What is Earth Day?

A brief history of Earth Day

Earth Day has a somewhat unexpected origin. It all started with the publication of Rachel Carson’s environmental science classic Silent Spring in 1962. In her non-fiction masterpiece, Carson—a biologist and science writer—explored the harmful effects that pesticides were having on the environment, principally the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT).

Carson argued that pesticides should more accurately be called ‘biocides’ given that they do not exclusively target the pests they are intended to exterminate but instead have many negative downstream effects. Coupled with the fact that DDT is a known carcinogen—an agent capable of causing cancer—she argued for greater moderation and restrictions placed on its usage.

Silent Spring leveraged Carson’s extensive research and the growing body of scientific literature on the subject and advocated for a more controlled use—rather than an outright ban—of DDT. Despite this, Carson was lambasted by the chemical industry and labelled as an extremist whose ideas would do more harm than good.

However, an independent investigation ordered by US President John F. Kennedy backed up Carson’s claims and marked one of the first significant milestones towards a more environmentally conscious America.

Up to this point, the US had been using fossil fuels at an unprecedented level. Leaded gasoline was consumed at an alarming rate to power the ever-growing number of cars on American roads and its booming industry. Pollution was not yet seen as a bad thing—quite the opposite. A sky filled with black clouds and ever-present smog was viewed by many as a sign of a thriving and forward-looking economy.

However, following the publication of Silent Spring and an array of environmental disasters like the Santa Barbara oil spill and Cuyahoga River fire, Americans began to question the effects of pollution. For the first time, it was becoming clear that humans were affecting the environment—a fact that had gone unrecognised before then and is unfortunately still debated by some today.

In 1969, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin decided it was time for larger action. Inspired by the impact of recent anti-war protests, the senator orchestrated a campaign to help organise a widespread grassroots event for environmental protection, focusing on leveraging the student population that had been so effective in the anti-war movement.

On 22 April 1970, approximately two million people joined the first Earth Day and participated in rallies across the country. The resulting impact was incredible. The public’s perspective changed immensely, and support for environmental protection skyrocketed to an all-time high.

Most importantly, Earth Day created a domino effect. In 1970, the US created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, over the following years, passed landmark legislation like the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). By the 1990s, millions of people around the world joined in on Earth Day celebrations, turning it into the global event we recognise today.

In 1990, Earth Day expanded globally, mobilising 200 people from 141 countries. Environmental disasters like the 1986 Chernobyl incident have catalysed people around the world to rally for our shared planet.

What is Earth Day today?

In 2026, Earth Day celebrates its 56th anniversary. The holiday is now bigger than ever, with nearly 200 countries and more than one billion people around the world expected to participate in Earth Day events. Find an Earth Day event near you.

Earth Day 2026 carries on the theme of ‘Our Power, Our Planet.’ Organisers are emphasising that environmental progress happens through everyday action—from individuals and communities showing up to protect their local ecosystems to scientific research advancing innovative solutions. To celebrate Earth Day 2026, we can mobilise at scale. Every action counts, no matter how small. Every voice matters.

Stand up for our planet on Earth Day 2026 by…

• Organising a demonstration
• Contacting your elected officials
• Organising a cleanup
• Taking the Earth Month pledge
• Signing a petition to save endangered whales

Earth Day and animals

Animals impact the environment on a number of levels—from acting as ecosystem engineers to pollinating plants to storing carbon to improving soil health. Protecting one species can safeguard an entire ecosystem.

Take the example of elephants. These huge mammals clear paths through the landscape. They help sunlight reach plants and animals close to the ground and knock down food which smaller animals can then eat. They also dig water holes that become a vital lifeline for other animals in dry seasons. In addition, their faeces spread seeds, fertilising the land and helping new food sources to grow.

Similarly, whales have a huge impact on their marine habitats. Their poo fertilises phytoplankton—tiny marine algae which is a primary food source for many ocean creatures, baleen whales included. This phytoplankton also produces more than half of the world’s oxygen. So protecting whales is crucial to marine conservation and the fight against climate change.

