As the world is holding its breath to keep a virus at bay, the earth is finally breathing because we are locked away.

Barring some cases of illegal activities that have slipped the notice of governments as they have been distracted by tackling COVID-19, the above expressed is a commonly held sentiment and embarrassing indictment on our species and collective (mis)management of our planet. The earth and its beauty have been a longstanding, humbling form from which we have found ample sustenance, inspiration and have the privilege of calling our home. What has been abundantly clear in the last century, is that our home has not taken well to our destructive habits. (see video below on the trajectory of the state of the environment).

There are, of course, inspiring exceptions- organizations, movements, social ventures and individuals, who are innovating and modelling more sustainable methods of living and being productive. The hope is that more people will learn from and replicate their solutions, or draw inspiration from them to develop solutions of their own to the many existing challenges we still face today. On the whole, the alarming realities and repercussions of climate change are flagrant reminders that much headway must still be made. Not just on one day; but every day.

50 Years of Earth Day

The first Earth Day happened in 1970 when 20 million people mobilized to call for greater protection for our planet. At the time, the collective accounted for 10% of the US population. In the 49 years following, the Earth Day Network (EDN) has initiated environmental campaigns, mobilize individuals and communities around the world on issues from voter registration to environmental education. To date, the EDN in African has staff members in 9 different sub-Saharan states including Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Kenya, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. It also works with networks of community-based in many more territories.

With 2020 being the golden anniversary of Earth Day, EDN is collaborating with partners around the globe to organize a historic moment where “citizens of the world will rise in a united call for the creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery that we need to meet our climate crisis and seize the enormous opportunities of a zero-carbon future”.

A digital celebration

Owing to the global battle against COVID-19, nations across the globe are functioning under unique protective regulations. Most administrations have placed varying measures of restrictions on public gatherings, movement, productivity and exchange. Resulting in more digital forms of productivity and social interaction. Meaning that Earth Day will be celebrated online. This, however, does not mean that we are in for a dull, “run of the mill” arrangement. It is quite the opposite…

Earthday.org will host Earth Day 2020 on 22 April 2020 from 00:01 ET- 23:59. It will feature “24 hours of action”. This will include a different action one can perform in defence of the environment, every hour for 24 hours. Thereby encouraging diverse voices around the world to participate in, and demand “bold action for people and the planet”. The digital space will be further filled with critical global conversations, calls to action, as well as upbeat performances and more.

Earth Day Live festivities will be running on 22- 25 April 2020 from 09:00 ET- 21:00 ET. Delegates will be treated to everything from performances by global musical talent, to cooking with the likes of Rachel Ray, yoga classes and meditation sessions. Above the much-anticipated webinars on advocacy and solutions to climate issues.

A Fresh Start

Though it has wreaked much disruption and misfortune, COVID-19 has given us all a pocket of time to reflect upon and reconsider how we will approach the future. The pandemic has reminded us how precious life is and has afforded us the opportunity to pursue a different trajectory once social restrictions have lifted. One of the best things we can do collectively is educate ourselves and reconsider our personal and institutional commitments to sustainability. We are capable of incorporating more earth-friendly habits into our lifestyles to achieve the possible end of ensuring that every day will be that earth day that makes a difference.

American Museum of Natural History explores “What's happened to our planet in the 50 years since the first Earth Day?”

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