Earth Day 2016 will be commemorated by the whole planet on April 22. On this worldwide environmental event, people from 196 countries will celebrate the day with rallies, festivals and outdoor activities that channel support for environmental protection and awareness to environmental issues.
Much has been said about Earth Day 2016 but why do we celebrate it in the first place? How much do you know about this worldwide environmental event? Here are 5 significant facts that you need to know about Earth Day 2016.
1. Earth Day 2016 marks a year closer to its 50th anniversary.
According to the Earth Day Network, Earth Day 2016 marks the 46th year of the movement. Former United States Senator Gaylord Nelson founded the movement as a way of tackling the massive oil spill at Santa Barbara, California in 1969. The first ever Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970 in the US until it was embraced globally in 1990.
2. Earth Day 2016 is the largest civic observance in the world.
"Earth Day is the largest, most recognizable face of the environmental movement," Earth Day Network president Kathleen Rogers said in a press release. This year, the worldwide environmental event is expected to engage more than a billion of people across the globe.
3. Earth Day 2016 goes bigger than lifting environmental issues.
With the theme "Trees for the Earth," Earth Day 2016 is urging people to go beyond participating events and taking a stand. This year's Earth Day, the movement is encouraging everyone to plant trees to combat climate change. It aims to plant 7.8 billion trees before the year ends.
4. The worldwide agreement to fight climate will be sealed on Earth Day 2016.
The Paris climate change agreement is set to be sealed on April 22. The Daily Mirror reports that the historic agreement will be signed by at least 130 countries.
The agreement sets out a global action plan to reduce climate change by dealing greenhouse gases emissions mitigation, adaptation and finance. The agreement will be implemented in full swing in 2020.
5. Everyone can celebrate Earth Day 2016.
You can celebrate Earth Day 2016 in your own little ways. Aside from planting trees, you can take part of the worldwide environmental event by buying locally grown produce or growing your own food. Refraining from drinking bottled water, going paperless and investing in a solar-powered phone charger are some of the simple yet meaningful ways to mark Earth Day 2016.