Many animals fulfil critical climate functions are actively helping to slow the rate of climate change. At IFAW, we know that the individual—human or animal—is an indispensable component of the equation for success. We know that a single animal can mean the difference between survival or extinction for an entire species, just as a single person can make tangible positive change.

So, this Earth Day, let’s put the focus on animals and nature-based climate solutions, so we can work together to create the future we all deserve.

How can you celebrate Earth Day?

Earth Day is a reminder that we can create real change as individuals and communities. We can build the future that we strive for—one where oceans thrive free from plastic pollution, forest ecosystems buzz with biodiversity, and wildlife populations flourish around the world.

Let’s look at a few ideas for how you can get involved in Earth Day 2026.

Organise or attend an Earth Day 2026 event

To celebrate Earth Day 2026, why not hold a teach-in, where you educate people about environmental issues? Or, you could participate in an Earth Day event taking place in your town or city. These events include clean-ups, resource fairs, marches, and more.

Spread awareness on social media

Social media is one of the most effective tools we have for spreading awareness and educating those around us. Share resources and engage with social media campaigns to help boost the reach of Earth Day 2026 and ensure that as many people as possible are educated on environmental issues.

Consider signing and sharing IFAW’s petitions. You can also spread awareness and support IFAW by sporting a new t-shirt. 

Whether it is a small initiative near you or larger conservation projects like IFAW’s, supporting wildlife conservation is one of the best ways to help protect our planet this Earth Day.

It could be as simple as sharing a campaign on social media, donating a small amount of money, or even volunteering. Whatever level of involvement you choose, every little bit helps.

Travel sustainably

Tourism’s effect on the environment has never been greater. Support Earth Day year-round by taking steps to travel sustainably and minimise your impact. Things like offsetting your air travel, spending money locally, and making sure you only interact with wildlife in conscious and sustainable ways go a long way in helping to protect the environment.

Start small

We can’t all combat climate change on a global scale. But we can have an impact on our local communities. Here are some ideas for smaller-scale things you can do to help your local environment, all year round.

• Organise local events: It might be a coffee morning to share climate change resources, a day litter picking in your nearest park, or a march down the street to raise awareness.
• Promote biodiversity in your garden: Being more climate-conscious starts at home. Consider installing bird feeders and insect houses in your garden, starting a compost heap, and not mowing your lawn to help protect its natural biodiversity.
• Be conscious of your diet: One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by reducing your meat intake. Consider switching to a more plant-based diet or simply reducing the amount of animal products you consume.
• Choose sustainable products: Reduce the amount of animal products you purchase and make sure that any you do use come from sustainable sources. Using less plastic also greatly benefits animals and the planet.
• Visit a conservation area or sanctuary: Tour local conservation parks and wildlife sanctuaries to not only learn more about how people are helping to protect animals in your local area but also to help support these projects with your patronage.

How IFAW supports Earth Day

Here at IFAW, we believe that animals are key to solving the climate crisis. That’s why we work year-round to help protect animal species and the natural world.

We’re campaigning to lower shipping speeds to reduce ocean noise, and we work to prevent collisions with marine mammals through our Whale Alert app. We’re also striving to protect animals like whales and seals from entanglement in fishing gear by promoting ropeless gear and smart buoys.

Through our Room to Roam initiative, we’re securing and connecting habitats across East and southern Africa, creating safe passages for wildlife. This is resulting in greater biodiversity, reduced human-wildlife conflict, improved resilience to climate change, and a positive future for African wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and pangolins.

We’re also working with local communities to help them support the ecosystems around their homes. We’re advancing climate-smart agriculture, improving farmer incomes and food security, and supporting the environment. We help communities to develop sustainable ecotourism initiatives and alternative livelihoods so they rely less on natural resources as a primary source of income.

As we work towards greater coexistence between people and wildlife, we’re supporting communities with the tools, training, and resources they need to live safely alongside animals and protect the habitats we all depend on. We also equip wildlife rangers to safeguard threatened species and vital ecosystems, helping to prevent poaching, illegal logging, and habitat loss. These efforts protect keystone species such as elephants and gorillas, whose movements and seed dispersal help forests regenerate, store carbon, and remain resilient in the face of climate change. When people and animals can thrive together, nature becomes stronger for everyone.