50th Anniversary of Earth Day

50 Years of Earth Day

50 years ago, Earth Day was created in response to the increased pesticide use, loss of endangered wildlife, air and water pollution, and environmental degradation that our nation was experiencing on a daily basis.

Since then, incredible strides have been made in the fight to save our planet. Clean Air Act programs have resulted in lower levels of six common pollutants; the Clean Water Act has significantly reduced the amount of contaminants found in local streams; endangered species like the American Alligator, Bald Eagle, Gray Wolf, Peregrine Falcon, American Bison, and many others have been saved from extinction; and the Environmental Protection Agency continues to advance efforts to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment.

Read our blog about the history of Earth Day and the progress we’ve made.

Today, the international community is embracing Natural Climate Solutions. By preserving, protecting, and restoring our natural environment, research suggests that forests, wetlands, and grasslands could absorb 37% of the CO2 necessary to keep global temperature increases below 2°C. A simple and profound solution to climate change, protecting nature and empowering it to regenerate might be the most efficient and cost-effective method of protecting our planet.