The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.
The phaseout of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for this and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change; furthermore, it has protected human health and ecosystems by limiting the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth.
On this World Ozone Day, we not only celebrate past actions to protect the ozone layer, but also look to the future for deeper and faster action under the Montreal Protocol. Drafted in 1987, the principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the ozone layer by taking measures to control total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it, ultimately eliminating them through developments in scientific knowledge and technology.
Sun Day is a day of action on September 21, 2025, celebrating the power of solar energy. The clean energy revolution is here. Solar, wind and batteries are the cheapest form of power on the planet, lowering costs, creating new jobs, strengthening our communities, and playing a pivotal role in combating climate change. On Sun Day, we’ll celebrate the progress we’ve made and push for more solar. Together, we’ll keep momentum going on our nation's clean energy future.
In Minnesota, the Twin Cities’ Sun Day festival at Graco Park in Minneapolis will feature inspiring music, theatrical performances, interactive activities, and exhibits, where the “solar-curious” (including families) can have fun while also exploring options for their own participation in the clean-energy revolution.
A single day to raise awareness on the impact of our daily emissions - gases and particles emitted by electricity, agriculture, or transportation. As individuals, we can make an effort to limit emissions, as they directly affect human health and the environment, causing climate change, air pollution, and extreme weather events. Zero Emissions Day was started in 2008 in Canada as a day to minimize the use of electricity generated by fossil fuels. Ken Wallace launched a website in Nova Scotia, Canada, calling for September 21 to be a day of zero fossil fuel consumption. Zero Emissions Day has evolved into a worldwide movement that aims to stop the use of fossil fuels for 24 hours that day.
Zero Emissions Day is annually observed for the following purposes:
To raise awareness of the impact of carbon emissions on air quality and climate change.
To encourage individuals, organizations, and corporations to reduce the use of fossil fuels in daily life.
To promote the use of renewable energy
Five Ways to Celebrate Zero Emissions Day
1. Ride your bike instead of driving or use public transport.
2.. Turn off all lights and electronics for one hour.
3. Support sustainable local businesses.
4. Plant trees!
5. Educate yourself and others about climate change.
World Rivers Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September to recognize the importance of rivers and waterways, and to raise awareness of the threats they face. The day also aims to encourage the sustainable management and conservation of rivers. This year we celebrate these “Earthly Lifelines” by reducing water pollution and raising awareness about ways to restore our rivers to pristine form. Do you know that about 65% of the United States’ drinking water comes from rivers?
5 Riveting River Facts
1. Rivers are responsible for carving out the world around us, with erosion being the cause behind amazing landmarks such as mountain valleys and canyons.
2. Rivers come in different colors. There's the obvious blue, grey and muddy brown, but did you know you can also find black, red, yellow and green?
3. Rivers provide a fantastic habitat to many different creatures. Insects, amphibians, birds, reptiles, mammals and over 10,000 species of fish can all be found living in these wet wonderlands.
4. It is estimated that over 300 million tons of waste (chemicals, sewage and household rubbish) pollutes the world's rivers every year.
5. The shortest river in the world is called the Roe river — it is only 201 feet long and is found in Montana.
The Mississippi River
Friends of the Mississippi - Engaging people to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region.
Mississippi River State Water Trail - Portions of the Mississippi river have been designated as a Wild and Scenic river. There are ten mapped segments of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, beginning at the source and ending on the Minnesota/Iowa border.
Five facts about the Mississippi River:
1. The Mississippi River Is the Third-Largest River Basin in the World.
2. The River's Widest Point is Over 11 Miles Across.
3. It's Where Water-Skiing Was Invented.
4. Two People Have Swum the Entire Length of the River.
5. It's Home to 25% of All North American Fish Species.