History of Earth Day
Earth Day April 22, 2021
This year is the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. The first Earth Day was organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Denis Hayes, and Representative Pete McCloskey. Senator Nelson was inspired to take action in response to the massive 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara. His idea developed into a national event designed to educate the public about the environment.
In Senator Nelson's words, “The objective was to get a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political establishment out of its lethargy and, finally, force this issue permanently onto the national political agenda.”
1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill: This photograph shows oil rising to the surface of the Pacific Ocean near this oil drilling rig off the coast of Santa Barbara, CA.
1969 Santa Barbara Oil Spill: This photograph shows oil coating the breakwater water in the Santa Barbara Harbor.
The First Earth Day
On April 20, 1970, over 20 million people joined together to hold protests and discuss actions to help support the environment.
Earth Day founder Senator Nelson addresses a crowd in Denver at a teach-in on the first Earth Day.
The first Earth Day remains a significant event in the modern environmental movement.
Influence of Earth Day
Earth Day succeeded in increasing the environmental consciousness of people around the world. Soon after the first Earth Day, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Acts were passed and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created.
Earth Day continues to be celebrated around the world each spring.