Earth Day, held on April 22 each year, marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. On April 22, 20 million Americans took to the streets to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment.
Earth Day is now celebrated around the world, but larger events such as festivals and rallies are often held on the weekends before or after April 22. Many communities also celebrate Earth Week or Earth Month through environmental activities during the month of April.
Earth Day 2009 will herald the beginning of the “Green Generation Campaign”; a two-year project culminating with the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010. With negotiations for a new global climate agreement this year, Earth Day 2009 organisers are looking to a massive day of action and civic participation, to highlight the Green Generation’s core principles:
* A carbon-free future based on renewable energy that will end dependency on fossil fuels, including coal.
* A commitment to responsible, sustainable consumption on an individual level
* Creation of a new green economy that addresses poverty by creating millions of quality green jobs and sees the global education system transform into a green one.
Earth Day Network reaches over 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. In excess of 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world. Events being held in Australia can be located using the Earth Day Network search feature and people are also encouraged to add or develop their own Earth Day activities
