News
Wanitsuka no Sakura tree in Japan

The Story of Earth Day 2025: From Its Origins to Global Awareness

There's no backup planet, that's why taking care of it needs to be a priority for everyone

Share:

As climate activists often emphasize, there’s no backup planet. That’s why taking care of it needs to be a priority for everyone: individuals, businesses, and governments alike. Here at LOS40, we’re eager to participate in Earth Day and encourage all our followers to do their part for a better planet.

A Year to Remember: 1968

In France, the May protests erupted, ignited by a student strike that led to widespread demonstrations across Europe. The hippie movement was in full swing, while the world was shaken by the tragic assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. On the cultural front, The Beatles released their groundbreaking White Album, further pushing the boundaries of music.

However, 1968 also marked a lesser-known yet profoundly important moment. Morton Hilbert, a public health professor and environmentalist, organized an event with students called the Symposium of Human Ecology. At the time, he couldn’t have known the lasting impact of this gathering, which sparked a powerful movement, inspiring millions of Americans to advocate for stronger environmental conservation efforts.

The efforts paid off. Two years later, in 1970, it was decided that every April 22nd would be recognized as Earth Day. This decision had immediate effects: in 1972, the first international conference on the subject, the Stockholm Earth Summit, was held, marking a significant moment in the development of international environmental policy. 

Today, many things have changed. Climate change has become a major focus in the media and is now the primary threat facing humanity. Ecosystem degradation has worsened significantly, as has the number of people breathing polluted air daily. Additionally, the extinction of animal species has increased dramatically: it is estimated that between 18,000 and 55,000 species disappear each year, amounting to 150 species lost per day, according to the UN. 

There are plenty of ways to help, but it’s crucial to always keep in mind the basics of environmentalism: reduce, reuse, and recycle. It’s also important not to ignore the impact of our consumption habits. Ultimately, it’s about making small changes in our daily lives that can have a positive impact. 

Salir de la versión móvil