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The first earth day, April 22, 1970, began through the efforts of former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Senator of Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson. Nelson, working to build on the environmental movement that began in the late 1960s, worked with Harvard graduate student Denys Hayes to launch the event. The Wisconsin tradition of protecting our planet is now celebrated around the world.
Earth Day helped propel the environmental movement into the mainstream, encouraging both political action and environmental education. These efforts led to the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Endangered Species Act in 1973. In 1990, Earth Day was observed globally, with more than 140 countries and about 200 million people participating. The Paris Climate Agreement opened for signatures on Earth Day, 2016.
The celebration of Earth Day is April 22 in the US, and on the spring equinox around the world, and is promoted by the Earth Day Network. This year, the site urges action and accountability:
“For Earth Day 2023, we need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). Businesses, governments, and citizens — everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A partnership for the planet.”
The La Crosse non-profit Climate Alliance for the Common Good works locally to reduce climate change globally. Our goal, in line with the Earth Day Network, is to
- educate the local community about climate change, through talks and discussions;
- support advocacy for climate action through governmental and individual efforts;
- work across the entire community to ensure that we act now and stay informed.
In local support of Earth Day 2023, the Climate Alliance for the Common Good is participating in the La Crosse Earth Day celebration at Myrick Park, 4/30/23. The fair runs from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. We hope you stop by our table at the fair!