Earth Day: 25 Facts That Might Surprise You

This piece lists 25 Earth Day and planet facts, noting that Earth Day began in 1970 under Senator Gaylord Nelson and that roughly a billion people take part worldwide each year.

Earth Day is observed on April 22 and is a day devoted to the planet. The holiday began in 1970 as a series of teach-ins to raise awareness about pollution and environmental damage. Senator Gaylord Nelson led the effort and recruited activist Denis Hayes to organize the first events. The observance now includes annual themes and is recognized in many countries. Notable facts: - Earth Day was founded in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson; Denis Hayes helped organize the initial campaign and select the date to reach college students. - The first Earth Day in 1970 drew about 20 million Americans, a large portion of the U.S. population at the time. - The holiday has an annual theme set by earthday.org; the 2025 and 2026 theme is "Our Power, Our Planet," focused on renewable energy. - Advertising writer Julian Koenig proposed the name "Earth Day" and had earlier suggested calling it an "Environmental Teach-in." - It is estimated that roughly a billion people across the world mark Earth Day each year. - The 1970 observance helped prompt the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and influenced the passage of laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act. Summary: Earth Day combined public activism and awareness around pollution and environmental issues and has become a recurring global observance with yearly themes. Its early impact included the establishment of U.S. environmental institutions and laws; plans and actions for future observances are undetermined at this time.