Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970. The inaugural event was promoted by Senator Gaylor Nelson, who had called upon students to fight for environmental causes with the same energy that they had displayed in opposing the Vietnam War.
Earth Day was the precursor of the largest grassroots environmental movement in US history. The newfound focus on protecting the environment resulted in the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, and was the impetus for national legislation such as the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.
By the twentieth anniversary of the original event, more that 200 million people in 141 countries had participated in Earth Day Celebrations. (more…)
