Origins

This year celebrates the 50^th year of Earth Day with the theme of climate change.

Earth Day is the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson inspired by the protests of the 1960’s when people were starting to see the effects of pollution. It was founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues.

This years Earth Day is being celebrated a little differently than others due to the needs of social distancing.

How Can You Join In

The Earth Day Network is doing an all day live stream talking about different aspects of the planet. You can also check out more information for the day on their site.

Museums are doing live streams:

The American Museum of Natural History has made an infographic video of the changes from the past 50 years. They will also be live at 1 pm ET with oceanographer Nathalie Goodkin, conservation biologist Ana Luz Porzecanski, and video producer Laura Moustakerski answering your questions in the chat window.
The Exploratorium in San Francisco invites kids and their families to an activity at 1 p.m. Wednesday (Pacific time).

Sites have made quizzes to see how much you really know about the planet.

Bill Nye the Science guy has even created a mixtape for Mother Earth playlist. It includes classics such as “Help!” by the Beatles, “Pollution” by musical satirist Tom Lehrer.

What the Oceans do for the Planet

The worlds oceans cover 71% of the planet and provide 95% of the space available for life.
70% of Earth’s oxygen in the atmosphere is produced by marine plants.
The oceans are a huge carbon store, it is estimated 83% of global carbon is stored in the marine environment.
More than 60% of the world’s population lives on or near the coast. The ocean provides a livelihood, recreation, beauty, wonder, and untapped scientific discovery, leading to new medications and advanced technologies.

Although we have been seeing clearer and quieter waters, less pollution and wildlife coming to new areas, it is important to remember in this worrying time that the planet is still at risk. Ensuring we are still doing what we can to help out is important, this includes disposing of medical supplies properly, reducing plastic waste as much as we can and recycling at home.

Keep safe by practicing social distancing, staying home and washing your hands!