The document summarizes the history and impact of Earth Day from its founding in 1970 to present day. It describes how Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson was inspired by the anti-war movement to bring environmental issues to national attention. The first Earth Day in 1970 engaged 20 million Americans and helped pass major environmental legislation. Subsequent Earth Days in 1990, 2000, and 2010 expanded the scope internationally and drew hundreds of millions of participants to address climate change and promote environmental causes. Earth Day has grown to be the largest secular event worldwide, observed by over a billion people annually.
The document summarizes the history and impact of Earth Day from its founding in 1970 to present day. It describes how Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson was inspired by the anti-war movement to bring environmental issues to national attention. The first Earth Day in 1970 engaged 20 million Americans and helped pass major environmental legislation. Subsequent Earth Days in 1990, 2000, and 2010 expanded the scope internationally and drew hundreds of millions of participants to address climate change and promote environmental causes. Earth Day has grown to be the largest secular event worldwide, observed by over a billion people annually.