother Earth Day” is celebrated to promote harmony between the planet and living beings and to acknowledge the role of earth in sustaining and supporting life. There are many activities that could be undertaken to celebrate “International Mother Earth Day” and show your concern towards mother earth. Some of the activities to be a part of the celebrations are given below-
1) Volunteer
Various governments and non government agencies organize events on “International Mother Earth Day”. Any such event needs volunteers to work and support the campaign. You can also volunteer in such an event and contribute your bit towards saving Mother Earth.
2) Raise Awareness
As the threats to the planet are increasing, there is an urgent need to raise general awareness about environmental protection, habitat protection and minimizing the effects of climate change. There is also a need for everyone to acknowledge the role that earth and its environment play in sustaining life. It could only be done by raising awareness and letting people admire the planet and its various elements.
3) Organize School events
The future of the planet lies in the hands of the children of today. It is in the hands of our children that we will hand over the planet. Children should know the significance of the planet they live in and admire its resources and sustainability. They should be taught the meaning of “Mother Earth” and what it implies. Organize events in schools to make the children realize that Earth is like a mother who sustains, feeds and nurtures her children unconditionally; we just have to keep her safe in return.
4) Applaud
Honor those who have done something for the cause of environment, pollution or cleanliness etc. You can organize a small felicitation event in your community, to felicitate anyone for working on environmental issues. The work doesn’t need necessarily to be exceptional and anyone who has simply taken an initiative could also be applauded. Such appreciation will not only encourage the person making him more dedicated to the cause, but also inspire others to follow suit.
5) Stay Updated
Keep yourself updated of the events around the world as well as in your own city, village or community. To motivate others and also to make them aware of the significance of the day you need to be updated yourself. You could be a source of information for them; motivating and inspiring them to admire the planet earth as mother and also to pledge for her protection.
6) Plant Trees
Trees play a vital role in the environment. Trees are essential for climate regulation, causing rains, preventing floods etc. They are also essential for providing livelihood and sustaining life. Over all trees represent the health of our planet “Mother Earth”. Planting trees is like giving medicines to an ailing earth and is bound to make a positive effect. So, plant as many trees as you can to celebrate the day and show your concern towards mother earth.
7) Clean The Environment
Pollution is one of the most potent and immediate threats to the environment and consequently to the earth. The environment is getting damaged constantly by pollutions of various kinds – air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution etc. All the pollutions are due to human induced factors. On the event of “International Mother Earth Day”, take up to cleaning the road or a public place in or around your community. By taking up the cause of cleaning the environment on “International Mother Earth Day” you are contributing towards improving the overall health of mother health.
8) Collect Funds
Organizing events and campaigns might require funds for mobilization of various resources and also for other causes. If you wish, you could start in advance; collecting funds for the event. The fund collected could be used for planting trees or for other environmental issues.
9) Pledge
Pledge to protect the earth and its environment, also encourage your relatives and friends to take the pledge with you. Pledge to refrain from polluting the environment and also to stop others from doing so. This way you will acknowledge the role of earth as a mother, reaffirming her essentiality in providing sustenance and livelihood.
Themes of International Mother Earth Day
- “International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2019 is – “Protect Our Species”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2018 was – “End Plastic Pollution”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2017 was – “Environmental and Climate Literacy”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2016 was – “Trees For the Earth”
- ‘International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2015 was – “It’s our turn to lead”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2014 was – “Green Cities”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2013 was – “The Face of Climate Change”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2012 was – “Mobilize the Earth”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” Theme 2011 was – “Clear The Air”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” theme 2010 was – “A Global Referendum on Climate Change”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” theme 2009 was “How Do You Get Around”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” theme 2008 was “Trees Please”.
- “International Mother Earth Day” theme 2007 was “Be kind to the earth – starting from saving resources”.
World Earth Day Quotes
We have listed below some inspirational and meaningful quotes on Earth Day. All the listed quotes are said by the famous personalities of the world on the earth day. Such well said quotes inspire us to take care of the beautiful earth and conserve this natural property.
“One billion people in 175 countries will mark Earth Day. That puts tea parties in perspective, doesn’t it?” – Greg Dworkin
“In celebration of this Earth Day, I encourage all Members of the House to support legislation aimed at investing in the improvement of water quality in our Nation’s lakes, rivers, streams and estuaries.” – Jerry Costello
“Well, perhaps the greatest achievement, and we didn’t know it at the time, was we held an Earth Day in 1970, and out of that Earth Day a lot of students got involved in saving the environment, or trying to.” – Pete McCloskey
“Every day is Earth Day, and I vote we start investing in a secure climate future right now.” – Jackie Speier
“Earth Day 1970 was irrefutable evidence that the American people understood the environmental threat and wanted action to resolve it.” – Barry Commoner
“We had some major successes and we did so because the country embraced the spirit of Earth Day and embraced this concept that we have to have forward-looking, visionary environmental policy and energy policy in this country.” – Jay Inslee
“Ahh, Earth Day, the only day of the year where being able to hacky-sack will get you laid.” – Jon Stewart
“If we are ever to halt climate change and conserve land, water and other resources, not to mention reduce animal suffering, we must celebrate Earth Day every day – at every meal.” – Ingrid Newkirk
“On Earth Day, we celebrate all the gifts the world and nature make available to us. We recognize our complete dependence on its bounty. And we acknowledge the need for good stewardship to preserve its fruits for future generations.” – John Hoeven
“Earth Day should encourage us to reflect on what we are doing to make our planet a more sustainable and livable place.” – Scott Peters
“If we are ever to halt climate change and conserve land, water and other resources, not to mention reduce animal suffering, we must celebrate Earth Day every day — at every meal.” – Ingrid Newkirk
“The earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry
“Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth.” – Henry David Thoreau
“Man must feel the earth to know himself and recognize his values…. God made life simple. It is man who complicates it.” – Charles A. Lindbergh
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson
“Trees are Earth’s endless effort to speak to the listening heaven.” – Rabindranath Tagore
“God wanted to make heaven and the earth is that heaven. Nowhere in the universe there is so much love, life, beauty and peace. Enjoy your stay with the fellow beings.” – Amit Ray
“It’s Earth day I wonder if we can plant more trees than people for a change?” – Stanley Victor Paskavich
“I had assumed that the Earth, the spirit of the Earth, noticed exceptions — those who wantonly damage it and those who do not. But the Earth is wise. It has given itself into the keeping of all, and all are therefore accountable.” – Alice Walker
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